The Summer Institute

The Summer Institute is a three-month, in-person accelerator for early-stage entrepreneurs, run by the University of New Brunswick's J Herbert Smith Centre for Technology Management & Entrepreneurship in Fredericton, Canada. Since 2014, it has helped entrepreneurs turn ideas into sustainable businesses through mentorship and support. Participation costs nothing and takes zero equity. Participants access up to $1.7 million in startup perks through the Global Venture Network, including up to $120,000 in IBM Cloud credits, and earlier cohorts received living stipends and prototyping grants. The program accepts a small cohort of early-stage ventures with a big vision, seeking social impact alongside financial returns, across a broad range of sectors. Selection runs through a one-minute video pitch, phone interview, panel pitch, and business validation. Alumni include Stash Energy, Koffee Organics and Eggcitables.