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Source verified July 10, 2026
Zú program — Incubation
Strategic mentoring for MVP-stage companies
Latest source updateLast Update: July 10, 2026Latest change: The Zú Application Portal now shows an incubation initial-form deadline of August 31, 2026, and the FAQ updates the 2026–2027 fee schedule.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: July 10, 2026
Latest change: The Zú Application Portal now shows an incubation initial-form deadline of August 31, 2026, and the FAQ updates the 2026–2027 fee schedule.
Zú incubation deadlines and fees updated
The Zú Application Portal now shows the incubation initial-form deadline as August 31, 2026 and the pre-incubation initial-form deadline as August 31, 2026, both moved from December 31, 2025. The FAQ now shows the 2026–2027 program fee schedule: incubation for Canadian companies registered outside Quebec is $5,500 instead of $5,000, and pre-incubation now lists separate fees of $350, $550, and $850, including a distinct international-company fee.
Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
August 31, 2026
Location
Montréal, Quebec, Canada
Who can apply
Companies offering innovative technology in the creative industries.
See full eligibility
Overview
Zú’s Incubation program supports technology startups in the creative industries that have a minimum viable product and demonstrated traction, through a renewable 12-month program with an annual administrative fee of $3,800 for new incubatees registered in Quebec. Participants receive monthly mentoring, quarterly coaching follow-up, expert consultations, pitch clinics, and access to financing sources.
/100
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
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
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?
- Companies offering innovative technology in the creative industries.
- Companies that have developed a minimum viable product and demonstrated traction.
- Companies not initially based in Quebec may be accepted if they intend to establish operations in Quebec or already contribute to the Quebec economy.
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.
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
- Step 1: Complete the online application form
- Submit the form available on Zú’s application portal.
- The form can be submitted at any time.
- Step 2: Await confirmation
- Zú confirms receipt of the completed application.
- Step 3: Selection review
- The selection committee reviews and sorts applications.
- If selected, you are invited to an interview.
- Step 4: Receive the decision
- Final results are shared after the evaluation cycle.
Processing and Agreement
- The selection committee reviews the applications.
- If selected, you will be invited to an interview.
- Each evaluation cycle takes approximately 3 to 4 weeks.
- Results are shared within 3 to 5 weeks after the application deadline.
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?
Zú’s Incubation program supports technology startups in the creative industries that have a minimum viable product and demonstrated traction, through a renewable 12-month program with an annual administrative fee of $3,800 for new incubatees registered in Quebec. Participants receive monthly mentoring, quarterly coaching follow-up, expert consultations, pitch clinics, and access to financing sources.
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 Expert Advice