District 3 Innovation Center — Launch & Grow
Canada
Montréal innovation hub
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|noCondition
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateNovember 14, 2019
grant_single|financingType
Expert Advice
Other Support
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Utilities
- Manufacturing
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Health care and social assistance
grant_single|grantors
- District3
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
Technical and business services to help innovators launch and grow their business and move from idea to impact with confidence.
grant_single_labels|projects
The District 3 Launch & Grow Program supports startups with initial traction to achieve product market fit and scale globally. Eligible activities are focused on building products, acquiring customers, and securing funding.
- 1:1 coaching on a biweekly basis centered around 90-day sprints
- Building entrepreneurship skills
- Participating in tailored workshops, peer-to-peer sessions, and 1:1 sessions with industry experts
- Access to co-working and state-of-the-art lab spaces
- Support in accessing non-dilutive funding opportunities
- Navigating dilutive fundraising rounds
- Expanding to international markets with support
- Accessing a network of investors
- Receiving free industry-leading market data
- International development support
- Partaking in a community of like-minded individuals
- Joining partner incubator and accelerator programs
- Planning and integration in the US through Market Connect
- Building relationships with US investors through Investor Connect
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$35,000
Vancouver
Expansion of an eco-friendly packaging business to international markets
$40,000
Calgary
Launching a sustainable fashion line targeting eco-conscious consumers
$30,000
Toronto
Launching a new mobile app aimed at simplifying personal finances
$45,000
Ottawa
Developing an online platform to connect freelancers with clients
$60,000
Montreal
Development of a new AI-driven healthcare analytics platform
grant_single_labels|admissibility
The eligibility criteria for the Launch & Grow Program specify requirements related to the innovation level of the idea, team composition, and commitment level.
- An idea that leverages emerging technologies or an innovative business model
- A minimum of two co-founders
- Full-time commitment from at least one co-founder
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
The Launch & Grow Program at District 3 is designed for early-stage startups leveraging emerging technologies or innovative business models. The program provides tailored services to accelerate product market fit and scale startups globally.
- D3 Bio: Startups in biomanufacturing, bioengineering, sectors such as biopharma, agri-food, clean technologies, and biomaterials.
- D3 Healthcare: Early stage medtech and healthtech startups.
- D3 High Tech: Early stage startups focusing on emerging technologies.
- D3 Social: Startups focused on social issues like education, health, environment, and culture.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The eligible geographic zones for this grant include various regions as indicated by the incubator's network and partners.
- Canada
- United States
- Europe
- China
grant_single_labels|criteria
This grant appears to be selective on key aspects such as the novelty of the idea, the commitment level of the team, and the potential for growth. Below are the evaluation and selection criteria mentioned for this grant:
- An idea that leverages emerging technologies or an innovative business model
- A minimum of two co-founders
- Full-time commitment from at least one co-founder
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Ensure Eligibility
- Verify that you have an idea leveraging emerging technologies or an innovative business model.
- Ensure there are a minimum of two co-founders.
- Confirm full-time commitment from at least one co-founder.
- Step 2: Submit Application
- Prepare your application detailing your startup and its traction.
- Submit the application through the designated online platform.
- Step 3: Wait for Response
- Wait for up to 2 weeks for a response from the grant provider.
- Receive notification of acceptance or rejection.
- Step 4: Initial Evaluation
- Upon acceptance, participate in an initial evaluation.
- Assess whether your startup should continue or consider pivoting.
- Step 5: Participate in the Program
- Engage in biweekly 1:1 coaching sessions and tailored workshops.
- Utilize access to co-working and lab spaces.
- Take advantage of networking opportunities and market data access.
- Step 6: Ongoing Assessments
- Every three months, undergo an assessment to evaluate progress and necessary pivots.
- Adjust strategies based on the assessments to ensure you're on the right track.
- Step 7: Completion
- Complete the program after up to 24 months.
- Ensure you have a viable business and have acquired the necessary entrepreneurial competencies.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
The program is designed for startups with initial traction, providing extensive support to reach product market fit and scale.
- Customized 1:1 coaching and expert support
- Workshops and best-in-class training
- Access to co-working and lab spaces
- Guidance for both non-dilutive and dilutive funding
- Networking opportunities with investors
- Support for international market integration
- Eligibility for up to 24 months of support
- Rolling admissions with responses within two weeks
- Divided into specialized streams: Bio, Healthcare, High Tech, and Social
Apply to this program
Launch & Grow Program Overview
The Launch & Grow Program by District 3 is designed to help early-stage startups accelerate to product market fit through tailored coaching, workshops, and networking opportunities. The program supports startups for up to 24 months, providing access to state-of-the-art labs, non-dilutive funding opportunities, and exclusive industry connections.
