Open
Source verified July 11, 2026
Invest Ottawa Accelerator Program
Growth support for innovative tech startups
Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Overview
IO Accelerator supports Canadian-owned technology startups in the National Capital Region as they build product-market fit and scalable growth. The program provides guidance on product development, finance, sales, marketing, HR, peer groups, and timely market intelligence to help companies advance.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop a new product or service
- Start a business
- Launch or market a product/service
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Ottawa
- Ontario
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- $ 100,000 minimum revenue
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Startups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Accelerating growth for tech startups with early market traction
- Helping companies improve product-market fit
- Supporting access to funding and investors
- Providing market insights and business guidance
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Canadian-owned companies
- Tech startups
- Companies offering innovative hardware or software products
- Companies with a headquarters or at least 1 full-time founder in the National Capital Region
Eligible expenses
- Advisory support and business mentoring
- Access to investor connections and funding guidance
- Desk rental access at Bayview Yards
- Discounts on business software tools
Eligible geographic areas
- National Capital Region
Selection criteria
There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. The criteria include:
- Having developed a minimum viable product (MVP)
- Demonstrating customer traction (revenue or pilots with customers)
- Having less than $2M in annual revenue
- Being ready to invest time in following a high-touch, milestone-driven program
How to apply
- Step 1: Apply online
- Submit the application through the Invest Ottawa application portal.
- Step 2: Program review
- The application is reviewed by the IO Accelerator team.
- Step 3: Join the program
- If selected, the company is accepted into the program and begins working with an Accelerator Advisor.
Additional information
- As of March 31, 2026, the accelerator had supported 99 companies, with $495 million in funding raised and 1,620 jobs created.
- Participants can be connected with angel investors and venture capitalists and get help navigating funding programs.
- The program provides market insights, including sales leads and customer insights.
- Venture Path companies can rent desk space at Bayview Yards and access discounts on business-essential SaaS tools.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Invest Ottawa Accelerator Program Program
What is the Invest Ottawa Accelerator Program?
IO Accelerator supports Canadian-owned technology startups in the National Capital Region as they build product-market fit and scalable growth. The program provides guidance on product development, finance, sales, marketing, HR, peer groups, and timely market intelligence to help companies advance.
Who is eligible for the Invest Ottawa Accelerator Program program?
To be eligible for the Invest Ottawa Accelerator Program program, you must:
Canadian-owned company with a headquarters or at least 1 full-time founder in the National Capital Region
Innovative product-based solution (hardware or software)
At least $100K annual revenue or $1M capital raised to date, plus 40% YoY growth in revenue or headcount
What expenses are eligible under Invest Ottawa Accelerator Program?
Accelerating growth for tech startups with early market traction
Helping companies improve product-market fit
Supporting access to funding and investors
Providing market insights and business guidance
Who can I contact for more information about the Invest Ottawa Accelerator Program?
You can contact Invest Ottawa (IO) by email at mmaltby@investottawa.ca.
Where is the Invest Ottawa Accelerator Program available?
The Invest Ottawa Accelerator Program program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Invest Ottawa Accelerator Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Invest Ottawa Accelerator Program is a Expert Advice
Who are the financial supporters of the Invest Ottawa Accelerator Program?
Invest Ottawa Accelerator Program is funded by Invest Ottawa (IO)