Top 10 Startup Accelerators and Incubators in Canada

Starting a business is no easy feat, especially when you’re unsure how to navigate the complex landscape of entrepreneurship.

That’s where leading startup accelerators and incubators in Canada come in. Offering everything from mentorship to funding, these programs are designed to help entrepreneurs like you succeed.

These mentors guide you through the intricacies of business strategy, product development, market analysis, and scaling operations.

Additionally, these programs often provide critical resources such as office space, legal and accounting services, and networking opportunities with potential investors and partners.

Whether your startup is just an idea or you already have a viable product, these startup accelerators and incubators in Canada can help you progress.

To start your entrepreneurial journey on the right foot, explore this list of the top 10 startup accelerators and incubators in Canada.

The DMZ Startup Accelerator and Incubator in Canada 

DMZ is a premier global incubator for tech startups, renowned for helping entrepreneurs scale their businesses by providing access to customers, capital, industry experts, and a dynamic community of innovators.

Their mission is to create an environment focused on business growth while they handle the rest.

DMZ’s Pre-Incubator Program helps tech founders validate business ideas, establish MVPs, and secure initial customers with an early prototype. Key benefits include:

• Validation and customer acquisition.
• Supporting 822 startups since 2010, raising $2.58 billion and creating 5,000+ jobs.
• Offering 12+ hours of on-demand content and practical workshops.
• Providing hands-on mentorship with Experts-in-Residence and regular progress check-ins.
• Access to $470K+ in perks, industry event invites, and a $5K grant for community-founded startups.

Since 2010, it has been one of the startup accelerators and incubators in Canada that has supported 822 startups, aiding them in raising $2.58 billion in seed funding and creating over 5,000 jobs.

Their startups have secured customers, won prestigious awards, expanded their teams, and developed impactful products and solutions, transforming lives and businesses both in Canada and internationally.

Ideal for:

Tech startups, innovation-driven businesses.

Programs:

Offers support through accelerator programs, mentorship, funding connections, and networking opportunities.

Notable Features:

Access to a vibrant startup community, and collaboration opportunities with Ryerson University.

TechStars Startup Accelerator and Incubator in Canada 

Techstars has made significant investments in over 4,000 early-stage startups, establishing itself as the world’s most active pre-seed investor.

Its diverse portfolio reflects the unique perspectives of more than 9,000 founders across sectors such as HealthTech, FinTech, Web3, and CleanTech, spanning global hubs from Miami and Silicon Valley to Lagos and London.

It supports a wide array of entrepreneurs by providing access to capital, mentoring, customer acquisition, talent recruitment, infrastructure selection, and more. The organization offers several impactful programs:

• Startup Weekend: Empowering participants to kickstart their entrepreneurial journey in just 54 hours.
• Startup Week: Celebrating entrepreneurship in communities worldwide.
• Founder Catalyst: Offering startup education and mentorship tailored for early-stage entrepreneurs.
• Rising Stars: Providing pre-seed funding specifically aimed at supporting underrepresented founders.

It is one of the startup accelerators and incubators in Canada that has undertaken a commitment to fostering innovation and supporting diverse entrepreneurial talent globally.

Ideal for:

Early-stage tech startups seeking global connections.

Programs:

Provides accelerator programs with mentorship, investment opportunities, and access to a global network of entrepreneurs and investors.

Notable Features:

Operates globally with a strong reputation for accelerating tech startups.

FounderFuel Startup Accelerator and Incubator in Canada 

FounderFuel focuses on empowering founders to shape the future through technology.

It offers a 4-month acceleration program that merges Real Ventures’ expertise and networks to develop founders’ skills and mindsets crucial for success.

The program centers around five pillars: Leadership, Narrative, Learning, Networks, and Execution.

Founders start by refining their leadership styles and business models, setting key milestones. Mentor Sprints offers personalized feedback on products, go-to-market strategies, and finances.

Expert seminars cover essential areas like product scaling, sales, marketing, and fundraising. Regular check-ins and sessions with the General Manager track progress and address challenges.

As Demo Day nears, founders receive coaching on pitch narratives and preparing for pre-seed fundraising. It is one of the startup accelerators and incubators in Canada that equips founders to navigate startup growth effectively and achieve significant milestones.

