NEXT AI: Next Canada's Startup Acceleration and Founder Development Program (2023 Cohort)

1. The AI cohort is open to all Startups developing or has developed products or services that use AI as Startup accelerator.\
2. The AI cohort is open to startups operating outside Canadian businesses.\
3. AI Startups must have received a minimum of $1,000 seed funding in the past 12 months.
   Examples: Seed and Series Around are not required, but seed investment is needed to be eligible for the program.\
4. The startup must have a CEO or co-founder that has been involved with the startup accelerator for at least six months before application.\
5. The company must be incorporated as a Canadian businesses company for the duration of the program (i.e., it does not need to be included at any point).\
6. The startup should demonstrate a clear path towards profitability and growth (i.e., it should not be considered a “startup” solely for tax purposes).\
7. The startup must demonstrate proof of investor traction (i.e., proof that investors have already committed funds) through investor presentations or other means by May 15th, 2018 and
   
   Benefits Of Joining The Program\
8. The AI cohort is a unique time to meet and collaborate with other AI startups worldwide.\
9. The program will provide valuable exposure to numerous Canadian government organizations and federal agencies that may have relevant connections for the startup.\
10. Startups can tap into advisors, business development partners, and mentors already established in the AI ecosystem in Canada (i.e., they are not simply new investors). Examples: Startups can leverage the connections of established investors such as MaRS, Fintech, Entrepreneur First, and others.\
11. This program provides an opportunity to meet and collaborate with some of Canada’s most influential innovators in the AI field (e.g., Omidyar Network, Open Philanthropy Project, Centre for International Governance Innovation).
    
    
    Prize Amount
    
    AI Canada’s AI cohort program is a $100,000 award to the top 3 startups in each cohort. The program will provide essential mentorship and resources to help each startup realize its full potential. Startup Canada will provide mentorship and technical expertise to help each startup develop its product or service. Based on the program’s success, Startup Canada will continue to invest in and support the growth of these startups.
    
    The AI startup Accelerator is a 12-week intensive program for early-stage startups focused on accelerating their growth and development as founders. Each cohort lasts ten weeks and culminates in a Demo Day where founders can meet potential investors and customers from across Canada’s AI ecosystem.
    
    Startup Canada’s AI accelerator offers up to $20,000 cash for each cohort of 20 startups selected from across the country. A selection committee will select the top startups from across all cohorts based on their potential for growth and value to the AI ecosystem.
    
    
    Timeline For Submission And Other Requirements
    
    Selection criteria will include, but not be limited to:
    
    The selection committee will select the top startups for the program based on their potential for growth and value to the AI ecosystem.
    
    The program will accept startups’ applications in all stages of development, but applicants must have a minimum viable product (MVP) ready for Demo Day.
    
    The program is open to all companies based in Canada, regardless of the stage of their development. Startups can apply even if they have previously participated in a program at Startup Canada or other programs sponsored by Startup Canada.
    
    Successful applicants will be selected based on their potential for growth and value to the Canadian AI ecosystem.
    
    Application Procedure
    
    After downloading and submitting the dully filled form, Startup Canada will contact the selected startups to schedule a time and date for a one-on-one interview with the program director.
    
    A selection committee will review all applications for each cohort, including feedback from past cohorts, and select up to 20 startups to participate in the 10-week accelerated growth program. All applicants are notified within two weeks of application submission if they have been selected as a cohort.
    
    
    Conclusion
    
    “Canada’s AI cohort is an opportunity for startups to work with the best minds in our country and be supported by the best mentors and investors in Canada. The program will also provide startups access to resources to help them grow faster.”

Next AI – A NEXT Canada Program