Accelerators, incubators & pitch competitions Canadians can join

Stimulate growth for startups and SMEs in Quebec

Training and expert support for Ottawa Entrepreneurs

A year-long business accelerator program designed to support Black, Indigenous, Pan-Asian, and Latino entrepreneurs leading private, for-profit businesses across Canada. Participants receive one-on-one coaching from an EY Relationship Ambassador, targeted learning sessions on scaling priorities, and access to EY's global entrepreneurship network.

Up to $150K USD in Azure cloud credits plus access to GitHub, Microsoft 365, LinkedIn, and technical support. Available to startups at any stage. Equity-free.

A global accelerator program serving 10–15 top growth-stage startups with tailored technical, product, and leadership training from Google experts. Participants receive equity-free support, mentorship, early access to AI products, cloud credits, and access to Google's network of industry experts through remote and in-person sessions.

A 10-week equity-free hybrid accelerator program for Canadian Seed to Series A tech startups leveraging AI and machine learning. Participants receive technical mentorship from Google and industry experts, access to Google Cloud and product credits, leadership training, and a Demo Day presentation.

Equity-free support for Canadian tech startups including up to $200K USD in Google Cloud credits, technical training, mentorship, and access to Google's network. Not cash — but significant in-kind value.

Google.org Impact Challenge seeking organizations with bold technology-forward ideas to transform how public services function for social good. Part of a broader initiative that has provided $310M and 100,000 pro bono hours of technical expertise to over 550 organizations globally.

Google.org Impact Challenge focused on accelerating scientific breakthroughs with the power of AI. Part of a global initiative providing funding and pro bono technical expertise to organizations advancing social impact.

Corporate challenge advancing the sustainability goals of THRIVE's corporate partners.

A 9-month tuition-free program for Indigenous youth ages 18-29 across Canada to learn policy development and engage with peers. Participants receive a $1,500 honorarium, all-expenses-covered in-person events, mentorship, and networking opportunities with Indigenous policy leaders.

Program designed to support high-potential agri-tech companies looking to expand into the US market, with a focus on scaling, partnerships, and commercial traction.

Challenge stream for Canadian SMEs to submit innovative ideas, early-stage innovations, and late-stage prototypes addressing specific government challenges. Phase 1 provides funding (up to $150,000–$300,000) to develop proof of feasibility; Phase 2 provides funding (up to $1M–$2M over 2 years) to build and test prototypes. Successful innovators retain IP ownership and may commercialize solutions through the Pathway to Commercialization program.

Canadian small businesses compete for funding to develop, test, and validate prototype solutions to government-defined challenges. Funding supports feasibility testing and prototype development.

A government innovation testing program that connects Canadian innovators with government departments, provincial/municipal organizations, healthcare, Indigenous organizations, and academic institutions to test and evaluate prototypes in real operational settings. Testers browse available innovations, complete a test form, and provide performance feedback to help refine innovations before market launch, with a pathway to potential commercialization.

The Innovative Solutions Canada Challenge Stream funds Canadian SMEs (499 or fewer FTE employees, incorporated in Canada, for-profit) to develop innovative solutions, products, technologies, or services that address federal departmental operational or mandate needs. Phase 1 funds proof-of-feasibility projects (TRL 1–4) and Phase 2 funds prototype development (TRL 5–9), with funding delivered via contracts or grants depending on the nature of the challenge. Successful innovators may also be invited to pursue commercialization through the Pathway to Commercialization feature.

A program where Canadian SMEs respond to government department challenges to develop new innovative solutions, products, technologies, or services to address operational needs or market gaps. SMEs can enter at Phase 1 (proof of feasibility) or Phase 2 (prototype development), with funding provided through either contract-based or grant-based mechanisms.

The Testing Stream enables innovators to have their pre-commercial goods and services bought and tested by the federal government in a real-life setting. Successful applicants receive funding and valuable feedback before launching their innovation to market, leveraging government partnerships and expertise.