Startup in residence

Q: How much funding can be received?

Startup in residence Funds up to 250000% of admissible expenses.

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The application deadline for this grant program was July 1, 2025.

Q: Is the Startup in residence a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Startup in residence is a Other Support

Q: Who are the financial supporters of the Startup in residence?

Startup in residence is funded by Desjardins

Q: Who is eligible for the Startup in residence program?

To be eligible for the Startup in residence program, you must: • Operate a business incorporated in Canada • Have at least one co-founder working full time • Have a working prototype of the solution

Q: Where is the Startup in residence available?

The Startup in residence program is available the province of QC.

Q: Are startups eligible for the Startup in residence program?

Yes, startups are eligible to apply for the Startup in residence program.

Last Update: July 22, 2025

QC, Canada

Accelerator for Canadian tech startups with expert-led support

At a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $250,000

Timeline

Open Date : May 20, 2025
Closing date : July 1, 2025

Financing Type

Other Support

Grant and Funding

Expert Advice

Eligible Industries

Finance and insurance
Real estate and rental and leasing
Professional, scientific and technical services
Health care and social assistance

Funds Providers

Unspecified

Program status

Open

Overview

Startup in Residence, powered by Desjardins, supports early-stage Canadian technology startups with high growth potential by providing up to $250,000 in investment and an initial non-dilutive grant of $15,000. The program focuses on advancing innovative solutions in sectors such as fintech, proptech, healthcare, cybersecurity, and impact tech, offering tailored mentorship and resources to accelerate business development and socio-economic impact.

Financing terms and conditions

A non-dilutive grant of $15,000 is awarded to selected startups upon joining the program.
Potential investment of up to $250,000 may be made in participating startups, structured as subordinated debt at a discount and convertible into preferred shares.
For certain calls, the first-place winning team may receive a $25,000 non-dilutive grant; second place, $15,000; and third place, $5,000, in addition to program participation.

Activities funded

Growth and development of early-stage technology startups with high socio-economic impact.
Projects focused on artificial intelligence, proptech (real estate technology), and ESG (environmental, social, and governance) technologies.
Implementation of innovative solutions in financial technology, regulatory technology, computer security, healthcare technology, and real estate technology.
Initiatives aimed at addressing real-world problems through technology-driven solutions.
Projects that leverage mentorship and tailored support to accelerate business growth and market readiness.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 115,000

Launching an AI-powered ESG scoring platform for businesses

$ 99,000

Proptech IoT platform for sustainable residential building management

$ 110,000

Healthcare SaaS enabling real-time teletriage for remote clinics

$ 101,000

Cybersecurity startup offering regulatory compliance automation for SMBs

$ 120,000

Developing fintech tools for newcomers’ financial integration

$ 108,000

Building AI-driven fraud detection for Canadian credit unions

Eligibility

The business must be incorporated in Canada.
The company must have at least a working prototype of its solution.
The project must have the potential to create added value and a positive impact on the social and economic development of communities in Canada.
The business must have raised less than $1 million in dilutive funding.
At least one co-founder must be working full-time for the business.
The founding or management team should demonstrate growth potential and interest in hands-on coaching, with entrepreneurial and IT skills.
The company must be registered to participate according to the rules set by Startup in Residence.

Who is eligible?

Financial technology (FinTech) companies
Real estate technology (PropTech) companies
Regulatory technology (RegTech) companies
Computer security (cybersecurity) companies
Healthcare technology (HealthTech) companies
Impact enterprises with social or environmental objectives
Companies developing technology solutions based on artificial intelligence
Agricultural technology (AgTech) companies

Who is not eligible

Companies not incorporated or headquartered in Canada.
Businesses outside the target technology sectors (such as non-technology-based companies or those not focused on fintech, proptech, regtech, computer security, healthtech, real estate technology, or impact enterprises addressing socio-economic or environmental challenges).

Eligible expenses

Fees for external legal services
Accounting and financial advisory services
Design and branding services
Other external services useful for the feasibility of projects (e.g., consulting, marketing, communication)

Eligible geographic areas

Businesses incorporated in Canada

Selection criteria

Validity and originality of the proposed concept.
Stage of product development.
Analysis of the competitive landscape.
Experience and composition of the project team.
Potential for positive socio-economic impact within Canada.

How to apply

Identify relevant call for applications

Visit the official Startup in Residence website
Review current or upcoming calls for applications and eligibility criteria

Prepare your application file

Check that your company meets the selection criteria
Assemble all necessary documentation (business information, prototype, team details, etc.)

Submit your application

Complete the online application form for the selected call
Submit all required documents through the designated platform

Application review and possible presentation

Your application is reviewed by the selection committee
If pre-selected, you may be invited to present your solution before a panel of experts and investors

Acceptance and program onboarding

If selected, receive confirmation of acceptance into the Startup in Residence program
Begin onboarding and integration with program coordinators

Additional information

The program provides 8 months of personalized guidance, mentorship, and networking opportunities for selected startups.
Access to office space, cloud computing resources, and a dedicated workspace is included for program participants.
Mental health support and ongoing post-program support are available for founders.
There is no cost to participate in the accelerator program.

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Startup in residence Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Startup in residence. 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 Startup in residence?

How much funding can be received?

What expenses are eligible under Startup in residence?

Growth and development of early-stage technology startups with high socio-economic impact. Projects focused on artificial intelligence, proptech (real estate technology), and ESG (environmental, social, and governance) technologies. Implementation of innovative solutions in financial technology, regulatory technology, computer security, healthcare technology, and real estate technology. Initiatives aimed at addressing real-world problems through technology-driven solutions. Projects that leverage mentorship and tailored support to accelerate business growth and market readiness.