2019-2020
News Release
REF NO.: 24
SUBJECT: Genesis: Memorial's business incubator named Top Challenger in North America
DATE: November 7, 2019
Memorial University’s Genesis was recognized as a Top Challenger in the region of North America by University Business Incubators (UBI) Global at the World Incubation Summit in Doha, Qatar, on Nov. 6.
Genesis accelerates startups through all stages of idea development – from pre-incubation and business model development to investor readiness.
UBI Global is the governing organization that ranks university incubators all over the world. A Top Challenger is a university-linked incubation program that stands out from its peers due to its impressive overall impact and performance achievements relative to its respective regional peers. Only three such organizations are recognized in each continent in the category.
Genesis’ impact and performance scores resulting from the UBI Global World Benchmark Study 2019-20 were exceptional. This means that Genesis demonstrated outstanding achievement in value for client startups, value for the local ecosystem and overall attractiveness as a program as a whole.
“This is a very exciting announcement for Genesis and Memorial University," said Michelle Simms, CEO and president, Genesis. "This recognition from a global community leader in incubation means our impact is truly world class. Genesis clients have achieved unprecedented success this year and this is a fantastic milestone to validate our impact.”
Genesis launched in 1997. Since its inception, Genesis clients and graduates have raised $610 million in private capital, generated $190 million in annual revenues and created more than 1,700 jobs.
“This is yet another incredible achievement by Genesis and their community,” said Dr. Gary Kachanoski, president and vice-chancellor, Memorial University. “To stand out in a crowded field and to be recognized as a top incubator is remarkable. Memorial is proud to call Genesis its own and to contribute to the innovation ecosystem in our province.”
Recognizing the unique needs of the province to grow the technology industry, Genesis developed programs to meet recognized demands. These programs include Evolution, which helps companies validate their early stage technology-based business idea; a diversity program targeting women in tech and foreign-born founders; a micro-fund; and a co-working space.
These programs often help businesses prepare for acceptance into the Enterprise program, which offers intensive growth support for three years. Some notable graduates from Enterprise include Verafin, Rutter, Genoa Design, Mysa, HeyOrca and Virtual Marine.
About Genesis
As Newfoundland and Labrador’s pre-eminent innovation hub, Genesis is known for its flagship incubator program, Enterprise, which began more than 20 years ago. Genesis has expanded its programming to support startups from the ideation stage all the way to scaling their business. Genesis’ mission is to create economic wealth for the province by developing and supporting technology entrepreneurs. More information can be found online.
About UBI Global
UBI Global is a Swedish-based intelligence company and community specializing in mapping, highlighting and connecting the world of business incubation. Through a network of more than 1,000 member organizations from more than 90 countries worldwide, UBI Global provides matchmaking, ranking, benchmarking and research services to corporations and business incubation programs.
Previous results from UBI Global’s studies have been featured on BBC Radio, The Chicago Tribune, Le Figaro, Der Standard, The Huffington Post, The Irish Times, France 3 and many other media outlets around the world. More information can be found online.
REF NO.: 24
SUBJECT: Genesis: Memorial's business incubator named Top Challenger in North America
DATE: November 7, 2019
Memorial University’s Genesis was recognized as a Top Challenger in the region of North America by University Business Incubators (UBI) Global at the World Incubation Summit in Doha, Qatar, on Nov. 6.
Genesis accelerates startups through all stages of idea development – from pre-incubation and business model development to investor readiness.
UBI Global is the governing organization that ranks university incubators all over the world. A Top Challenger is a university-linked incubation program that stands out from its peers due to its impressive overall impact and performance achievements relative to its respective regional peers. Only three such organizations are recognized in each continent in the category.
Genesis’ impact and performance scores resulting from the UBI Global World Benchmark Study 2019-20 were exceptional. This means that Genesis demonstrated outstanding achievement in value for client startups, value for the local ecosystem and overall attractiveness as a program as a whole.
“This is a very exciting announcement for Genesis and Memorial University," said Michelle Simms, CEO and president, Genesis. "This recognition from a global community leader in incubation means our impact is truly world class. Genesis clients have achieved unprecedented success this year and this is a fantastic milestone to validate our impact.”
Genesis launched in 1997. Since its inception, Genesis clients and graduates have raised $610 million in private capital, generated $190 million in annual revenues and created more than 1,700 jobs.
“This is yet another incredible achievement by Genesis and their community,” said Dr. Gary Kachanoski, president and vice-chancellor, Memorial University. “To stand out in a crowded field and to be recognized as a top incubator is remarkable. Memorial is proud to call Genesis its own and to contribute to the innovation ecosystem in our province.”
Recognizing the unique needs of the province to grow the technology industry, Genesis developed programs to meet recognized demands. These programs include Evolution, which helps companies validate their early stage technology-based business idea; a diversity program targeting women in tech and foreign-born founders; a micro-fund; and a co-working space.
These programs often help businesses prepare for acceptance into the Enterprise program, which offers intensive growth support for three years. Some notable graduates from Enterprise include Verafin, Rutter, Genoa Design, Mysa, HeyOrca and Virtual Marine.
About Genesis
As Newfoundland and Labrador’s pre-eminent innovation hub, Genesis is known for its flagship incubator program, Enterprise, which began more than 20 years ago. Genesis has expanded its programming to support startups from the ideation stage all the way to scaling their business. Genesis’ mission is to create economic wealth for the province by developing and supporting technology entrepreneurs. More information can be found online.
About UBI Global
UBI Global is a Swedish-based intelligence company and community specializing in mapping, highlighting and connecting the world of business incubation. Through a network of more than 1,000 member organizations from more than 90 countries worldwide, UBI Global provides matchmaking, ranking, benchmarking and research services to corporations and business incubation programs.
Previous results from UBI Global’s studies have been featured on BBC Radio, The Chicago Tribune, Le Figaro, Der Standard, The Huffington Post, The Irish Times, France 3 and many other media outlets around the world. More information can be found online.
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