Startup Accelerators

Canada’s 100 Top Accelerators, Incubators, and Programs 2025
Canada Top Startup Programs List 2025 Edition

Canada’s 100 Top Accelerators, Incubators, and Programs 2025

Canada Top Startup Programs List 2025 Edition

There’s no doubt it’s been a challenging year economically in Canada. Startups and small businesses truly hold the key to innovation and creating new opportunities.

With unemployment rate hitting new heights, entrepreneurship and self-employment will explode in Canada in the coming year. We need to create a thriving ecosystem that truly supports venture creation in Canada. This includes funding opportunities, better economic policy, and entrepreneur-led programs.

Founders must navigate the ecosystem and find the right programs and resources to build, grow, and scale. After months of development, we are delighted to announce the Top 100 Accelerators, Incubators, and Programs 2025 for entrepreneurs, founders, and innovators in Canada. This annual report highlights the top programs founders can leverage to get the support they need to build new businesses in Canada. Some of the factors, such as alumni success, funding, level of support, founder-led networks, and entrepreneurs’ feedback, have been considered. This updated list includes accelerators, incubators, and venture studios.

A huge thank-you to our members, community, and partners who made this coverage possible.

For partnership opportunities get in touch. Join the largest community for entrepreneurs, startup accelerators, and incubators.

Ranking Startup Program
1 Community Safety and Wellness Accelerator
2 Innovation Factory
3 Next Canada
4 Google for Startups Canada
5 University of Waterloo Velocity Incubator
6 Highline Beta
7 OneEleven
8 DMZ Tech Incubator
9 Alberta Accelerator 500 Global
10 Communitech
11 Dobson McGill University
12 Health Innovation Hub @UAlberta
13 Launch Academy
14 Creative Destruction Lab
15 Venture Canada
16 Founder Fuel
17 Y Space
18 Antler Canada
19 University of Toronto Entrepreneurship
20 Applied Pharmaceutical Innovation
21 Entrepreneurship at UBC
22 Accelerator Center
23 Treefrog Accelerator
24 L-spark
25 Intuit Prosperity Accelerator
26 Forum Ventures Toronto
27 EDGE Sheridan College
28 Reach Canada
29 TandemLaunch
30 IDEA Mississauga
31 Hatchery Incubator University of Toronto
32 Longo Centre for Entrepreneurship
33 YEDI Incubator
34 Dunin-Deshpande Queen's Innovation Centre
35 ICUBE Incubator
36 Invest Ottawa
37 Western Accelerator
38 Platform Calgary
39 HATCH ventures
40 Y2 Labs
41 Launch Lab
42 Edmonton Unlimited
43 Health Innovation Hub
44 Climate Ventures
45 Centre for Integrated Transportation and Mobility
46 Alacrity Canada
47 The BRIDGE University of Toronto
48 Laurier StartUp Lab
49 Synapse Consortium
50 eCommerce North
51 Fashion Zone
52 Women+ Entrepreneur Incubator Elevate
53 Biomedical Zone
54 John Wood Centre for Business and Student Enterprise
55 JLABS Toronto
56 Venture Labs
57 eHUB Entrepreneurship Centre
58 Volta
59 Alberta Innovates
60 Toronto Fashion Incubator
61 The Knowledge Society
62 SpinUp
63 MaRS Discovery District
64 Altitude Accelerator
65 Computer Science Innovation Lab UofT
66 MTLab
67 Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst
68 Laurier Women Entrepreneurship Centre
69 Innovation Hub at Carleton University
70 Lassonde School of Engineering BEST Program
71 Bioenterprise Canada
72 District 3 Innovation
73 startGBC
74 Legal Innovation Zone
75 Toronto Business Development Centre
76 The Hub University of Toronto
77 Bhive
78 Plug and Play Tech Center Toronto
79 Science Discovery Zone
80 GreenHouse
81 Black Founders Network
82 GENIAL York University
83 Holt Xchange
84 InnovED
85 Imagination Catalyst Incubator
86 Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre at Algonquin College
87 Futurpreneur
88 Station FinTech Montreal Accelerator
89 Co.Labs
90 League of Innovators
91 MC2 Capital
92 Spring Activator
93 Social Venture Zone
94 The Forum
95 Transmedia Zone
96 Startup Calgary
97 New Ventures BC
98 Global Startups
99 Brampton Venture Zone
100 Ideas Inc
101 Foresight Canada
102 Brampton Entrepreneur Centre
103 Parkdale Centre for Innovation
104 Centre for Entrepreneurship University of Toronto
105 Canada’s Tech Network
106 Digital Media and Gaming Incubator
107 Startup Garage
108 Lazaridis ScaleUp
109 Clean Energy Zone
110 ideaHUB
111 Halton Region Small Business Centre
112 Centech
113 TechAlliance
114 CEED
115 LiftOff
116 Design Fabrication Zone
117 The Forge
118 Innovation Boost Zone
119 La Piscine MTL
120 Canada's Music Incubator
121 ACCEL Centennial College
122 Artscape Daniels Launchpad
123 Shad Canada
124 Canadian Technology Accelerators
125 Le Pont Quebec
126 LabaseHEC Montreal
127 C100
128 North Forge

