Open
Last Update: May 23, 2026
Funding available
$ 500,000
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
MaRS IAF supports early-stage technology companies with capital and hands-on support. The fund invests in Ontario-rooted businesses across software, hardware, and emerging technologies, with first cheques starting at C$50,000 and an average cheque size of C$500,000.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Conduct research and development activities
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 500,000 $
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Information and cultural industries
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
- Building early-stage technology companies
- Developing software, hardware, and emerging technology ventures
- Growing companies from first cheque through seed stage
Documents Needed
- Company website URL, if available
- Company LinkedIn profile URL
- Elevator pitch
- Pitch deck in PDF format
- Basic company and applicant information
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Early-stage technology companies
- Software companies
- Hardware companies
- Emerging technology businesses
Who is not eligible
- Companies with revenues of C$1 million or more since incorporation
Eligible geographic areas
- Ontario
Selection criteria
- Early-stage stage and growth potential
- Technology focus and sector fit
- Ontario-rooted presence
- Business quality as presented in the pitch deck
How to apply
- Step 1: Prepare application
- Gather company and applicant details.
- Prepare a short elevator pitch.
- Prepare a pitch deck in PDF format.
- Step 2: Complete the application form
- Enter company information and applicant details.
- Select the industry sector.
- Indicate the province where the company is based.
- Step 3: Submit the application
- Upload the pitch deck and complete the online form.
- Submit the application through the MaRS IAF application portal.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed by the MaRS IAF team.
- The investment committee provides oversight and approval.
- Investment decisions are made directly by the MaRS IAF team.
- Applicants may choose to share their details with other investors.
Additional information
- The fund is evergreen and continues to deploy capital over time.
- It also provides guidance, networks, and customer access.
- The team includes experienced investors, operators, and builders.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Investment Accelerator Fund Program
What is the Investment Accelerator Fund?
MaRS IAF supports early-stage technology companies with capital and hands-on support. The fund invests in Ontario-rooted businesses across software, hardware, and emerging technologies, with first cheques starting at C$50,000 and an average cheque size of C$500,000.
How much funding can be received?
Investment Accelerator Fund Funds up to $500,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Investment Accelerator Fund program?
To be eligible for the Investment Accelerator Fund program, you must:
Early-stage technology company
Ontario-rooted business
Less than C$1M revenue
What expenses are eligible under Investment Accelerator Fund?
Building early-stage technology companies
Developing software, hardware, and emerging technology ventures
Growing companies from first cheque through seed stage
Who can I contact for more information about the Investment Accelerator Fund?
You can contact MaRS Discovery District.
Where is the Investment Accelerator Fund available?
The Investment Accelerator Fund program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Investment Accelerator Fund a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Investment Accelerator Fund is a Loans and Capital investments