Ideal for:

Tech startups at the seed stage.

Programs:

Offers mentorship, seed funding, and access to a network of entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts.

Notable Features:

Focuses on rapid growth and scaling of tech ventures.

Edmonton Unlimited Startup Accelerator and Incubator in Canada 

Edmonton Unlimited positions the city as a global hub for inclusive innovation.

They support innovators addressing critical challenges like the climate emergency, public health, food security, digital inclusion, and Reconciliation. Guided by Edmonton’s 2021 Economic Action Plan, their goal is to create 121,000+ new jobs by 2030.

They align with global trends in environmental social governance, attracting investors and aligning with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

In their first 18 months, they achieved key milestones:

• Consolidated entities like Startup Edmonton, TEC Edmonton, and the Edmonton Regional Innovation Network.
• Launched a municipal accelerator fund, attracting Silicon Valley accelerators.
• Introduced the Alberta Catalyzer pre-accelerator and Capital City Pilots program.
• Revitalized downtown with a new, accessible innovation hub.

It is one of the startup accelerators and incubators in Canada whose efforts underscore their commitment to driving economic growth and fostering innovation.

Ideal for:

Startups in Edmonton, particularly in tech and innovation sectors.

Programs:

Provides support through incubation, mentorship, funding opportunities, and connections to local resources.

Notable Features:

Aims to foster growth and innovation within Edmonton’s startup ecosystem.

CEED Startup Accelerator and Incubator in Canada 

CEED is dedicated to pioneering innovative programs and services that empower individuals and communities to reach their fullest potential.

Their vision is centered on fostering a vibrant and entrepreneurial Atlantic Canada, guided by social and economic principles that drive tangible outcomes.

The CEED Elevate Mentor Relationship Program empowers entrepreneurs by fostering dynamic relationships in a supportive environment for peer-to-peer learning, dialogue, and growth.

CEED is dedicated to empowering individuals to achieve their full potential through mentorship, recognizing its profound impact on entrepreneurship and economic strength.

It is one of the startup accelerators and incubators in Canada that offers mentors and mentees a unique opportunity to cultivate lasting relationships and community connections.

This program aims to strengthen entrepreneurial endeavors across the region by nurturing supportive mentorship networks.

Ideal for:

Entrepreneurs across various industries, particularly in Nova Scotia.

Programs:

Offers entrepreneurship training, mentorship, access to financing, and support for business development.

Notable Features:

Focuses on fostering entrepreneurship and economic development in Nova Scotia.

Highline Beta Startup Accelerator and Incubator in Canada 

Highline Beta is led by pragmatic entrepreneurs known for their innovation prowess and willingness to challenge the status quo. They specialize in guiding clients through internal growth barriers.

They use a blend of strategic insight and hands-on venture investment, exemplifying their commitment to collaborative innovation.

At Highline Beta, their approach is straightforward: bring clients’ visions to market and offer transparent guidance. Leveraging their entrepreneurial backgrounds, they tailor innovation strategies to each organization’s needs. 

This includes establishing governance and KPIs, as well as building and scaling ventures.

It has been one of the startup accelerators and incubators in Canada that also fosters entrepreneurial mindsets within client teams through practical training in lean startup methodologies and personalized support.

Ideal for:

Corporate innovation, startups in collaboration with corporations.

Programs:

Focuses on co-creating new ventures with corporate partners, providing access to funding, mentorship, and market opportunities.

Notable Features:

Strong emphasis on corporate partnerships and leveraging industry expertise.

Accelerator Center Startup Accelerator and Incubator in Canada  

At Accelerator Center, its mission is to empower ambitious entrepreneurs to drive global change through innovative businesses.

Serving as a dynamic hub for action, the AC offers a range of customizable opportunities to swiftly bring ideas to life.

Over the past year, it has been one of the startup accelerators and incubators in Canada and has supported more than 300 startups with mentorship, access to capital, networking opportunities, and growth platforms.

These startups have achieved significant success, generating millions in revenue, creating jobs, and making substantial contributions to the community.