1. Community Safety & Wellness Accelerator Powered by AlchemistX

Alberta’s tech ecosystem is on the rise. The Community Safety & Wellness Accelerator (CSW) is a first-of-its-kind accelerator focused on addressing the social and safety challenges facing our communities. Currently in cohort 6 the program and the cohort will be graduating with a global delegation trip to Silicon Valley in April. The CSW Accelerator is part of the Alberta Innovates Scaleup and Growth Accelerator Program which helps businesses scale, grow and contribute to a thriving innovation ecosystem in Alberta.

2. Innovation Factory  

Innovation Factory runs number of programs for entrepreneurs, innovators, and tech leaders in city of Hamilton and recently with the merge of Haltech supporting entrepreneurs in the Halton region. One of the top programs include Innovation Factor’s annual startup competition called LiONS LAIR is known for a spot where many startups get a head start. The competition features a gala for entpreneurs and community to network.

3. Next Canada

With the recent funding round, Next Canada’s program is geared towards fuelling more young entrepreneurs into creating their own opportunities.

4. Google for Startups Canada

Google is renowned for its DNA in innovation, consistently pushing boundaries in technology and user experience. Among its many initiatives, this program stands out as one of the top online platforms, offering exceptional resources and opportunities to its users worldwide.

5. University of Waterloo Velocity 

University Waterloo is a hot spot for Canada’s top technical talent. The Velocity delivers offers numbers of programs for Uwaterloo students and alumni that are looking to build the next big thing.

6. Highline Beta

Highline Beta is a leading venture studio based in Canada, renowned for its innovative approach to building and scaling startups. By bridging the gap between corporations and the startup ecosystem, Highline Beta helps entrepreneurs turn their ideas into viable businesses while also enabling corporations to accelerate their innovation strategies.

7. OneEleven

OneEleven is one of the fastest-growing tech communities in Toronto, known for its strong focus on scaling high-growth startups. Over the years, it has become a central hub for entrepreneurs and innovators in the tech space, offering a variety of services designed to support the development of startups at every stage. Since its shake-up in 2020, the program has undergone a rapid transformation, adapting to the changing needs of the startup ecosystem.

8. DMZ Tech Incubator

The DMZ is one of the growing tech hubs in Toronto, renowned for its dynamic ecosystem that fosters innovation and entrepreneurship. Located at Toronto Metropolitan, the DMZ provides startups with access to resources, mentorship, and funding opportunities, helping early-stage companies succeed.

