Global Incubator Programme: Canada - Advanced Manufacturing

To apply for this programme you must:

• Be a UK based company
• Be a business with fewer than 250 employees
• Have a focus on Manufacturing Technologies

The three stages of the programme are as follows:

Prepare

A two-day preparation workshop delivered to the entire cohort in the UK. You will be allocated an Innovate UK innovation and growth specialist to work with in the UK who will work with you on your strategic action plan for the programme. You will receive an overview of the innovation and sector landscape of the country’s market, a full briefing on the programme and working with the incubator, and support to better present your business and the value proposition.

Pursue

This 4-6 months stage of the programme is about working with the incubator.  A typical programme will see a visit to the market at the beginning, providing the opportunity to consider technology and market fit, preliminary customer validation and an introduction to ecosystem players.  This will be followed by regular (weekly or fortnightly) virtual sessions with the incubator team, mentors, and experts, to do a deep dive into understanding what it takes to be successful in accessing the market.  The final part is a second visit to the market, including a demo day to showcase the achievements of the cohort, continuing to raise the profile and make connections for the businesses involved.

Exploit

Work with your innovation & growth specialist to continue to exploit the programme, building on all the connections, knowledge, and expertise gained.  You should now be in a much better position with the necessary understanding and networks to accelerate your global growth and scaling journey.

• Advisory support: Guidance from sector experts and experienced entrepreneurs in Canada.
• Connections to capital: Introductions to VCs and corporates looking to invest in new ventures.
• Connections to talent: Support with finding and recruiting skilled workers from Canada and the world.
• Data and insights: Tailored market analysis of the latest industry trends and the insights needed to gain an edge.
• Tools and services: Webinars, information sessions, peer-to-peer guidance, and access to marketing and communication expertise.
• Access and introductions: Connections to North American-based customers and partners.
• Professional network: Participate in a vibrant community of Advanced Manufacturing entrepreneurs and industry professionals.
• PR and creative services: Access the MaRS PR Accelerator to help build your brand presence in North America.
• Exploit the opportunity: One-to-one support from an Innovate UK innovation and growth specialist to take advantage of the opportunities identified.

Canada is ranked among the top four start-up ecosystems globally and is the number one destination for entrepreneurs.

MaRS is North America’s largest urban innovation hub. A registered non-profit, MaRS supports high-growth start-ups and scale-ups tackling key issues in health, cleantech, and other sectors.

In addition, MaRS convenes all members of the tech ecosystem to drive breakthrough discoveries, grow the economy and make an impact by solving real problems for real people.

From high-growth start-ups to scaleups, MaRS tech founders grow their companies and create meaningful innovation. MaRS works with 1,400 companies across Canada, turning breakthrough ideas into products and services with global impact.

In 2020 alone, MaRS supported ventures to raise $2.4 billion collectively, while generating $1.5 billion in revenue.

Register for the application briefing event on 23rd April here.

Applications close: 28th June 2024

Shortlist Interviews: 16th and 17th July 2024

First market visit: 19th – 26th October 2024

Second market visit: 15th – 22nd March 2025