Wavefront Joins the BCIC Acceleration Network and Launches the Venture Acceleration Program

Wireless innovators and entrepreneurs in BC have access to unprecedented commercialization and mentorship services at Wavefront


VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - Nov. 28, 2012) - Wavefront, Canada's Centre of Excellence for Wireless Commercialization and Research, today announced it has signed an agreement with the British Columbia Innovation Council (BCIC) to deliver the Venture Acceleration Program, a BCIC Acceleration Network program supported by the BC Innovation Council. The BCIC Acceleration Network is a province-wide alliance of regional partners collaborating in the delivery of a structured program - the Venture Acceleration Program - to accelerate the growth of early stage technology companies in BC.

"Wavefront is delighted to join the BCIC Acceleration Network, giving wireless entrepreneurs in BC access to valuable executive-level mentorship from tried and tested technology leaders," said James Maynard, President and CEO, Wavefront. "The Venture Acceleration Program is one more way that Wavefront is accelerating the growth and success of wireless companies in BC by connecting them with the critical resources they need to effectively grow their business."

"Through the BC Jobs Plan, we will continue to leverage the more than $1.8 billion we have already invested in research and innovation to develop the commercial opportunities of tomorrow," said John Yap, Minister of Advanced Education, Innovation and Technology. "The world knows that BC companies innovate, improve and deliver."

Through this new agreement with BCIC, Wavefront will offer the Venture Acceleration Program at its 20,000 square foot Accelerator Centre in downtown Vancouver. The Program includes structured access to valuable one-on-one coaching opportunities with experienced Executives in Residence and mentors, comprehensive training sessions and business clinics, and access to other Wavefront services including international market linkages, wireless training programs and events, state of the art wireless product development and testing infrastructure, and a mobile device library with more than 400 handsets and tablets.

"Wavefront's strong reputation as the national provider of acceleration and commercialization services to wireless technology companies in Canada makes them an invaluable addition to the network" said Dean Prelazzi, Managing Director of the BCIC Acceleration Network. "Adding the structure of the Venture Acceleration Program to their portfolio of services creates a program of unprecedented value to early stage companies in BC's wireless sector. It also adds tremendous domain expertise to the provincial network benefitting all wireless startups in the Venture Acceleration Program throughout BC."

At $200 per month, the Venture Acceleration Program offers exceptional value to startups giving them structured access to a highly experienced advisory team for hands-on advice while coaching them through a staged growth model that is based on growth methodologies from gurus such as Eric Ries and Steve Blank. The program can accommodate wireless companies working out of their own existing offices, or those who choose to work directly out of the Wavefront Accelerator Centre in flexible work spaces ranging from shared drop-in desk space to private offices.

Applications to join the Program are accepted on an ongoing basis. For more information about the Venture Acceleration Program at Wavefront and how to apply, visit http://www.wavefrontac.com/VAP.

About Wavefront

Wavefront is Canada's Centre of Excellence for Wireless Commercialization and Research (CECR), accelerating the growth and success of wireless companies in Canada by connecting them with critical resources, partners and opportunities, to drive economic and social benefits for Canada. Wavefront products and services are available to wireless and non-wireless companies looking to leverage mobile technology. They include a comprehensive suite of accelerated commercialization and mentorship programs, international market linkages, state of the art wireless product development and testing infrastructure, and wireless training programs and events. For more information and to join the Wavefront Community visit www.wavefrontac.com.

About BCIC

BCIC encourages the development and application of advanced or innovative technologies to meet the needs of industry in BC. We accelerate technology commercialization by supporting startups and developing entrepreneurs. With our partners, BCIC delivers programs and initiatives that promote company growth - resulting in jobs, increased revenue and economic development in BC. BCIC is a Crown Agency of the Province of British Columbia. www.bcic.ca | www.twitter.com/BCIC

About the BCIC Acceleration Network

The BCIC Acceleration Network - an initiative of the BC Innovation Council - is a province-wide alliance of regional partners, Executives in Residence (EiRs) and executive-level mentors from BCIC's Mentor Program, all collaborating to deliver the Venture Acceleration Program - a structured venture growth program that is based on a defined methodology and set of best practices for growing technology companies. www.bcicacceleration.ca

Contact Information:

Allison Johnson
Wavefront Communications Manager
allison.johnson@wavefrontac.com