9. Alberta Accelerator 500 Global

Alberta Accelerator 500 Global (A500 Global) is a notable startup accelerator program based in Alberta, Canada, designed to support and scale high-potential early-stage companies. This initiative is a key player in Canada’s burgeoning startup ecosystem, offering entrepreneurs a combination of mentorship, funding, and networking opportunities to help them navigate the growth and development of their businesses.

10. Communitech 

Waterloo continues to be the hot spot for startups. Communitech is Waterloo’s innovation community. The Fierce Founder program for women and female founders has had a significant traction over the years to creating women-led companies in Ontario and Canada.

If you enjoyed this coverage, you will love our tech community to connect with founders and tech leaders.

About the Author

Eric RafatEric Rafat is a passionate founder with expertise in startups, building high-performing teams, and growth marketing. He is a top ranked tennis player and always up for a conversation about startups and tech. Connect with Eric here.

 

1920 1280 CofoundersBeta
Top Fintech Startup Accelerators, Incubators and Programs
Top fintech startup accelerators and incubators

Top Fintech Startup Accelerators, Incubators and Programs

Top fintech startup accelerators and incubators

Building a fintech startup is radically different from any other venture. Some of the challenges founders have to deal with include regulations and compliance, as well as monetization. If you’re building a fintech company, check out some of the top resources specifically designed for fintech startups:

1. Fintech Sandbox

Fintech Sandbox provides free access to critical data and resources to entrepreneurs around the world through our Data Access Residency, enabling them to build and scale their early-stage fintech products.

2. Boston Fintech Week

Boston Fintech Week brings you industry leaders in fintech and the opportunity to make meaningful connections with the innovators, regulators, and investors building the future of financial services.

3. Fintech Cadence

Fintech Cadence is known as Canada’s Fintech Hub. They specifically focus on education, supporting fintech startups and collaborating with FIs.

4. Fintech Innovation Lab

Fintech Innovation Lab focuses on accelerating fintech startups globally. It is co-founded by the Partnership Fund for New York City & Accenture. Fintech Innovation Lab has 270 companies with $2.7B raised. It has office in New York, London, and Asia Pacific.

5. Canada Fintech Forum

Canada Fintech Forum organizes annual conference for the fintech industry.

6. DCU Fintech Innovation Centre

DCU Fintech Innovation Centre, this is in partnership with MassChallenge to support innovation in financial and technological advances in fraud prevention, cyber security, AI applications, financial product development and consumer experiences.

7. Plug and Play fintech Sunnyvale

Plug and Play fintech startup accelerator has a specific program out of Sunnyvale in California for fintech companies.

As you navigate the process of building a fintech company, surround yourself with a community and networks that will open doors for your startup in the near future.

800 533 CofoundersBeta
Top 100 Startup Accelerators and Incubators Globally for Founders
Top 100 Startup Accelerators and Incubators List

Top 100 Startup Accelerators and Incubators Globally for Founders

Top 100 Startup Accelerators and Incubators List
Going global is the key for startup founders from the very beginning. Oftentimes, this involves expanding beyond the local geographical location in which the startup operates. Founders have to navigate the global startup ecosystem to find those opportunities to continue to grow. This include opportunities for finding paying customers, funding, and also talent. 

In this post, we are beyond thrilled to bring you the top startup accelerators and incubators global list. This list contains the top programs in major cities across the globe. Some programs accept founders from around the world, while others are localized to their specific locations. Check out the full list below.

For partnership opportunities, join the largest community for entrepreneurs, startup accelerators, and incubators.

