Waterloo Region – May 24, 2012 – Prestige, perks, and powerful partnerships are just a few of the benefits HYPERDRIVE, Communitech’s new tech accelerator, will enjoy as it officially joins the ranks of the influential and innovative organizations that comprise the Global Accelerator Network (GAN). Created in 2010 in conjunction with the White House Startup America Initiative, the Network currently includes most of the top accelerators in the world including TechStars, Excelerate Labs, StartupBootcamp and Springboard.

“Internationally recognized as the source for startups going through accelerators, the Global Accelerator Network looks to enhance and expand our connections by attracting new funding accelerators like HYPERDRIVE,” said Patrick Riley, Executive Director of the Global Accelerator Network. “HYPERDRIVE’s accelerator platform, which takes a hands-on mentoring approach, not only meets GAN’s rigorous standards, but infuses a sense of edgy entrepreneurialism into the high-tech industry, bringing excitement to the group as a whole.”

Additionally, as a network member, HYPERDRIVE and its incubator startups will have access to a number of exclusive GAN resources, including professional development offerings, workshops, discounts, and free bonuses from top companies such as Microsoft, PayPal, and Amazon Web Services, totaling over $100,000 for every founder who goes through HYPERDRIVE’s accelerator platform.

“GAN is a world renowned accelerator giant and we are beyond excited to be welcomed as its newest member,” said Iain Klugman, CEO of Communitech. “At HYPERDRIVE, we encourage the creative, and support the ambitious; however without the right resources we would fall flat in offering our entrepreneurs the opportunities required to effect change and elevate the tech industry both at home and abroad.”

HYPERDRIVE’s intake engine is in high gear as startups enter their applications on-line http://www.communitech.ca/hyperdrive/ for the June 4th closing date.

“It’s a search for the cream of the high-tech crop that will no doubt lead to development of more successful companies,” said Klugman.