- The AI Cohort is a group of up to 20 early-stage startups selected for accelerated growth through an intensive program focused on enhancing their development as founders. Each cohort lasts ten weeks and culminates in a Demo Day, where founders can meet potential investors and customers from across Canada's AI ecosystem.
- The AI Cohort offers up to $50,000 in cash and in-kind awards for each participant. A selection committee will choose the top startups for the program based on their growth potential and value to the AI ecosystem.
- The program is designed to provide a robust network of support, resources, and mentorship to help accelerate the growth of each startup. Participants will receive services and technical expertise from our partners.
Eligibility Criteria
- The AI Cohort is open to all startups that are developing or have developed products or services that utilize AI as a startup accelerator. It is also open to startups operating outside of Canada.
- Startups must have received a minimum of $1,000 in seed funding within the past 12 months. Note: Seed and Series A funding are not required, but seed investment is necessary to be eligible for the program.
- The startup must have a CEO or co-founder who has been involved with the startup accelerator for at least six months prior to application.
- The company must be incorporated as a Canadian business for the duration of the program (i.e., it does not need to be incorporated at any point before).
- The startup should demonstrate a clear path toward profitability and growth (i.e., it should not be considered a "startup" solely for tax purposes).
- The startup must provide proof of investor traction (i.e., evidence that investors have already committed funds) through investor presentations or other means by May 15, 2018.
Benefits of Joining the Program
- The AI Cohort offers a unique opportunity to meet and collaborate with other AI startups worldwide. The program will provide valuable exposure to various Canadian government organizations and federal agencies that may have relevant connections for the startup.
- Startups can tap into advisors, business development partners, and mentors already established in the Canadian AI ecosystem (i.e., they are not simply new investors). For example, startups can leverage the connections of established investors such as MaRS, Fintech, Entrepreneur First, and others.
- This program provides an opportunity to collaborate with some of Canada's most influential innovators in the AI field (e.g., Omidyar Network, Open Philanthropy Project, Centre for International Governance Innovation).
- Prize Amount
- AI Canada’s AI Cohort program awards $100,000 to the top three startups in each cohort. The program provides essential mentorship and resources to help each startup realize its full potential. Startup Canada will offer mentorship and technical expertise to assist each startup in developing its product or service. Based on the program's success, Startup Canada will continue to invest in and support the growth of these startups.
- The AI Startup Accelerator is a 12-week intensive program for early-stage startups focused on accelerating their growth and development as founders. Each cohort lasts ten weeks and culminates in a Demo Day where founders can meet potential investors and customers from across Canada's AI ecosystem.
- Startup Canada’s AI Accelerator offers up to $20,000 cash for each cohort of 20 startups selected from across the country. A selection committee will choose the top startups from all cohorts based on their growth potential and value to the AI ecosystem.
Timeline for Submission and Other Requirements
- Selection criteria will include, but are not limited to:
- The selection committee will choose the top startups for the program based on their growth potential and value to the AI ecosystem.
- The program will accept applications from startups at all stages of development, but applicants must have a minimum viable product (MVP) ready for Demo Day.
- The program is open to all companies based in Canada, regardless of their development stage. Startups can apply even if they have previously participated in a program at Startup Canada or other programs sponsored by Startup Canada.
- Successful applicants will be selected based on their growth potential and value to the Canadian AI ecosystem.
Application Procedure
- After downloading and submitting the completed form, Startup Canada will contact selected startups to schedule a time and date for a one-on-one interview with the program director.
- A selection committee will review all applications for each cohort, including feedback from past cohorts, and select up to 20 startups to participate in the 10-week accelerated growth program. All applicants will be notified within two weeks of application submission regarding their selection status.
- Conclusion
- Canada’s AI Cohort offers startups the opportunity to collaborate with the best minds in the country and receive support from top mentors and investors. The program will also provide startups access to resources to help them grow faster.
- Next AI – A NEXT Canada Program
