SoCS and SoE Students Win With RedTree Robotics

In early July, Montreal was host to the International Startup Festival - an event that brought together entrepreneurs from around the world, along with potential investors, experts, and a variety of speakers. The School of Computer Science and the School of Engineering are proud to announce that PhD Candidates Jason Ernst (SoCS), and Tom Hummel (SoE) pitched their startup RedTree Robotics at the event, and were awarded $100,000 as a result.

After speaking with a representative from the FounderFuel Accelerator team, Jason and Tom were asked to create an investor deck and business summary for the next day. It was then that Jason learned that RedTree was being very seriously considered for the FounderFuel award. The following day Jason and Tom learned the good news. "We ended up winning entry to the FounderFuel Accelerator in Montreal, and an investment of $100,000 in RedTree Robotics."

Ernst added, "The Accelerator program provides three months of intensive workshops and mentoring and the chance to pitch for $150,000."

"After the announcement we were very excited. We had to make a quick pitch in front of a large crowd, but the folks from FounderFuel were very encouraging. Immediately after we got off the stage, a couple of companies approached us about collaborations and our technology. We're extremely excited about the possibilities to make our startup a success."

When asked about his experience related to entrepreneurship, Jason explained "The most important thing - have a good team - not just talented people, but people who are committed to the project in the long term. Incorporate early, and use a lawyer. And when you finally settle on the idea you wish to pursue, make sure you think about how you can make people money and how you can save people money. It is even better if you can help people as well. Focus on the minimum product or service you can deliver to make money as soon as possible. And be sure to get feedback from the companies you wish to sell to."

In the meantime, Jason and Tom will both be working towards finishing up their PhD dissertations, and further developing their prototype. "We really want to finish what we started in the Hub Incubator program at Guelph." They also plan to expand their customer base within the next year.

Congratulations Jason and Tom. The SoCS and the SoE are extremely proud of your accomplishments.