The second round of funding has been awarded to HELIXers through the HELIX Catalyst Fund.

The HELIX Catalyst Fund is available to active entrepreneurs who are part of HELIX, Seneca’s innovation and entrepreneurship incubator.

HELIXers can apply to receive micro grants of up to $5,000 to help them at any stage of their business, from validating their idea to launching or scaling.

This funding can be used for a range of activities, including building a website, launching products, purchasing raw materials, advertising new products or conducting market testing.​

Below are the newest HELIX Catalyst Fund recipients:

An app that helps restaurants improve customer experience by streamlining the order and payment process

Funding goal: hire a developer
Catalyst fund amount: $5,000

A platform where companies and researchers can network and meet

Funding goal: launch website​
Catalyst fund amount: $5,000​

A platform where teachers can give a voice to students with language barriers and social anxieties to encourage curiosity in their classroom​

Funding goal: acquire Windows Desktop App licence ​
Catalyst fund amount: $2,620​

Using the untapped potential of hydrogen fuel cell technology for a more sustainable future of transportation​

Funding goal: build the pilot prototype​
Catalyst fund amount: $5,000​

Deploying a free mobile application designed to help witnesses and/or victims of an incident (such as theft, dangerous driving, assault, vandalism, etc.) report, investigate and seek justice

Funding goal: users to test the website​
Catalyst fund amount: $4,947.48​

Online skin care hub that provides videos on simple skincare solutions for adults (ages 18 and up) and product recommendations​

Funding goal: increase the user experience by creating interactive and engaging content​
Catalyst fund amount: $1,609​

Chris Dudley, Director of Entrepreneurship at HELIX, says there are significant barriers to accessing financing for early-stage small and medium-sized enterprises.

“The HELIX Catalyst Fund is designed to help remove fiscal barriers stopping SMEs from moving to the next level,” he said.

HELIX provides a wide range of supports, including workshops, access to networks, mentorship and resources, to develop an innovation mindset, and the skills to innovate from within companies as strong intrapreneurs or to launch a new venture as entrepreneurs.

­­­­­­­­­­­The HELIX Catalyst Fund is growing. To support this transformative program, please contact advancement@senecapolytechnic.ca.