How much funding can be received?

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

grant_single_labels|projects

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$200,000

Vancouver

Development of a high-performance computing chip for AI applications

$150,000

Montreal

Creating innovative medical sensors using advanced microelectronics

$175,000

Edmonton

Developing AI-powered wearables for health monitoring

$120,000

Toronto

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

$150,000

Ottawa

Creating smart agricultural sensors for precision farming

$140,000

Calgary

Creating biodegradable electronics for sustainable tech solutions

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Here are the eligibility criteria for the Hardware Catalyst Initiative grant: 1. The company was founded within 5 years immediately preceding the application. 2. The company earned less than $5M in revenue in the last 12 months. 3. The company is 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. 4. The company has customer engagement that validates the need and demonstrates that the team can attract and work with customers. 5. The company is incorporated in Canada. 6. The company has a CRA business number. 7. The company has 99 or fewer employees. 8. The company has a co-founding team of at least 2 or more capable of product development, customer acquisition, and investment acquisition. 9. If located in Canada but not in Southern Ontario, the company has plans to establish a long-term presence in Southern Ontario. 10. 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 before commencing the program, and all IP developed through the program must be assigned to the Canadian entity. These are the key eligibility criteria for the Hardware Catalyst Initiative grant.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

- Innovative growth and scale-stage hardware companies - Enterprise software companies with some market traction

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

Southern Ontario

grant_single_labels|criteria

- Company 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 the ability to 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, must have 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

grant_single_labels|register

The steps to apply for the ventureLAB's Hardware Catalyst Initiative grant are: 1. Submit your application. 2. Advisors and experts will review your application and reach out for further details or conversations. 3. If your application is under consideration, you will be invited to present to a panel for further evaluation. 4. Panels will convene after the submission closure. 5. All candidates will be notified of their status within 6 weeks of the submission closure date. 6. Successful candidates will participate in a 2-month Hardware Catalyst Initiative Bootcamp to establish relationships with the ventureLAB team and partners and build the foundation for the program. 7. ventureLAB will provide recommendations for other programs and services to all applicants. If you are interested in the grant but missed the application deadline, you can fill out an Expression of Interest form.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

- Applicants should be incorporated in Canada with a CRA business number and have 99 or fewer employees. - The company must have a co-founding team capable of product development, customer acquisition, and investment acquisition. - If located in Canada but not in Southern Ontario, the company should have 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.

grant_single_labels|documents

Hardware Catalyst Initiative

Apply to this program

Hardware Catalyst Initiative: A Premiere Support Program for Canadian Hardware and Semiconductor Startups

The Hardware Catalyst Initiative by ventureLAB is a no-cost, competitive program that provides comprehensive support to Canadian hardware and semiconductor startups, enabling them to scale globally. The initiative offers access to a state-of-the-art $11M Hardware Lab, specialized advisory services, and a global network of industry partners.

Understanding the Hardware Catalyst Initiative: Comprehensive Support for Scaling Canadian Hardware and Semiconductor Startups

The Hardware Catalyst Initiative (HCI), a pioneering program by ventureLAB, stands as a beacon for Canada’s hardware and semiconductor startups aiming to navigate the intricate landscape of product development and commercialization. By focusing on essential pillars such as customer acquisition, product development, intellectual property (IP) building, and talent acquisition, HCI ensures that startups are well-equipped to compete on a global scale. This SEO-optimized article delves deep into the essence of the Hardware Catalyst Initiative, its remarkable benefits, and how eligible Canadian startups can leverage this program to achieve unparalleled growth.

The Hardware Catalyst Initiative: An Overview

Dedicated to delivering impactful support for up to 24 months, the Hardware Catalyst Initiative targets Canadian silicon and hardware enterprises. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by hardware founders, especially the constraints in capital, extended lead times, and limited technical expertise, HCI is designed as a no-cost, no-equity-required program. This structure ensures that nascent companies can access high-end support without compromising their ownership or inflating their budgets.

Key Benefits and Unique Offerings

1. World-Class Hardware Lab

One of the standout offerings of HCI is access to its $11M Hardware Lab, a world-class facility that is crucial for prototyping and testing. Companies can utilize this lab environment, which is operational 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to conduct limitless testing and refining of their prototypes. This aspect alone can significantly reduce the time-to-market for new products.