In-Depth Guide to the Launch & Grow Program by District 3
The Launch & Grow Program by District 3 is a comprehensive support system designed for early-stage startups that have initial traction. Whether you have customers, letters of intent, or initial investment, this program aims to help you find your product market fit and acquire customers. Here is a detailed look at what the program entails, eligibility criteria, the benefits it offers, and how you can make the most out of it.
What You Gain from the Launch & Grow Program
The Launch & Grow Program is not just a standard incubator service; it’s a robust ecosystem designed to foster significant growth and development for startups. The program’s range of services includes:
- Tailored Coaching: Startups receive biweekly 1:1 coaching sessions centered around 90-day sprints. These sessions are designed to build entrepreneurship skills and guide startups through crucial milestones such as honing investment pitches, increasing sales, and expanding to international markets.
- Workshops and Expert Sessions: Participating startups gain access to tailored workshops, peer-to-peer sessions, and 1:1 sessions with industry experts. These learning opportunities provide the necessary competencies to succeed at all stages of the entrepreneurial journey.
- Community and Workspace Access: Startups can participate in a variety of events and network with like-minded individuals. Additionally, they gain access to District 3’s co-working spaces and state-of-the-art wetlab facilities.
- Non-Dilutive Funding Support: The program offers support in accessing non-dilutive funding opportunities, which provide capital without requiring equity stakes in the company.
- Fundraising Support: For those seeking dilutive funding, the program provides guidance on navigating fundraising rounds and establishing relationships with investors.
- Access to Market Data and Networks: Participants receive free access to industry-leading market data and a growing network of investors, empowering them to make informed decisions and accelerate growth.
- International Development: The program aids in international development by providing support to start implementing clinical, product, and business roadmaps tailored for global markets.
Program Streams
The Launch & Grow Program includes specialized streams tailored to different startup needs, ensuring targeted support and expertise:
- D3 Bio: For startups leveraging biomanufacturing and bioengineering, aiming to commercialize innovations in sectors such as biopharma, agri-food, clean technologies, and biomaterials.
- D3 Healthcare: Early-stage medtech and healthtech startups seeking market insights, clinical validation, accelerated product development, funding, and international networks.
- D3 High Tech: Startups focusing on emerging technologies, looking to expedite their commercialization through coaching, lean entrepreneurship skills, ecosystem connections, and global market expansion support.
- D3 Social: Startups focusing on social issues like education, health, environment, and culture, seeking support in roadmap development, funding strategy, and global market expansion.
Eligibility Criteria
To participate in the Launch & Grow Program, startups must meet the following criteria:
- Leverage emerging technologies or innovative business models.
- Have a minimum of two co-founders.
- Ensure full-time commitment from at least one co-founder.
Startups are accepted on a rolling admissions basis throughout the year, with responses typically given within two weeks of application submission. This ensures that no valuable time is wasted, and startups can begin leveraging program benefits as soon as possible.
Program Duration
The Launch & Grow Program lasts up to 24 months, during which startups receive continuous support and periodic assessments. Every three months, the program evaluates progress and advises whether to continue on the current path or consider pivoting. This iterative approach enables startups to fine-tune their business models without losing focus on the right opportunities.
Success Stories
Numerous startups have successfully navigated their early stages with the help of District 3’s Launch & Grow Program, turning initial ideas into viable businesses with significant growth potential. For example:
Erika Braithwaite, Ph.D. CEO of Precision Analytics: "We started off as two people who had a good idea. We had traction, we had clients, but it was only with coaching that we could say we began to build a real business."
Marina Massingham, CEO of Aifred Health: "We got the opportunity to network and learn more about Boston, as well as the pros and cons of having a U.S. subsidiary and insights into intellectual property strategies."
Meet the Coaches and Mentors
The program is led by seasoned professionals with extensive industry experience:
- JD Bégin: Venture capitalist turned entrepreneur and angel investor, with over 15 years of experience in growth advisory and mentorship. JD holds an MBA from Concordia University and a Bachelor's in Business Administration in accounting and finance from UQAM.
- Edna Chosack: With international experience in bringing ideas to market, Edna co-founded Simbionix Inc. and led it to success before its acquisition by 3D Systems for $120M USD. She holds an M.Sc. and MBA and has served in various advisory and strategic roles globally.
- Xavier-Henri Hervé: Founder and Executive Director of District 3, Xavier is committed to advancing emerging technology and growing the bioeconomy in Quebec. His strategic partnerships and focus on community building have helped over 1000+ tech startups in 10 years.
- Daniel Stoll: An expert in innovative product development and go-to-market strategies, Daniel holds a Master’s degree in Telecommunications Engineering from the École d’ingénieurs du numérique.
Conclusion
The Launch & Grow Program by District 3 offers a unique blend of coaching, resources, and networking opportunities to help startups achieve product market fit and grow into successful businesses. With a commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, District 3 provides the tools and support necessary to navigate the challenging journey of building a startup. By leveraging the expertise and resources offered, startups can accelerate their growth and make a global impact.
