Canada’s innovation economy is thriving, thanks in large part to a strong network of incubators and accelerators. Whether you’re building a tech startup, scaling a cleantech venture, or launching a social enterprise, these programs provide the mentorship, resources, and connections needed to turn an idea into a market-ready business.
Incubators generally support early-stage startups with workspace, long-term mentorship, and access to networks. Accelerators typically focus on growth-stage companies, offering intensive programs, funding, and direct connections to investors. Some hubs serve as both incubators and accelerators, supporting companies across multiple stages.
Joining the right program can help shorten time-to-market, unlock non-dilutive funding, build investor and customer connections, and lend credibility to your venture. Across Canada, from major tech corridors to rural innovation hubs, there’s likely a program nearby that can help your startup grow.
Ontario
- MaRS Discovery District (Toronto) – Incubator / ecosystem hub (focus on early-to-growth stage) offering workspace, advisory services, access to investors, and sector-specific programming (including health, cleantech, and agri-tech).
- Communitech (Waterloo) – Accelerator / scale-up (works with later-stage startups aiming for rapid growth) focused organization providing growth coaching, corporate innovation partnerships, investor access, and global market connections for tech companies.
- DMZ (Toronto Metropolitan University) – A startup accelerator helping early-stage to growth-stage tech ventures with mentorship, customers, capital, and community.
- Invest Ottawa – Incubator / accelerator providing a mix of mix of programs for early-stage and scaling firms.
Quebec
- Centech (Montreal) – An incubator specialized in deep tech (medtech, AI, cleantech, advanced manufacturing), offering long-term incubation, prototyping support, and global commercialization pathways.
- District 3 (Concordia University) – An incubator / accelerator to help science and technology-driven ventures translate research into viable businesses.
- L’École des entrepreneurs du Québec (Quebec City & across Quebec)– An incubator that provides training, mentorship, and networking to entrepreneurs across diverse sectors.
British Columbia
- Innovate BC (Across BC) – A crown corporation that coordinates provincial innovation programs and funding across sectors, including agri-tech, clean tech, and digital tech, acting more as a connector than an incubator or accelerator.
- Foresight Canada (Vancouver; nationwide programming) – Canada’s largest cleantech accelerator, offering programs, with a strong emphasis on commercialization and sustainability.
- Launch Academy (Vancouver) – A tech incubator providing mentorship, workspace, and global market access pathways, especially for immigrant founders and companies looking to scale internationally.
Prairies
- Platform Calgary (Calgary) – A incubator / accelerator which offers both early-stage incubation and growth-stage acceleration to tech-driven startups.
- Edmonton Unlimited (Edmonton) – A community-driven incubator supporting entrepreneurs in technology and creative industries.
- Co.Labs (Saskatoon) – A free tech incubator, focused on scaling companies from idea to exit.
Atlantic Canada
- Volta (Halifax) – A incubator / accelerator for tech startups, currently with a focus on AI.
- Genesis (St John’s) – An incubator that focuses on early-stage technology companies.
- Emergence (Charlottetown) – Bio-science and life sciences business incubator serving companies across the Atlantic region.
Final Thoughts
We’re connected with many of these incubators and accelerators across Canada. If you’re exploring opportunities to grow your startup and want guidance or introductions, reach out: we can help you navigate the ecosystem and find the right fi