2. Specialized Advisory Support

HCI’s dedicated in-house advisors play a pivotal role in guiding startups. With expertise spanning product design, supply chain management, IP strategy, customer engagement, financial planning, and talent acquisition, these advisors provide tailored guidance to each participating company. This ensures that startups can navigate their unique challenges effectively.

3. Global Network and Collaboration

Through ventureLAB’s extensive network of over 35 global partners, startups gain exposure to international markets and potential collaborations. This network provides ample opportunities for startups to form strategic alliances, gain market insights, and attract global investors.

4. Tailored Program for Diverse Sectors

HCI’s initiatives cater to a range of sectors, including healthcare technology, connected transportation, automobility, consumer electronics, and telecommunications. This sectoral diversity underscores the program’s adaptability and relevance for various hardware and semiconductor innovations.

Eligibility Criteria and Application Process

To ensure that the most promising startups benefit from HCI, the program implements a stringent eligibility criterion:

Eligibility Requirements

- **Company Age and Revenue**: Companies must have been founded within the last 5 years and earned less than $5M in revenue during the past 12 months. - **Innovation Element**: The company should be involved in developing a novel electronic product featuring advanced components like custom semiconductors, sensors, silicon-based IP, or embedded system hardware. - **Customer Validation**: There must be evidence of customer engagement validating the product's necessity and demonstrating the team’s capability in attracting and working with customers. - **Canadian Incorporation**: The company must be incorporated in Canada, holding a Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA) business number. - **Team and Employment**: The company should have fewer than 100 employees and a capable co-founding team proficient in product development, customer acquisition, and investment sourcing. - **Presence in Southern Ontario**: For companies not originally based in Southern Ontario, there must be plans to establish a long-term presence there. Moreover, if a foreign-controlled entity, it must create a Canadian subsidiary to which all program-developed IP will be assigned.

Application Process

The application process for HCI involves several steps: - **Step 1**: Submit the application through ventureLAB’s online portal. - **Step 2**: A team of advisors reviews the application, followed by potential discussions for further clarification. - **Step 3**: An initial evaluation is conducted, post which successful applicants are invited to present to a dedicated panel. - **Step 4**: Panel presentations are scheduled after the submission deadline. - **Step 5**: Applicants are notified of their status within six weeks post-submission. - **Step 6**: Successful candidates undergo a 2-month HCI Bootcamp, helping them build foundational relationships with ventureLAB’s team and partners while preparing for comprehensive program participation. - **Step 7**: VentureLAB provides recommendations for additional programs and services to all applicants through a detailed portfolio review.

Utilizing the Prototype & Testing Lab

The Hardware Catalyst Initiative also offers a subscription service to its Prototype & Testing Lab for companies that may not be part of the core HCI program. This service allows companies to access the lab’s full functionalities, enabling them to conduct extensive testing and development work without the full program's commitment.

Joining ventureLAB: A Pathway to Success

VentureLAB opens its doors to over 100 ventures annually, each selected based on their potential and alignment with ventureLAB’s strategic focus areas, which include capital raising, talent retention, technology commercialization, IP management, and customer acquisition. Companies accepted into ventureLAB’s ecosystem benefit from a robust support structure, which includes mentorship, networking opportunities, and exposure to a global community of investors and industry experts.

Advisors and Support Network

VentureLAB’s advisor team plays a crucial role in the success of the Hardware Catalyst Initiative. Comprising industry veterans and experts, the advisor team provides invaluable insights and guidance to participating startups. Advisors like Warren Ali, Andrew Haller, Nima Mohtaram, Gregory Ogorek, Bruno Maruzzo, Cameron Rzadki, Marie-Hélène Lamarre, Paul Rivett, and Ravi Gananathan bring a wealth of knowledge and experience, ensuring startups receive well-rounded support.

Staying Informed and Engaged

To stay updated on the latest developments, news, and events related to the Hardware Catalyst Initiative and ventureLAB, interested parties can subscribe to their newsletter. This ensures that startups, investors, and other stakeholders remain informed about the opportunities and advancements within the Canadian hardware and semiconductor ecosystem. To conclude, the Hardware Catalyst Initiative by ventureLAB represents a monumental step in empowering Canadian hardware and semiconductor startups. By providing access to state-of-the-art facilities, specialized advisory support, and a vast global network, HCI ensures that these startups can effectively navigate their growth journey and achieve success in the global marketplace. Interested startups that meet the eligibility criteria should seize this opportunity to scale their innovations and make a lasting impact on the industry.