Join the Community

106 Polsky Institute
105 Starta
104 Greylock Edge
103 The Mint
102 Surge
101 L-spark
100 Starburst Aerospace
99 AWS accelerators
98 Dunin-Deshpande Queen's Innovation Centre
97 South Park Commons
96 Venture Out
95 Edge Sheridan College
94 Pioneer Square Labs
93 Huckletree
92 Y Space
91 Dogpatch Labs
90 Accelerator Center
89 Enterprise Ireland
88 Startup Lighthouse
87 Astro Labs
86 1871 accelerator
85 Bunker Labs
84 Cogo Labs
83 MIT delta v
82 IDEO CoLab Ventures
81 Factory Berlin
80 Grace
79 Reach
78 VentureVilla Accelerator
77 REAKTOR
76 Berlin Startup School
75 SIBB Deep Tech Accelerator
74 Austin Technology Incubator
73 Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship
72 TechRanch
71 Intuit Prosperity Accelerator
70 SKU
69 Alliance
68 Platform Calgary
67 Communitech
66 50 Partners
65 Built in Miami
64 Paris&Co
63 Innovation Factory
62 Launch Academy
61 Hax
60 TandemLaunch
59 Wilco
58 EvoNexus
57 Founder Friendly Labs
56 Next Canada
55 Founder University
54 StartX
53 Pioneer
52 Agoranov
51 MedTech Innovator
50 Endeavor
49 Highline Beta
48 Launch Lab
47 Creative Destruction Lab
46 Tech LabsMIT delta v
45 Boomtown Accelerators
44 Dobson McGill University
43 FoundersSpace
42 HATCH ventures
41 Plug and Play Tech Center
40 Founder Fuel
39 DMZ Tech Incubator
38 MuckerLab
37 TechNation
36 University of Toronto Entrepreneurship
35 Draper Startup House Accelerator
34 Built in Miami
33 Menlo Labs
32 Expa
31 Visible Hand Accelerator
30 43North
29 Catalyze CU
28 Idea: Northeastern University's Venture Accelerator
27 University of Toronto Entrepreneurship
26 Visible Hand Accelerator
25 University of Waterloo Velocity Incubator
24 Founders, Inc
23 YUE Accelerator
22 Indie Bio
21 Texas Venture Labs
20 MassChallenge
19 Expa
18 Launch Accelerator
17 Life Changing Labs Accelerator
16 Forum Ventures
15 Miracleplus
14 King’s20 Accelerator
13 Antler Global
12 Techstars
11 Hardvard Innovation Labs
10 Founders Factory
9 Capital Factory
8 Google for Startups
7 On Deck
6 Entrepreneurs Round Table Accelerator
5 Entrepreneur First
4 AnglePad
3 Alchemist Accelerator
2 500 Global
1 Y Combinator

10. Founders Factory

Founders Factory builds and funds startups together with exceptional entrepreneurs and the world’s leading companies.

Lean More

9. Capital Factory

Capital Factory is the place to be for entrepreneurs in Texas.

Lean More

8. Google for Startups

Google for Startups runs a number of program for early-stage technology ventures. Some are delivered virtually for founders.

Learn More

7. On Deck

On Deck is one of the few programs that is equity-free for founders. On Deck has a great network in San Francisco for founders to get connected. For the complete list of equity-free startup accelerator and incubators check it out here.

Learn More

6. Entrepreneurs Round Table Accelerator

Entrepreneurs Round Table Accelerator is an early stage fund and technology accelerator located in New York City that runs two, four month programs per year.

Learn More

5. Entrepreneur First

Entrepreneur First is based out of UK with international presence that supports early-stage startups to scale globally.

Learn More

4. AnglePad

AngelPad is a seed-stage accelerator program based in NYC and San Francisco. AngelPad companies raised over $2.2 Billion in funding

Learn More

3. Alchemist Accelerator

Alchemist is a US-based accelerator that is focused on accelerating the development of early-stage ventures that monetize from enterprises.

Learn More

2. 500 Global

500 Global started in Mountain View, California, in 2011. Today, it runs one of the most international programs out there. One of the most notable investments includes Canva.

Learn More

1. Y Combinator

Y Combinator was the very fist startup accelerator in the world. It was founded by Paul Graham. The scale and reach of Y Combinator is truly global. Some notable companies include Airbnb, DropBox, and many more. Y Combinator has funded over 4,000 startups globally.

