October 5, 2005 Source: University of Waterloo:
http://newsrelease.uwaterloo.ca/news.php?id=4604 Community initiative moves forward as Accelerator Centre appointment announced WATERLOO, Ont. -- An executive director has been named for the University of Waterloo Research and Technology Park's Accelerator Centre that is designed to encourage the growth of high-tech firms and act as a catalyst for the creation of new products and services. Dan Melymuk has started work at the centre that, when completed next spring, will be a key feature of the tech park. In order to support the growth of high-tech firms and encourage new products and services, the centre will provide a fertile environment to commercialize the innovative work done in universities and colleges, hospitals and laboratories, as well as in private sector research facilities. Melymuk, a Canadian who spent five years in the United States working with start-up incubators and accelerators, is a longtime entrepreneur. Having built many companies from the ground up, he brings years of experience to the organization. Work with the organizations has led him to develop practical methods for commercializing technology and growing small to medium-sized businesses. Gerry Thompson, Chair of the Accelerator Centre Board, said: "Mr. Melymuk was selected after an extensive search process. We are looking forward to Dan's leadership," he added. "The new executive director has been praised for his solid knowledge of multi-organization collaboration as well as for his business management and leadership skills," said Carol Stewart, Business Development Manager, UW Research and Technology Park. "These qualities, as well as his past business experience, have made Dan Melymuk best suited to help the organizations that comprise the deep asset base that exists in the Waterloo Region," she added. As the organization's primary link to members and the public, the executive director translates the Accelerator Centre's mission and strategic plan. "Never have I seen such a commitment among the business, academic, government and not-for-profit leaders to support the Accelerator Centre and entrepreneurship in a community," Melymuk said. "Clearly, the Region of Waterloo is going to lead the economic development of the province. I am thrilled to be chosen for this position and I look forward to meeting with the community stakeholders to explore how we can work together," he added. The centre will provide a broad range of services including Intellectual Property management consultation, mentoring, access to professional service providers, community networking events and investor matchmaking. It is projected to be ready for tenants by next April 1. Waterloo Research and Technology Park Accelerator (Accelerator Centre) is the result of the partnership formed for the project, with the initial capital funding provided by the Province of Ontario, Government of Canada, Regional Municipality of Waterloo and the City of Waterloo. The operation of the Accelerator Centre will be undertaken by a special purpose, not-for-profit corporation. UW Research and Technology Park is committed to creating an innovative community-based research and technology initiative whose mandate is to foster radical innovation. The high ambition of the park is supported by a comprehensive partnership involving UW, Government of Canada, Province of Ontario, Region of Waterloo, City of Waterloo, Communitech, and Canada's Technology Triangle. Contact:
Dan Melymuk, Executive Director, Waterloo Research and Technology
Park Accelerator, (519) 342-2400; dmelymuk@acceleratorcentre.com
Carol Stewart, Business Development Manager, UW Research and
Technology Park, (519) 888-4567, ext. 6339; castewar@uwaterloo.ca
Jim Fox, UW Media Relations, (519) 888-4444; jfox@uwaterloo.ca
Release no. 221 -- October 5, 2005
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