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AC:Incubate - ON - Canada

AC:Incubate

Last Update: July 22, 2025
ON, Canada
Assistance to build a start-up business

At a glance

Eligible Funding
  • No Condition
Timeline
  • Open Date : March 1, 2024
  • Closing date : July 9, 2024
Financing Type
Expert Advice
Eligible Industries
  • Manufacturing
  • Information and cultural industries
  • Professional, scientific and technical services
  • Health care and social assistance
Funds Providers
Unspecified
Program status
Open

Overview

Receive guidance through a business learning platform, access to mentors and assistance to find funding opportunities in order to build a start-up company working on solutions that align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Activities funded

The AC:Incubate grant supports startup initiatives by providing a structured approach to product development, business foundation building, and scaling for success. Eligible projects encompass a variety of activities aimed at supporting startups through mentorship, funding, and program resources.
  • Phased development including discovering a desired product.
  • Building a solid business foundation.
  • Acquiring the first customers and investors.
  • Scaling the startup for global success.
  • Access to mentorship and specialist support.
  • Utilization of a dedicated Programs and Client Experience Coordinator.
  • Engagement with AC's digital and in-person communities.
  • Participation in workshops, events, and investment advisory services.
  • Utilization of AC's software, curriculum, and up to $600,000 in provider credits and discounts.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 50,000
Creating a smart irrigation system for urban farming to save water and increase yield
$ 60,000
Developing an AI-driven remote healthcare platform for rural communities
$ 100,000
Developing an AI-enhanced telemedicine platform for pediatric healthcare
$ 70,000
Building a platform to optimize resource allocation in sustainable agriculture
$ 60,000
Establishing an AI-based system to enhance productivity in remote work settings
$ 250,000
Creating a new medtech device for minimally invasive neurosurgery

Eligibility

Eligibility for this program requires alignment with specific industry sectors and program goals.
  • The applicant must be a startup with innovative solutions in medtech, healthtech, or aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
  • Preference is given to companies with solutions supporting remote work technologies, neurosurgery, community care transitions, and digital healthcare solutions.
  • The business should be scale-ready and capable of developing solutions to be commercialized in collaboration with health networks.
  • Participants must be willing to engage in partnerships and receive mentorship from industry professionals.

Who is eligible?

Startups and companies that are part of the Canadian tech ecosystem, particularly those engaged in medtech and healthtech innovations, are eligible to apply for the various AC programs mentioned. This includes:- Startups working on solutions aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.- Companies focused on medtech and healthtech improvements, especially those with solutions for remote work, neurosurgery, community care transition, AI in patient care, and digital healthcare delivery.- Companies looking to scale with continued mentorship and investment opportunities after program completion.- Entrepreneurs seeking to innovate within the Canadian tech ecosystem, as highlighted by success stories of diverse startups such as those improving drone technology, autonomous asset protection, and automotive equality.

Eligible expenses

The grants available through the depicted programs support a variety of projects aimed at fostering entrepreneurship and innovation, particularly those that align with sustainable development goals and technological advancements in healthcare and other sectors. These projects focus on providing resources and mentorship to startups across different domains.
  • Development of solutions aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals through the Sustainable Future Lab program.
  • Enhancement of medtech and healthtech solutions with support from the AC:Med program in partnership with Grand River Hospital.
  • Facilitation of remote workforce and digital healthcare delivery innovations for scaling businesses.
  • Support for integrating patient and family perspectives into healthcare planning through specialized programs.
  • Advancement of AI integration in patient care to improve healthcare services.
  • Provision of co-working spaces with necessary amenities for startups as part of the Catalyst Commons offering.
  • Opportunities for ongoing mentorship and networking through the AC:Excel program after completing initial programs.

Selection criteria

There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant.
  • Clarity and feasibility of the project proposal
  • Alignment with UN Sustainable Development Goals
  • Potential impact and scalability of the startup
  • Technology relevance and innovation
  • Demonstrated need for resources and support

How to apply

1

Research Eligibility Requirements

  • Review the grant program details to understand the eligibility criteria.
  • Identify if your startup aligns with the program focus areas, such as the Sustainable Development Goals.
2

Gather Necessary Information and Documents

  • Compile necessary business documents such as your business plan, financial forecasts, and any previous funding received.
  • Prepare descriptions of your innovative solutions and how they align with the program’s goals.
3

Access Application Portal

  • Visit the application portal on the program’s website.
  • Create an account if required to begin the application process.
4

Complete Application Form

  • Fill out the online application form with detailed information about your business and proposed project.
  • Ensure all sections are completed accurately and thoroughly.
5

Submit Application

  • Review the completed application to ensure that all data is accurate.
  • Submit the application through the online portal by the stated deadline.
6

Confirmation of Receipt

  • Receive a confirmation email once your application has been submitted.
  • Keep the confirmation email for your records.

Additional information

While eligibility and application details are essential, applicants for this grant should also consider the following insights:
  • Participants in the AC programs have access to a large network of mentors, investors, and industry experts.
  • Program alumni can benefit from ongoing support and mentoring opportunities through the AC:Excel initiative.
  • The programs emphasize community involvement and offer mechanisms to give back through mentoring the next generation of founders.
  • The AC incorporates the UN Sustainable Development Goals into its programming, signifying a commitment to innovation that leads to societal improvement.
  • There is a focus on medtech and healthtech solutions in collaboration with Grand River Hospital, offering additional resources for health-related technological advancements.

Documents and links

AC:Incubate

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the AC:Incubate Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the AC:Incubate. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.

What is the AC:Incubate?

How much funding can be received?

What expenses are eligible under AC:Incubate?

What is the deadline to apply?

Is the AC:Incubate a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Who are the financial supporters of the AC:Incubate?

Who is eligible for the AC:Incubate program?

Who can I contact for more information about the AC:Incubate?

Where is the AC:Incubate available?

Are startups eligible for the AC:Incubate program?

Apply to this program

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