Startup in residence
Last Update: July 22, 2025
QC, Canada
Accelerator for Canadian tech startups with expert-led support
Startup in residence 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
Grant Providers
- Desjardins
Program status
Open
Overview of the Startup in residence program
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.
Eligible projects & activities
- 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 criteria of the Startup in residence program
- 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
Eligibility criteria of the Startup in residence program
- 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 to the Startup in residence program
1
Identify relevant call for applications
- Visit the official Startup in Residence website
- Review current or upcoming calls for applications and eligibility criteria
2
Prepare your application file
- Check that your company meets the selection criteria
- Assemble all necessary documentation (business information, prototype, team details, etc.)
3
Submit your application
- Complete the online application form for the selected call
- Submit all required documents through the designated platform
4
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
5
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
Grant and FundingOpen
Quebec, Canada
Investment support for feasibility studies in Quebec
Grant and FundingOpen
Quebec, Canada
Supports Canadian AI startups and SMEs focused on value chains
Tax CreditsOpening Soon
Quebec, Canada
Supports innovation and commercialization activities with tax incentives
Tax CreditsOpen
Quebec, Canada
Tax credit for development of a Quebec e-business
Grant and FundingOpening Soon
Quebec, Canada
NovaScience promotes scientific culture and innovation development
Grant and FundingOpen
Quebec, Canada
Boost productivity through targeted technological innovations
Grant and FundingOpen
Quebec, Canada
Financial support to demonstrate electricity saving technology in Quebec
Grant and FundingClosed
Quebec, Canada
NovaScience fund supports creating innovation and commercialization roles
Grant and FundingOpen
Quebec, Canada
Get financial aid to install electric charging stations at your Quebec business
Grant and FundingOpen
Quebec, Canada
Funds for Quebec companies, institutions and municipalities to reduce GHG emissions