Alberta Innovates wants local companies to succeed.
In this vein, the provincial organization launched in 2025 the UCeed Founder Matching Program.
The UCeed program launched when folks at Alberta Innovates asked: What happens when an academic researcher develops cutting-edge technology but doesn’t have the entrepreneurial expertise to get the tech where it needs to go?
The pilot program aims to match academic researchers and founders developing high-potential emerging technology with business leaders who fill a gap in entrepreneurial knowledge by providing operational guidance.
One program user is Taylored Biotherapeutics, an Alberta-based company working to advance microbiome-based therapeutics for mental health.
Dr. Valerie Taylor, a leading researcher at the University of Calgary, was matched with Ted Fleming, Founder of Partake Brewing, through the Founder Matching Program.
Fleming’s experience scaling a consumer wellness brand, along with expertise across manufacturing, distribution, and fundraising made him a match to support Taylored Biotherapeutics through a transition from academic research to a commercially viable company.
“This program is very helpful for us in identifying key areas where growth is required and to fast-track critical tasks. It has really accelerated our path to market,” commented Taylor.
Based out of the University of Calgary, UCeed is the largest philanthropically driven, university-based investment fund of its kind in Canada.
As of April, the Founder Matching Program has accepted 10 “Ideators” and has so far paired eight of them with “Builders.”
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