From Vision to Reality
Nobellum and U of T Scarborough Propel 100 Black-Owned STEM Startups to Transform Canada’s Innovation Landscape
Toronto, ON – [Aug 19, 2025] – In a landmark achievement for Black entrepreneurship, Nobellum, in partnership with the University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC), proudly announces the fulfillment of its founding mandate: the successful launch and support of 100 thriving Black-owned STEM businesses by 2025. This milestone is a direct response to the systemic underfunding of Black founders—who receive less than 1.5% of venture capital in Canada—and proves what’s possible when barriers are replaced with opportunity. Since its 2022 launch, the Nobellum portfolio has generated over $20 million in revenue, created 250+ jobs, and attracted $5 million in investments.
The 100 Mandate Celebration, hosted on September 12, 2025, at the BDC Toronto Office, CIBC Square, will unite the founders, investors, and ecosystem partners who turned this vision into reality. Together, Nobellum and UTSC have built a replicable model to close the funding gap, combining academic research, industry partnerships, and venture-building support to empower Black innovators in STEM.
A Legacy of Black Innovation
Since its inception, Nobellum has driven transformative impact in the entrepreneurial landscape:
121 Black-owned STEM businesses launched
9,000+ founders engaged through programs and events
250+ jobs created across Canada and the Caribbean
$20 million in revenue generated by supported ventures
$5 million in investments secured
“We proved that 100 Black-owned STEM businesses could be launched without government funding, and in doing so, we not only built companies but an ecosystem.” says Melisa Ellis, Founder & CEO, Nobellum. “We created a sustainable social enterprise model that stands as a blueprint for resilient business communities across the globe.”
“Empowering entrepreneurs who value learning, innovation and community is central to our academic mission,” says U of T Scarborough Management Professor Bill McConkey, who served as a mentor in the partnership. “Working with the Nobellum team, we are honoured to support and educate the incredible founders who will continue to create pathways for underrepresented students and communities.”
100 Mandate Celebration
The event will feature founder showcases spotlighting top Nobellum accelerator alumni, keynote speeches from industry leaders and partners, networking opportunities with investors and corporate sponsors, and a preview of Nobellum’s next chapter, including the 2026 Innovator Program – Growth Stream.
Event Details:
Date: September 12, 2025
Time: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: BDC Toronto, CIBC Square
Admission: Tickets available here - https://lu.ma/1jgxah7o
What’s Next? Introducing the 2026 Growth Stream
Building on this momentum, Nobellum will open applications for the 2026 Innovator Program – Growth Stream, a six-month accelerator for high-potential, revenue-generating STEM startups preparing to scale and raise capital. Selected founders will gain access to:
Executive in Residence Coaching Support (EiR)
Co-working Space at LAUFT
Technical Development Node
Intellectual Property Support with IPON
Masterclasses with Google Startups
Procurement Canada – RFP Training
Demo Day & National Recognition
Applications open August 15, 2025. Learn more at www.nobellum.com.
Join the Celebration
For media accreditation, partnership inquiries, or details on the 100 Mandate Celebration, contact:
Kathryn Lawrence
Co-Founder & Chief Operations Officer
Nobellum
kathryn@nobellum.com | +1 (647) 467-3506
About Nobellum
Nobellum is a catalyst for Black innovation in STEM, providing founders with the resources, networks, and visibility needed to thrive. Through accelerators, strategic partnerships, and ecosystem-building, Nobellum is reshaping the future of inclusive entrepreneurship.
About The University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC)
Founded in 1964 and situated in one of Toronto’s most diverse and multicultural neighbourhoods, the University of Toronto Scarborough brings together people from all walks of life to disrupt the status quo and make the world a better place. We collaborate closely with partners throughout the Eastern GTA to help the entire community flourish. Thanks to these close relationships, we offer students real-world experience on their journeys to become tomorrow’s leaders.
We are agents of change and positive disruption, breaking down barriers and forging new paths together. By inspiring inclusive excellence, we empower every member of our community to defy gravity and embolden the kind of compassion and fearlessness that can lead us to a brighter future.
We are also proud to be part of the University of Toronto, recognized as the most sustainable university in the world and Canada’s leading university. U of T is a research-intensive university that brings together top minds from every conceivable background and discipline to collaborate on the world’s most pressing challenges.
