As one of North America's top technology hubs, Toronto has established itself as a global hub for entrepreneurial activity, drawing ambitious visionaries, ground-breaking firms, and seasoned investors alike. At the core of this thriving ecosystem are the numerous startup incubators and accelerators that dot the cityscape, acting as catalysts for innovation and growth. These organizations not only provide critical resources and assistance, but they also cultivate a culture of cooperation, mentorship, and unwavering pursuit of greatness. In this article, we have compiled a comprehensive list of Toronto's startup incubators and accelerators. They have been subdivided into applicability for startups in their 'ideation' or 'launch' stages, so you would be able to find a program that suits you!
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FULL LIST OF STARTUP INCUBATORS AND ACCELERATORS IN TORONTO
Ideation Stage Startup Incubators in Toronto
Full list of ideation-stage startup incubators in Toronto:
Who is it for: Aspiring entrepreneurs with an idea and seeking cofounder / Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Fashion
The Toronto Fashion Incubator (TFI) program in Toronto is a pioneering platform dedicated to nurturing emerging fashion entrepreneurs and guiding them toward success in the fashion industry. The program offers a comprehensive array of benefits, including strategic business-building programs, mentorship opportunities, and access to industry professionals. Participating startups gain exclusive access to a vibrant entrepreneurial community, in-house resources such as fashion technicians and prototyping facilities, and a network of over 40 industry advisors and professionals. Furthermore, the program provides access to funding, grant opportunities, and online resources, equipping startups with the tools and support needed to transform their fashion vision into a thriving business. With a focus on sustainable fashion and clean beauty innovators, TFI's incubator program aims to propel startups toward commercialization while fostering a community of forward-thinking fashion pioneers.
Who is it for: Aspiring entrepreneurs with an idea and seeking cofounder
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Music
Canada's Music Incubator (CMI) in Toronto is a not-for-profit organization committed to providing hands-on creative and entrepreneurial development for emerging artists, artist managers, and industry professionals. The program focuses on empowering creative entrepreneurs by offering customized mentorship, networking, and capacity-building support. Participating startups benefit from ongoing mentorship, access to industry professionals, and strategic programs designed to develop sustainable small businesses and foster an inclusive national community. Additionally, CMI's dedication to providing free ongoing mentorship hours, coupled with its support for music sector infrastructure development, underscores its pivotal role in propelling emerging artists and industry professionals toward building successful and sustainable careers in the music industry.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Science & Technology
The Creative Destruction Lab (CDL) program in Toronto is a pioneering, objectives-based initiative designed to foster the growth of massively scalable, seed-stage, science- and technology-based companies. The program offers participating startups access to a network of experienced entrepreneurs, angel investors, and leading venture capital firms, providing mentorship, funding opportunities, and strategic business development support. With a focus on enhancing the performance of technical founders, the program facilitates intensive full-day sessions with CDL Mentors to assess progress and set new short-term objectives, significantly increasing the probability of success for the ventures. Furthermore, CDL's 23 specialized streams, which act as focus areas for emerging technology, offer startups the opportunity to sharpen objectives, raise capital, and engage with experts, ensuring that ventures receive tailored support and guidance to achieve their objectives and drive innovation within their respective industries.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Sector Agnostic
The DMZ program in Toronto is a world-leading startup incubator at Toronto Metropolitan University, providing comprehensive support to propel startups to success. With a focus on technology, media, design, fintech, healthtech, and cleantech, the program offers personalized mentorship, an extensive network of successful entrepreneurs and investors, and diverse resources tailored to each startup's unique needs. Startups benefit from access to office space, a strong entrepreneurial community, and exclusive funding opportunities. The program emphasizes equity and prioritizes the founders' vision, fostering growth, collaboration, and innovation. DMZ has a proven track record of helping startups raise substantial capital and create employment opportunities, making it an indispensable resource for early-stage ventures looking to thrive in the startup ecosystem.
