Open
Last Update: April 9, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Open Date : February 5, 2024
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
Hardware Catalyst Initiative supports Canadian hardware and semiconductor companies with no-cost, no-equity incubation. It focuses on product development, IP strategy, customer engagement, and growth planning, with access to expert advisors and technical resources.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Attract or retain talent
- Develop a new product or service
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Open Date : February 5, 2024
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Manufacturing
- Professional, scientific and technical services
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Startups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Product design and development support.
- IP identification and strategic protection planning.
- Customer engagement with early adopters.
- Financial planning and investor readiness support.
- Talent acquisition planning where needed.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Hardware companies.
- Semiconductor companies.
- Canadian startups and scale-ups.
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
Additional information
- The program is offered at no cost.
- No equity is required from participating companies.
- Selected companies may receive access to EDA and CAD tools.
- The program supports companies for up to 24 months.
Documents and links
Contacts
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.
What is the Hardware Catalyst Initiative?
Hardware Catalyst Initiative supports Canadian hardware and semiconductor companies with no-cost, no-equity incubation. It focuses on product development, IP strategy, customer engagement, and growth planning, with access to expert advisors and technical resources.
Who is eligible for the Hardware Catalyst Initiative program?
To be eligible for the Hardware Catalyst Initiative program, you must:
Canadian hardware or semiconductor company.
Eligible company accepted by ventureLAB.
Project focused on growth and development.
What expenses are eligible under Hardware Catalyst Initiative?
Product design and development support.
IP identification and strategic protection planning.
Customer engagement with early adopters.
Financial planning and investor readiness support.
Talent acquisition planning where needed.
Who can I contact for more information about the Hardware Catalyst Initiative?
You can contact ventureLAB by email at hello@venturelab.ca or by phone at 905-248-2727.
Where is the Hardware Catalyst Initiative available?
The Hardware Catalyst Initiative program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Hardware Catalyst Initiative a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Hardware Catalyst Initiative is a Other Support
Who are the financial supporters of the Hardware Catalyst Initiative?
Hardware Catalyst Initiative is funded by ventureLAB