Learn More

About the Author

Eric Rafat is a passionate founder with expertise in startups, building high-performing teams, and growth marketing. He is a top ranked tennis player and always up for a conversation about startups and tech. Connect with Eric here.

940 788 CofoundersBeta
Top 100 Startup Accelerators, Incubators, and Programs in Canada
Startup Accelerators and Incubators Canada

Top 100 Startup Accelerators, Incubators, and Programs in Canada

Startup Accelerators and Incubators Canada

Canada has incredible potential for innovation, yet it remains largely untapped. Navigating the ecosystem can be a challenge for entrepreneurs in Canada, especially when it comes to fundraising. Early access to capital and a supportive culture can significantly aid in transforming more startups into scale-ups and tech giants.

After months of development, we are delighted to unveil the Top 100 Accelerators, Incubators, and Programs for entrepreneurs, founders, and innovators in Canada. This comprehensive list aims to facilitate and guide those navigating the entrepreneurial landscape in the country.

For partnership opportunities, join the largest community for entrepreneurs, startup accelerators, and incubators.

Join the Community

Ranking Startup Program
1 Google for Startups Canada
2 University of Waterloo Velocity Incubator
3 University of Toronto Entrepreneurship
4 Next Canada
5 Communitech
6 Y Space
7 Innovation Factory
8 Venture for Canada
9 Launch Academy
10 Highline Beta
11 Creative Destruction Lab
12 DMZ Tech Incubator
13 Alberta Accelerator 500 Global
14 Founder Fuel
15 Dobson McGill University
16 TELUS Community Safety and Wellness Accelerator
17 Accelerator Centre
18 L-spark
19 Intuit Prosperity Accelerator
20 Idea Mississauga
21 Forum Ventures Toronto
22 EDGE Sheridan College
23 Reach Canada
24 TandemLaunch
25 Treefrog Accelerator
26 Hatchery Incubator University of Toronto
27 YEDI Incubator
28 ICUBE Incubator
29 Entrepreneurship at UBC
30 UTEST
31 Invest Ottawa
32 Platform Calgary
33 HATCH ventures
34 Y2 Labs
35 Medical Innovation Xchange
36 VentureLAB
37 Volta
38 Centre for Entrepreneurship University of Toronto
39 MaRS Discovery District
40 UTEST
41 Longo Centre for Entrepreneurship
42 Antler Canada
43 Co.Labs
44 Dunin-Deshpande Queen's Innovation Centre
45 Venture Labs
46 Lazaridis ScaleUp
47 Launch Lab
48 OneEleven
49 League of Innovators
50 Altitude Accelerator
51 The Knowelge Society
52 New Ventures BC
53 Haltech
54 Foresight Canada
55 The Hub University of Toronto
56 Seneca HELIX
57 Launch Lab
58 MTLab
59 startGBC
60 Health Innovation Hub @UAlberta
61 ELLA Accelerator for Women Entrepreneurs
62 District 3 Innovation
63 Imagination Catalyst Incubator
64 Plug and Play Tech Center Toronto
65 Startup Garage
66 Western Accelerator
67 TechAlliance
68 JLABS Toronto
69 Imagination Catalyst Incubator
70 Alacrity Canada
71 Toronto Business Development Centre
72 BC Tech Association
73 Futurpreneur
74 Ontario Centre of Innovation
75 Parkdale Centre for Innovation
76 Computer Science Innovation Lab UofT
77 Laurier StartUp Lab
78 Holt Xchange
79 Biomedical Zone
80 Social Venture Zone
81 Legal Innovation Zone
82 SpinUp
83 Innovate BC
84 BC Tech Association
85 Women+ Entrepreneur Incubator Elevate
86 eHUB Entrepreneurship Centre
87 Lassonde School of Engineering BEST Program
88 Science Discovery Zone
89 Bioenterprise Canada
90 InnovED
91 The BRIDGE University of Toronto
92 Startup Garage
93 GENIAL York University
94 Transmedia Zone
95 RBC Women in Cleantech Accelerator
96 Clean Energy Zone
97 Fashion Zone
98 Digital Media and Gaming Incubator
99 Black Entrepreneurship Alliance
100 MC2 Capital
101 SpinUp
102 Centre for Integrated Transportation and Mobility
103 Synapse Consortium
104 Brampton Entrepreneur Centre
105 Innovation Hub at Carleton University
106 Brampton Venture Zone
107 Bhive
108 Halton Region Small Business Centre
109 LatAm Startups
110 Spring Activator
111 Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre at Algonquin College
112 Alberta Innovates
113 Laurier Women Entrepreneurship Centre
114 GreenHouse
115 The Forum
116 HATCH ventures
117 Canada's Tech Network
118 John Wood Centre for Business and Student Enterprise
119 Station FinTech Montreal Accelerator
120 Edmonton Unlimited
121 Alacrity Canada
122 Black Founders Network
123 Climate Ventures
124 ideaHUB
125 Startup Calgary
126 Ideas Inc
127 Opus University of Saskatchewan
128 Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst
129 Techstars Toronto
130 CEED
131 Le Pont Quebec
132 FoundHers
133 Le Pont Quebec
134 The Forge
135 Centech
136 LabaseHEC Montreal
137 La Piscine MTL
138 Canadian Technology Accelerators
139 Innovation Boost Zone
140 ACCEL Centennial College
141 Black Founders Network
142 Shad Canada
143 Grebel Peace Incubator
144 Toronto Business Development Centre
145 eCommerce North
146 Toronto Fashion Incubator
147 Canada's Music Incubator
148 Design Fabrication Zone
149 Full Motion Accelerator
150 Artscape Daniels Launchpad
151 LiftOff
152 C100
153 Canada-India Acceleration Program