Who is it for: Aspiring entrepreneurs with an idea and seeking cofounder
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Sector Agnostic
The Public Incubator in Toronto is a "no-barrier" business incubation platform designed to empower emerging entrepreneurs with a vision to build successful businesses from the ground up. The program aims to democratize the startup ecosystem by eliminating barriers to entry, allowing any high-potential idea to flourish. Through structured and comprehensive business incubation, startups gain access to mentorship, innovation fostering, and a supportive community. The program's mission is to empower entrepreneurs, foster innovation, and provide a platform for inclusive startup founders' community and acceleration program. By offering a supportive and inclusive environment, the Public Incubator program aims to assist entrepreneurs in scaling their ventures and realizing their entrepreneurial aspirations.
Who is it for: Aspiring entrepreneurs with an idea and seeking cofounder
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Sector Agnostic
The ACCESS Community Capital Fund is dedicated to empowering individuals and entrepreneurs in underserved communities by providing access to financing, business training, and mentoring to overcome financial obstacles. Through individual loans of up to $15,000, the program supports business and training opportunities, even for applicants with limited credit history. By focusing on character-based lending decisions, the program emphasizes the abilities, skills, and commitment of the applicant in conjunction with the strength of the business plan. This support helps establish and grow dream businesses or careers, fostering economic upliftment and greater opportunities within the communities. The program's impact, including a high loan repayment rate and the facilitation of loans for training and small business development, highlights the effectiveness of its initiatives in supporting individuals facing financial barriers and promoting social and economic equity within the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA).
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Sector Agnostic
Parkdale Innovates is a pioneering initiative aimed at bridging the accessibility gap for underrepresented entrepreneurs, including women, immigrants, low-income individuals, and minorities in the innovation sector. The program provides personalized support programs tailored to help eligible entrepreneurs succeed in Ontario's competitive business landscape. Through group-based programming, Parkdale Innovates focuses on providing fundamental business startup support, entrepreneurship skill development, and scaling businesses through technology validation. An investment of $750,000 from FedDev Ontario further expands the program's reach, enabling the provision of specialized training, mentorship, and pathways to business opportunities for underrepresented entrepreneurs.
Who is it for: Aspiring entrepreneurs with an idea and seeking cofounder / Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Social Impact
The Social Ventures Zone (SVZ) program is a unique incubator that focuses on driving social change through the development of impactful ventures addressing diverse societal challenges. The SVZ supports innovators by providing coaching, training, workspace, and funding opportunities, fostering a collaborative community passionate about effecting positive change. The program also offers ongoing support, including access to SVZ coaches, and allows participating ventures to remain part of the SVZ at no cost for up to two years, emphasizing their commitment to nurturing and sustaining social impact ventures. With a focus on social impact and promoting a supportive community, the SVZ plays a crucial role in empowering and fostering the success of ventures addressing issues such as the environment, urban poverty, food security, gender-based violence, conscious consumption, and accessibility.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Technology
The University of Toronto Early Stage Technology (UTEST) program is a comprehensive initiative aimed at providing essential support to U of T entrepreneurs in creating research-based companies. In collaboration with Toronto Innovation Acceleration Partners (TIAP) and with financial backing from the Connaught Fund, UTEST offers companies investment capital, mentoring, business strategy, and incubation space at the University of Toronto St. George Campus. This multi-disciplinary "lab-to-market" program has yielded over 130 companies to date, collectively raising over $700M in venture financing and boasting a combined (estimated) market capitalization of over $2.5B. The program's success is further demonstrated by the vast majority of these new companies remaining active and headquartered in the Greater Toronto Region.
