Centech Acceleration
Canada
Advice for tech startups to accelerate AI solutions
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|noCondition
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateNovember 27, 2023
- grant_single|closingDateDecember 18, 2023
- grant_single|grantStatusClosed
grant_single|financingType
Expert Advice
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- grant_single|allIndustries
grant_single|grantors
- Centech
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
Participate in an upcoming 12-week accelerator program designed for startups that have developed an AI solution applied to supply chains. Get access to workspaces, group clinics, one-on-one coaching, and more.
grant_single_labels|projects
The location provided for the program's activities suggests that geographical eligibility might focus on Canadian or Montreal-based companies. However, the context does not explicitly mention any restrictions or eligible geographical areas for applicants.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$200,000
Create a blockchain-based intellectual property registry for supply chain solutions
$140,000
Create AI-driven marketing strategies to improve supply chain transparency for food distributors
$180,000
Develop an AI-based financial management system for supply chain enterprises
$150,000
Develop an AI solution to optimize supply chain logistics for mid-sized retail companies
$120,000
Enhance AI-enabled supply chain analytics platform for small manufacturing firms
$130,000
Enhance customer experience in supply chain through AI-driven feedback systems
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for the Acceleration program is open to various individuals and entities who meet certain criteria.
- Applicants should be involved in deeptech, medtech, or edtech fields.
- Active entrepreneurs who have started their commercialization phase less than 2 years ago can apply.
- Engineers in the workforce are eligible to participate.
- Students from all backgrounds can apply.
- Researchers who have an idea for a technology project are encouraged to apply.
- Other individuals with an idea for a technology project are also eligible.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
The Acceleration program is designed for entrepreneurs and professionals with projects in deeptech, medtech, or edtech seeking to validate and grow their business ideas. Eligible participants come from various backgrounds but must fit the program's focus areas.
- Active entrepreneurs who have entered the commercialization phase of their project within the last two years.
- Engineers who are currently in the workforce and have relevant project ideas.
- Students from any academic background with a focus on technological innovation.
- Researchers with potential technological projects looking to enter the market.
- Individuals with innovative technology project ideas aimed at development in deeptech, medtech, or edtech sectors.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
This grant supports technology-centric projects in deeptech, medtech, and edtech sectors aimed at fostering business growth and market readiness. Activities focus on product development, business modeling, and strategic organizational strengthening for startups.
- Product development and technological project validation.
- Establishment of business models for market entry.
- Strengthening of teams and organizational structuring of startups.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The Acceleration program at Centech evaluates and accepts new projects twice a year, in the winter and fall. The selection criteria for the Acceleration program at Centech include:
- Technology innovation and its potential for disruption
- Scalability and market potential
- Quality and commitment of the entrepreneurial team
- Relevance of the business model
- Feasibility and clarity of the project
- Alignment with the deeptech, medtech, or edtech fields
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Online Application
- Visit the Centech website to access the application form.
- Complete the form with detailed information about the technology project and the team.
- Submit the completed form through the website.
- Step 2: Individual Interview
- If selected, participate in an individual interview with one of the program managers.
- Prepare to discuss the project and answer questions during the interview.
- Step 3: Start of Program
- Upon selection, join the cohort of approximately 30 entrepreneurs.
- Commence the 12-week Acceleration program as scheduled.
Apply to this program
Accelerate Your Deeptech Startup's Growth
The Centech Acceleration Program offers a unique opportunity for early-stage startups in the deeptech, medtech, and edtech sectors to validate their technological projects and establish a solid foundation for market entry. This 12-week program combines comprehensive training and customized mentorship, equipping entrepreneurs with the skills needed to thrive in competitive industries.
In-Depth Overview: Elevate Your Startup with Centech's Acceleration Program
Located in Montreal, a hub of innovation and technological advancement, the Centech Acceleration Program is geared towards fostering high-potential startups operating in distinctive industrial sectors such as Automation & Industry 4.0, Energy & Environment, Telecom & Microelectronics, Medtech & Digital Health, Transport & Logistics, and Edtech. This prestigious program, which is recognized globally as a leading university incubator initiative, is specifically designed to support technology entrepreneurs in the early stages of their commercialization journey.
The Acceleration Program stands out due to its rigorous yet supportive structure, which spans an intensive 12-weeks. Participants benefit from more than 50 tailored workshops covering essential areas such as product development, financial management, marketing strategies, customer experience, corporate law, and intellectual property rights. These sessions are led by seasoned experts and partners, offering invaluable insight and knowledge transfer directly applicable to the entrepreneur's venture. Although workshops are conducted in French, pitch sessions and interactions can be facilitated in English, ensuring linguistic inclusivity.
A key aspect of the program is its commitment-free nature—unlike many incubators, Centech does not require equity, fees, deposits, or intellectual property rights from participants, thus offering genuine support without added financial burden. Entrepreneurs are expected to dedicate at least 25 hours per week to the program, balancing workshop attendance with active business development efforts.
Moreover, the program culminates in a demo day, providing an exclusive platform for startups to showcase their growth and innovations to potential investors and industry leaders. This exposure can catalyze subsequent investment and partnership opportunities, which are critical for scaling ventures. Additionally, entrepreneurs have access to Boreal Ventures, a deeptech investment fund that can further their financial reach.
Participating startups gain the benefits of working within Centech's open innovative community, housed in the unique former planetarium with over 1,000 square feet of collaborative office space available 24/7. This environment is not only conducive for productivity but also fosters networking and synergy among other high-caliber startups and corporations.
For those who excel during the Acceleration Program, there exists a pathway to the Propulsion Program, which offers an extended two-year tenure of customized coaching aimed at continuing and deepening the growth strategies charted during the initial phase.
The two annual cohorts, each admitting about 40 startups, provide a structured yet flexible framework that suits the dynamic nature of technological entrepreneurship. Annually, Centech evaluates and selects nearly 80 promising projects, ensuring each participant receives the nurturing and support required to transition their ideas into market-ready products.
In conclusion, the Centech Acceleration Program represents not just an incubator but a launchpad for technological ideas to transform into impactful market solutions. Through meticulous planning, resource allocation, and robust mentorship, Centech equips entrepreneurs with everything necessary to succeed, ultimately contributing to the technological and economic advancement of society at large.