1. Google for Startups Canada

Google is known for its innovation DNA across the globe. Google for Startups Canada delivers an accelerator for Canadian startups in a 10-week program equity-free program. This program is delivered virtually.

Learn More

2. University of Waterloo Velocity Incubator

University Waterloo is a hot spot for Canada’s top technical talent. The Velocity delivers offers numbers of programs for Uwaterloo students and alumni that are looking to build the next big thing.

Learn More

3. University of Toronto Entrepreneurship

The Entrepreneurship at UofT has been developing a large ecosystem to support entrepreneurs from UofT. These include accelerators, incubators, and research programs to commercialize new innovations.

Learn More

4. Next Canada

Next Canada offers three programs for startups including one specifically on AI startups. Next Canada is founded by some of Canada’s top business leaders.

Learn More

5. Communitech

Communitech is Waterloo’s innovation community. The Fierce Founder program for women and female founders has had a significant traction over the years to creating women-led companies in Ontario and Canada.

Learn More

6. Y Space

Y space is one of rising accelerator programs in Canada at York University located in Markham.

Learn More

7. Innovation Factory

Innovation Factory runs number of programs for entrepreneurs, innovators, and tech leaders in city of Hamilton. Innovation Factor’s annual startup competition called LiONS LAIR is known for a spot where many startups get a head start.

Learn More

8. Venture for Canada

Venture for Canada is ideal for students and young leaders, interested in exploring about tech and startups. Venture for Canada connect top talent from universities to some of the fastest growing startups.

Learn More

9. Launch Academy

Launch is one of Vancouver’s top premier startup accelerator helping Canadian tech at every stage.

Lean More

10. Highline Beta

Highline Beta runs number of innovative startup programs and corporate innovation partnership to bring new ideas forward.

Lean More

If you enjoyed this coverage, you will love our entrepreneurs community. Check our community here.

About the Author

Eric Rafat is a passionate founder with expertise in startups, building high-performing teams, and growth marketing. He is a top ranked tennis player and always up for a conversation about startups and tech. Connect with Eric here.

800 533 CofoundersBeta