
Investment Accelerator Fund
Last Update: July 22, 2025
ON, Canada
Seed funding for early-stage technology in Ontario
At a glance
Eligible Funding
- No Condition
Timeline
- Open Date : November 14, 2019
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Expert Advice
Eligible Industries
- Information and cultural industries
Funds Providers
Unspecified
Program status
Open
Overview
If your company is close to commercialization in information technology, health or clean tech, and your addressable market size is $100 million, this capital investment of $500,000 may be for you.
Activities funded
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 500,000
Creating an online platform for mental health services nationwide
$ 500,000
Developing AI-driven health monitoring wearable for chronic disease management
$ 500,000
Implementing a clean tech solution for industrial water purification
$ 500,000
Building a solar-powered smart home prototype to reduce carbon footprint
$ 500,000
Developing a cybersecurity solution for protecting small businesses against cyber threats
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
The MaRS IAF grant is designed for innovative technology companies led by ambitious founders who seek early-stage investment to scale their business operations.
- Founders building breakthrough technology companies.
- Companies with a strong technological innovation component.
- Startups positioned in early investment stages seeking financial growth support.
Eligible expenses
There are eligible expenses for this grant. Qualified expenses may include:
- R&D costs
- Prototype development
- Market validation expenses
- Product testing and validation
Eligible geographic areas
The available information does not specify any geographically eligible areas for companies applying for this grant. Therefore, the geographical eligibility remains unclear based on the provided details and generally known context.
Selection criteria
MaRS IAF has specific evaluation and selection criteria for grant applicants. These criteria are:
- Strength of the founding team
- Market opportunity and potential for growth
- Technology innovation and differentiation
- Business model viability
Additional information
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- MaRS IAF is known for its extensive network, which includes connections with potential customers, academic institutions, and industry experts, offering strategic advantages to the companies it invests in.
- The MaRS IAF investment team consists of seasoned investors, operators, and builders who provide valuable support and guidance to founders, especially in the early stages of their companies' journeys.
- The track record of MaRS IAF includes a high ratio of follow-on funding, which indicates a successful history of attracting further investments post-initial funding.
- Being a part of the MaRS IAF portfolio could increase the visibility and credibility of a startup within the technology investment community.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Investment Accelerator Fund Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Investment Accelerator Fund. 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 Investment Accelerator Fund?
How much funding can be received?
What is the deadline to apply?
Is the Investment Accelerator Fund a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Who are the financial supporters of the Investment Accelerator Fund?
Who is eligible for the Investment Accelerator Fund program?
Who can I contact for more information about the Investment Accelerator Fund?
Where is the Investment Accelerator Fund available?
Are startups eligible for the Investment Accelerator Fund program?

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