Alberta Cohort 1 Alberta Cohort 1
Welcome to Alberta Cohort 1 of the Baby Ghosts Peer Accelerator! This six-month intensive is specifically designed for Alberta-based indie studios exploring worker-led cooperative models.
About Alberta Cohort 1
This cohort brings together Alberta-based studios for a tailored peer-led experience focused on cooperative business models and sustainable studio development.
Program Duration: 6 months
Stipend: $25,000 CAD
Location: Alberta, Canada
Format: Hybrid (online + local meetups)
Program Activities
- Weekly mentorship sessions with local peer supports
- Weekly workshops on cooperative development (Stage 1)
- Private online community space
- Access to specialized tools and resources
- Local networking opportunities
- Legal and business development support
Learn More About the Program
Want to understand more about the broader Peer Accelerator program structure, eligibility requirements, and what we offer?
Meet Baby Ghosts Alberta
Madison Côté
Madison Côté is a passionate advocate for the video game sector and a proud Franco-Albertan. As Executive Director of Interactive Arts Alberta, she leads initiatives like the Walkthrough Collaborative Centre and the Game Discovery Exhibition, building opportunities for local studios while connecting Alberta talent to global audiences.
She is also co-founder of Cozy Comet Games, Alberta's first cooperative game studio, and was part of Baby Ghosts Cohort 3. Born in Edmonton, Madison studied at Carleton University in Ottawa before returning home to be closer to family. Her love of new media began while attending Victoria School of the Performing and Visual Arts, where she focused on film/tv production, animation, and graphic design.
She has also contributed to organizations including Edmonton's NextGen, the Alberta Esports Association, Edmonton Global, the Edmonton Screen Industries Office, and Fairtrade Canada.
In her free time, Madison enjoys walks through Edmonton's river valley and checking out the city's newest ice cream shops.
Derek Kwan
Derek Kwan is an advocate for Alberta's video game sector and co-founder and President of Interactive Arts Alberta. Based in Edmonton, he works to build sustainable opportunities for local creators and showcase Alberta-made intellectual property on the global stage, leading the launch of the Game Discovery Exhibition in 2015.
Like Madison, Derek is also a member of Cozy Comet Games. Alongside his industry work, Derek is passionate about renewing Edmonton's Chinatown. Derek's background includes extensive work in corporate culture, equity, diversity, and inclusion, as well as community economic development.
Derek is a University of Alberta graduate with a background in education and is a current MBA candidate at Cape Breton University.
Derek enjoys Edmonton's festival scene and exploring new restaurants.
Ready to Apply?
Applications for Alberta Cohort 1 are open. If you're ready to take the next step in developing your worker-led studio, we'd love to hear from you!
Before You Apply
- Review the main program page
- Complete the readiness quiz
- Discuss with your team
- Prepare your application materials
Application Requirements
- Alberta-based studio
- Team alignment on cooperative values
- Commitment to full program participation
- Underrepresented group representation
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.