Closed
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Closing date : December 31, 2025
Location
Montréal, Quebec, Canada
Overview
The Incubation program is based on the MIT Venture Mentoring Service method and supports companies with an MVP and demonstrated traction. It offers 12 months of mentoring, workshops, expert consultations, pitch clinics, and access to exclusive financing sources to support growth and commercialization.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop a new product or service
- Reduce environmental footprint
- Access new markets
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Closing date : December 31, 2025
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Information and cultural industries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
Location
- Montréal
- Quebec
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
- 12-month incubation with monthly mentoring sessions.
- Quarterly coaching objectives and follow-up with Zú advisors.
- Workshops, expert consultations, and pitch clinics.
- Business development support and access to open innovation opportunities.
- International support and trade mission participation.
Documents Needed
- Completed application form
- Application video
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Technology startups in the creative industries.
- Companies with an MVP and traction.
- Quebec companies, Canadian companies outside Quebec, and international entrepreneurs.
Eligible expenses
The incubation program eligible for this grant primarily focuses on fostering business growth through mentorship and access to specialized resources. Activities aim to provide strategic decision-making support and tools to enhance commercial success.
- Participation in the Venture Mentoring Service based on the MIT methodology, including monthly group meetings with three mentors.
- Access to workshops and meetings with professional experts in various domains such as legal, tax, and finance.
- Engagement with the National Bank’s Creative Industries Group advisor for personalized business guidance.
- Involvement in monthly pitch clinics to refine presentation and pitching skills.
- Opportunities to participate in innovation challenges and international trade missions.
- Access to exclusive financing sources available to incubated companies.
- Use of meeting and work spaces in the Zú Atrium and participation in Zú events.
Eligible geographic areas
- Quebec
- Other Canadian provinces and territories
- International applicants with plans to establish operations in Quebec or contribute to the Quebec economy
Selection criteria
- Stage of development, including MVP and traction.
- Growth potential and commercialization readiness.
- Fit with the program’s objectives.
- Clarity of strategic goals and business development needs.
How to apply
1
Fill out the registration form
- Fill out the registration form available on the Zú website at any time.
- Make sure to answer the questions you can based on the maturity of your project.
- Attach a presentation video to your application.
- Ensure the security and accessibility of the video, for example by using an unlisted link on YouTube or a password on Vimeo.
2
Submission and confirmation
- Submit the registration form through the Zú website.
- Receive a confirmation of receipt from the Zú team.
3
Evaluation by the selection committee
Your application is being reviewed by the Zú selection committee.
4
Interview (if selected)
If the selection committee decides, you will be invited for an interview.
5
Final results
Receive the final result of your application between 3 to 5 weeks after the application closing date.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed by Zú’s selection committee.
- Selected applicants are invited to an interview.
- Final results are communicated after the evaluation process.
- Each evaluation cycle takes approximately 3 to 4 weeks.
Additional information
- The program is renewable.
- Confidentiality is protected through NDAs signed by participants and the program team.
- Applications are reviewed periodically, 3 to 4 times per year.
- Companies outside Quebec may be accepted if they intend to establish operations in Quebec or already contribute to the Quebec economy.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Zú program — Incubation Program
What is the Zú program — Incubation?
The Incubation program is based on the MIT Venture Mentoring Service method and supports companies with an MVP and demonstrated traction. It offers 12 months of mentoring, workshops, expert consultations, pitch clinics, and access to exclusive financing sources to support growth and commercialization.
Who is eligible for the Zú program — Incubation program?
To be eligible for the Zú program — Incubation program, you must:
Minimum viable product
Demonstrated traction
Commercialization and growth goals
What expenses are eligible under Zú program — Incubation?
12-month incubation with monthly mentoring sessions.
Quarterly coaching objectives and follow-up with Zú advisors.
Workshops, expert consultations, and pitch clinics.
Business development support and access to open innovation opportunities.
International support and trade mission participation.
Where is the Zú program — Incubation available?
The Zú program — Incubation program is available Montréal, Quebec.
Is the Zú program — Incubation a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Zú program — Incubation is a Partnering and Collaboration