The vision is to establish the world’s leading full-stack startup hub, where diverse perspectives, experiences, and passions converge to shape the future.

In 2022, it launched its two-year EDI action plan—a strategic roadmap aimed at creating an equitable, diverse, and inclusive community within Accelerator Center.

Ideal for:

Technology startups, particularly in Waterloo’s tech ecosystem.

Programs:

Offers customized, milestone-based programming, mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs, and access to funding opportunities.

Notable Features:

Located in a hub of tech innovation, strong network with the local tech community and universities.

Next Canada Startup Accelerator and Incubator in Canada 

Next Canada is the most robust entrepreneurial network comprised of over 500 influential academics, entrepreneurs, startup accelerators, and incubators in Canada dedicated to supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs, striving to ensure their success.

They actively seek out Canada’s emerging entrepreneurs and ignite their ambitions by demonstrating what they can achieve.

Through access to education, mentorship, and funding, they accelerate these entrepreneurs’ paths to success.

Driven by a vision of a more ambitious and competitive Canada, their goal is to engage, empower, and retain the next wave of entrepreneurs within Canada’s borders.

By doing so, they aim to foster the growth of more Canadian headquarters, jobs, and equity, thereby strengthening the nation’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Ideal for:

Young entrepreneurs with high-growth potential ventures.

Programs:

Delivers intensive entrepreneurship education, mentorship from successful entrepreneurs, and access to investors.

Notable Features:

Focuses on developing leadership skills and business acumen in early-stage founders.

Genesis St. John’s Startup Accelerator and Incubator in Canada 

Genesis is an open space that fosters creativity and a place where local start-ups have taken residence. It is one of the startup accelerators and incubators in Canada that is also a place that stimulates continuous learning and where best practices are shared.

Since opening in 1997, Genesis companies have raised $700M in private capital, $650M of annual recurring revenues are generated, and more than 2500 jobs have been created.

Genesis’s flagship 3-year incubator program – Enterprise program, is designed to help technology startups grow their business and achieve Product Market Fit. Startups accepted to the program receive a wide range of resources and specialized programs.

The Enterprise program is for startups who:

• Are technology-based
• Have developed a minimum viable product
• Have less than $1 million in annual revenues
• Have demonstrated traction in the market through sales or user growth

To qualify for the Enterprise program, startups must have completed Genesis’ Evolution and Evolution+ programs or an approved equivalent program.

Ideal for:

Innovation-driven startups, particularly in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Programs:

Provides support through incubation programs, business development guidance, access to funding, and networking opportunities.

Notable Features:

Located in St. John’s, fostering entrepreneurship in a regional context.

Velocity Startup Accelerator and Incubator in Canada 

Since 2008, Velocity has focused on supporting founders during the critical early stages of business development. It provides essential resources such as connections and practical business expertise.

It is one of the startup accelerators and incubators in Canada that also offers guidance in product development, a workspace for team and product development, and access to risk-tolerant capital.

Velocity has achieved remarkable milestones in supporting startups and fostering innovation. Its portfolio companies have collectively achieved an enterprise value of $26 billion, while alumni companies have created over 5,000 jobs.

It has successfully incubated over 400 companies, demonstrating its pivotal role in driving economic growth and innovation across diverse sectors.

These accomplishments highlight Velocity’s commitment to nurturing startups. They demonstrate its role in driving economic impact through entrepreneurship, paving the way for continued success in the startup ecosystem.

Ideal for:

University-affiliated startups, tech entrepreneurs.

Programs:

Offers support through startup incubation, mentorship, access to funding, and connections to the Waterloo tech ecosystem.

Notable Features:

Strong ties to the University of Waterloo’s entrepreneurial community and resources.

Conclusion

Startup accelerators and incubators in Canada are vital for supporting aspiring entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey. They provide invaluable resources such as mentorship, funding, and essential services.

These programs offer guidance in business strategy, product development, and expanding into new markets. They empower startups to navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship with confidence.

Whether you’re starting with an initial idea or already have a viable product, these accelerators and incubators are designed to help you progress.

Let them play a pivotal role in Canada’s dynamic startup ecosystem, paving the way for sustainable growth and success in your venture.