Hardware Catalyst Initiative

Q: How much funding can be received?

There is no informations about how much funding can be received.

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is 2023-08-28T04:00:00Z.

Q: Is the Hardware Catalyst Initiative a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Hardware Catalyst Initiative is a Expert Advice

Q: Who are the financial supporters of the Hardware Catalyst Initiative?

Hardware Catalyst Initiative is funded by ventureLAB

Q: Who is eligible for the Hardware Catalyst Initiative program?

To be eligible for the Hardware Catalyst Initiative program, you must: • Company was founded within 5 years immediately preceding the application. • Company earned less than $5M in revenue in the last 12 months. • Company is incorporated in Canada and has a CRA business number.

Q: Where is the Hardware Catalyst Initiative available?

The Hardware Catalyst Initiative program is available the province of ON.

Q: Are startups eligible for the Hardware Catalyst Initiative program?

Yes, startups are eligible to apply for the Hardware Catalyst Initiative program.

Last Update: July 22, 2025

ON, Canada

Hardware and semiconductor-focused products lab and incubator

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

Funds Providers

Unspecified

Program status

Open

Overview

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.

Activities funded

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

$ 175,000

Developing AI-powered wearables for health monitoring

$ 120,000

Developing a new energy-efficient semiconductor for eco-friendly power management systems

$ 200,000

Development of a high-performance computing chip for AI applications

$ 150,000

Creating smart agricultural sensors for precision farming

$ 140,000

Creating biodegradable electronics for sustainable tech solutions

Eligibility

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.

Selection criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for the Hardware Catalyst Initiative grant are not explicitly detailed in the provided context.

How to apply

Submit Your Application

Complete the application form available through the ventureLAB website.

Initial Review

Your application will be reviewed by a team of advisors and experts.
Expect outreach for further details or conversations if needed.

Presentation Invitation

If your application passes the initial review, you will be invited to present to a panel for further consideration.

Panel Evaluation

Present your case to a panel after submissions close.

Notification of Status

You will be notified of your application's status within 6 weeks of submission closure.

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.

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.

Documents and links

Hardware Catalyst Initiative

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Hardware Catalyst Initiative Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Hardware Catalyst Initiative. 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.