Launch Stage Startup Incubators and Accelerators in Toronto
Full list of launch stage startup incubators and accelerators in Toronto:
Who is it for: Early startup with a team / Mature startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Multiple Sectors
The Next Canada is a leading initiative that aims to support and empower early-stage entrepreneurs through comprehensive mentorship, training, and funding opportunities. The program offers access to a broad range of resources, including webinars, expert advice, and networking opportunities, designed to nurture and accelerate the growth of startups. With a focus on fostering a supportive and collaborative environment, Next Canada provides a platform for startups to access significant financial support, connect with established businesses and investors, and build strong foundations for future growth. By providing a welcoming community, flexible visa options, and enhanced growth opportunities, the program plays a crucial role in equipping startups with the necessary tools and support to thrive and expand their businesses in Toronto and beyond.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: CleanTech
Climate Ventures is a pivotal initiative that has accelerated 133 climate startups over four years, fostering the development and implementation of solutions to the climate crisis. This program, now operated as a partnership between Foresight Canada and SI Canada, offers various programs, labs, and education opportunities, supporting early-stage entrepreneurs in developing, piloting, and scaling climate solutions aligned with the UN Global Goals for a thriving planet. The initiative provides members with access to a dedicated coworking space, a strong community of climate entrepreneurs and innovators, and valuable connections and support through peer circles, socials, workshops, and advisors. Additionally, the program offers an acceleration ramp, connections to advisors and mentors, support in addressing climate challenges, and private capital leveraging through matchmaking initiatives. By energizing innovation and collaborating across sectors, the Climate Ventures accelerator program plays a crucial role in nurturing climate entrepreneurs, fostering a more connected and effective climate solutions ecosystem, and contributing to a more sustainable and equitable world.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Consumer-packaged Goods
Venturepark Labs in Toronto is a dynamic platform that provides comprehensive support and resources to Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) entrepreneurs, focusing on empowering startups to develop, grow, and thrive. The program offers an exclusive accelerator program that equips entrepreneurs with in-person sessions featuring industry experts, valuable mentorship, and essential knowledge to navigate today's competitive business landscape. Additionally, it facilitates networking opportunities with distributors, retailers, and investors at its exclusive Demo Day. Venturepark Labs also extends support for startups in finding ideal production spaces, exemplified by its feature of five commercial kitchens in Toronto that cater to the production needs of food startups. Furthermore, the program emphasizes community-building, offering a collaborative environment for entrepreneurs to build meaningful connections with industry experts and fellow entrepreneurs.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: FinTech
IFH Lab is a transformative initiative designed to empower impact-driven fintech startups by addressing the critical gap in the ecosystem for these ventures. The program operates with the foundational principles of impact and growth, offering startups one-on-one support from industry-specific experts, flexible programming tailored to their needs, and access to a growing community of mission-driven startups. Selected startups receive personalized mentorship, an invaluable cohort community, and extensive programming, including in-person intensives, fireside chats with successful founders, and individualized guidance. The program also provides significant benefits such as access to a vast network of industry experts, monthly optional fireside chats, service provider credits, and cash prizes at Demo Day. Additionally, the IFH Lab program fosters a supportive environment for startups focused on improving the financial health and resilience of Canadians, making it a unique opportunity for mission-driven fintech founders to build and scale their ventures in Canada.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Sector Agnostic
The Toronto Business Development Centre (TBDC) is a pioneering business incubator that has been instrumental in launching, nurturing, and scaling businesses since 1990. As a not-for-profit multi-sector incubator, TBDC offers a range of programs such as the Business Inc Program and Soft Landing, providing entrepreneurs with essential resources, business advisory support, and networking opportunities. TBDC's Ontario Soft Landing Program facilitates startups in acclimatizing to the Canadian market, offering access to mentors, funders, office space in Toronto, and more. The center also supports entrepreneurs through its partnership with the Ontario Centre of Innovation, providing a Letter of Support for Work Permit and Canadian PR, thereby aiding in the ease of starting up in Ontario.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Sports
The Future of Sport Lab (FSL), a collaborative initiative by Ryerson University and Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, serves as Canada's leading sport tech incubator and lab, fostering an ecosystem that connects sport properties, industry partners, entrepreneurs, investors, thought leaders, and scholars. The program aims to drive social, economic growth, and development in the Canadian sport tech sector by nurturing innovative sport solutions and technologies, along with providing related insights and education. FSL offers startups a four-month incubation period, comprehensive immersive programming, direct access to a network of industry leaders, academics, and investors, as well as connections across the MLSE sports and entertainment network. Graduates of the program have raised over $30 million in new financing and investments, and have secured significant sport business partnerships. The program concludes with a pitch demo session in front of Canada's top sport and tech leaders and investors, offering an exceptional platform for startups to propel their ventures in the sports and entertainment industry.
