Hardware Catalyst Initiative
Last Update: April 19, 2025
ON, Canada
Hardware and semiconductor-focused products lab and incubator
Hardware Catalyst Initiative at a glance
Eligible Funding
- No Condition
Timeline
- Open Date : July 26, 2023
- Closing date : August 28, 2023
Financing Type
Expert Advice
Eligible Industries
- Manufacturing
- Transportation and warehousing
- Information and cultural industries
- Health care and social assistance
Grant Providers
- ventureLAB
Status
Open
Overview of the Hardware Catalyst Initiative program
Get access to a state-of-the-art hardware lab, as well as experienced experts and advisors to help you scale when building hardware and semiconductor-focused products, enabling the creation of transformative technologies that will power the products of to
Financing terms and conditions
The Hardware Catalyst Initiative provides access to high-value resources and support without direct financial disbursements or equity commitments. The focus is on enabling technological and commercial growth for hardware and semiconductor companies in Canada.
- Access to a world-class $11 million Hardware Lab for prototyping and testing.
- Free workspace for up to 2 participants per company.
- Involvement with a global network of partners and mentors without any equity requirement.
Eligible projects & activities
The Hardware Catalyst Initiative supports the development and commercialization of silicon and hardware-based innovations. Eligible activities are geared towards enhancing product development, customer engagement, and strategic growth.
- Development of product design and supply chain partnerships.
- Utilization of the Prototyping & Testing Lab for product development.
- Establishing an IP identification and strategic protection plan.
- Execution of a customer engagement program with early adopters.
- Financial planning focused on revenue growth and investor engagement.
- Talent acquisition and development planning.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 150,000
Creating innovative medical sensors using advanced microelectronics
$ 200,000
Development of a high-performance computing chip for AI applications
$ 175,000
Developing AI-powered wearables for health monitoring
$ 120,000
Developing a new energy-efficient semiconductor for eco-friendly power management systems
$ 150,000
Creating smart agricultural sensors for precision farming
$ 140,000
Creating biodegradable electronics for sustainable tech solutions
Eligibility criteria of the Hardware Catalyst Initiative program
Eligibility for the Hardware Catalyst Initiative is determined by specific criteria designed to support Canadian silicon and hardware companies.
- Company was founded within 5 years immediately preceding the application.
- Company earned less than $5M in revenue in the last 12 months.
- Directly involved in the development of a novel electronic product involving advanced elements such as a custom semiconductor, sensor, silicon-based IP or embedded system hardware.
- Has customer engagement that validates the need and demonstrates that the team can attract and work with customers.
- Company is incorporated in Canada.
- Has a CRA business number.
- Has 99 or fewer employees.
- Has a co-founding team (of at least 2 or more) capable of product development, customer acquisition, and investment acquisition.
- If located in Canada but not in Southern Ontario, the company has plans to establish a long-term presence in Southern Ontario.
- If a Canadian Corporation, all IP developed through the program will be assigned to the company.
- If a foreign-controlled company, a Canadian entity in Southern Ontario must be established prior to commencing the program, and all IP developed through the program must be assigned to the Canadian entity.
Who is eligible?
The Hardware Catalyst Initiative is open to innovative growth and scale-stage hardware or enterprise software companies incorporated in Canada. Eligible companies must have been founded within 5 years before the application, earn less than $5M in revenue over the last 12 months, develop novel electronic products like custom semiconductors or silicon-based IP, have customer engagement, and a co-founding team capable of development and acquisition strategies. Additionally, if not located in Southern Ontario, the company must plan to establish a presence there. Companies should also have 99 or fewer employees. Foreign-controlled companies must set up a Canadian entity in Southern Ontario and assign IP developed through the program to this entity."
Eligible expenses
The Hardware Catalyst Initiative supports activities essential for the commercialization of hardware and semiconductor products. Eligible projects focus on product development, IP strategy, and customer engagement.
- Product design and development planning, including collaboration with design and supply chain partners.
- Utilization of ventureLAB's Prototyping & Testing Lab for product refinement.
- Development and execution of an IP identification and strategic protection plan.
- Engagement programs with early adopters to validate customer needs.
- Financial planning to support revenue growth and investment acquisition strategies.
- Talent acquisition planning to support company growth when applicable.
Eligible geographic areas
This grant is available to companies located throughout Canada, with an emphasis on those planning to establish a presence in Southern Ontario. Eligible geographical areas are intended to support regional growth and innovation.
- Companies incorporated in Canada.
- Firms with plans to establish a long-term presence in Southern Ontario, if not already based there.
Eligibility criteria of the Hardware Catalyst Initiative program
The evaluation and selection of projects for the Hardware Catalyst Initiative grant are not explicitly detailed in the provided context.
How to apply to the Hardware Catalyst Initiative program
1
Submit Your Application
Complete the application form available through the ventureLAB website.
2
Initial Review
- Your application will be reviewed by a team of advisors and experts.
- Expect outreach for further details or conversations if needed.
3
Presentation Invitation
If your application passes the initial review, you will be invited to present to a panel for further consideration.
4
Panel Evaluation
Present your case to a panel after submissions close.
5
Notification of Status
You will be notified of your application's status within 6 weeks of submission closure.
6
Bootcamp Participation
- Successful candidates participate in a 2-month Hardware Catalyst Initiative Bootcamp.
- Establish relationships with the ventureLAB team and partners to lay a foundation for the program.
7
Recommendations Provision
ventureLAB will provide recommendations for suitable programs and services for all applicants.
Additional information
Here are additional relevant details for this program:
- The Hardware Catalyst Initiative is offered at no cost to the participating companies and does not require equity.
- The program offers a comprehensive advisory service designed to aid founders in overcoming challenges like limited capital, long lead times, and the lack of technical expertise.
- There is an opportunity for participants to utilize a $11M Hardware Lab and free workspace, with access for up to two representatives per company.
- Participants gain access to a global network of partners and dedicated in-house advisors.
- There is a 2-month Bootcamp for successful candidates to prepare for the full program.
- The ventureLAB facility offers a Prototype & Testing Lab subscription service for non-participants as well.
- ventureLAB provides tailored guidance and builds a network in a growing global community of various industry stakeholders.
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