A Halifax digital incubator has been handed $2 million in government cash to expand the city’s tech footprint.
The non-profit Volta Labs – established in 2013 by four entrepreneurs – received $1.5 million Tuesday from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, and $500,000 from the Nova Scotia government’s Innovacorp.
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A news release says the money will be used over three years for “educational programs, mentorship, community networking events and human resources” in hopes of creating new tech businesses.
Headquartered in a downtown office building, Volta says it has been home to 40 tech firms that employ more than 270 full-time staff.
It says 70 per cent of alumni are still in business.
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Halifax touts itself as Canada’s fifth largest tech hub, and Mayor Mike Savage recently expressed an interest in hosting Amazon’s second headquarters in North America.
“Volta is a key contributor to building a high-tech, startup community where founders come together, learn from each other, grow their companies and build global markets,” Halifax MP Andy Fillmore said in a statement.