Techstars
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Technology
The Techstars program in Toronto is a highly selective and impactful accelerator that aims to fast-track the growth and success of startups. By providing a comprehensive three-month mentorship-driven program, Techstars invests $120,000 in each selected startup and equips them with access to an extensive network of over 6,000 mentors, 18,000 investors, and more than 10,000 founders and alumni globally. This program offers startups hands-on support, intensive mentorship, and access to significant funding opportunities, effectively accelerating their growth trajectory. Moreover, being part of the Techstars network provides startups with a wealth of resources for life, including office space at accelerator locations, demo day opportunities, and a wide selection of perks to support their business development. The program's emphasis on mentorship, funding, and network access significantly enhances the prospects of startups, positioning them for long-term success in their respective industries.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Technology
The Narwhal Project in Toronto is a pioneering accelerator program aimed at guiding emerging technology companies towards achieving unicorn status. Founded by Charles Plant, the program is underpinned by extensive research on the essential factors for creating world-class technology companies, providing startups with the necessary insights and resources to chart a trajectory towards unicorn status. The program operates in a unique, one-on-one style, offering specialized mentorship, strategic guidance, and support in areas such as business plan creation, valuations, and funding readiness. Notably, the Narwhal Project has also established a network of angel investors to fund companies within the accelerator, facilitating access to crucial financial support.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Technology
The FoundersBoost Toronto program is a highly impactful pre-accelerator designed to propel promising early-stage tech startups towards success by preparing them for top-tier accelerators, investment, and revenue generation. This six-week, mentor-led program offers a concrete curriculum focusing on refining pitches, improving business models, and fostering meaningful connections. FoundersBoost has a proven track record of propelling over 500 startups worldwide to success, with many advancing to top accelerators and securing substantial investments. The program is committed to enhancing startup ecosystem accessibility, specifically catering to underrepresented entrepreneurs and offering Acceleration, Investment, and/or Revenue (AIR) opportunities without charging fees or taking equity.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Technology
OneEleven is a renowned tech accelerator and scale-up hub with a mission to foster the growth and success of Canadian software technology companies. The program is dedicated to supporting post-seed companies, offering a conducive environment where corporate players, investors, and founders converge to facilitate organic growth. Through its strategic focus on providing resources, bridging connections, and offering tailored support, OneEleven has contributed to the success of notable startups such as Wealthsimple and Tulip Retail. Furthermore, as a member of OneEleven, startups gain access to a myriad of benefits and services, including reduced administrative fees, funding opportunities, and technology discounts, all aimed at propelling their growth and sustainability within the Canadian tech ecosystem. The program's emphasis on supporting companies to scale beyond their first million, coupled with collaborations with industry leaders like RBC, underlines its commitment to nurturing and retaining high-impact tech companies in Canada.
Closing Thoughts on Startup Incubators and Accelerators in Toronto
Toronto's startup scene is full of potential, providing an ideal environment for creativity, collaboration, and development. Joining a business incubator or accelerator in Toronto gives you access to a plethora of tools and assistance while also being a part of a thriving community of entrepreneurs, innovators, and changemakers. If you're ready to embark on an exciting entrepreneurial journey, Canada's startup accelerators and incubators await, ready to propel you towards success.