Canada

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Canada - Hybrid
Ten weeks
Seed to Series A

Started by you. Accelerated with Google.

A ten-week accelerator program for high potential Seed to Series A tech startups based in Canada.

About the program
Man wearing a Google tshirt talking to a group of people.
Canada - Hybrid
Ten weeks
Seed to Series A

Applications are now closed

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About the program

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About the program

A global series of programs

Each accelerator features a cohort of 10-15 top startups that come together to tackle specific technical challenges that can help grow their businesses through a mix of remote and in-person, 1-to-1, group learning sessions, and sprint projects.

Tailored, expert help

Founders outline the top technical challenges for their startup, and are then paired with relevant experts from both Google and the industry to solve those challenges and grow their business.

Specialist deep dives

In addition to mentorship and technical project support, Google for Startups Accelerators include deep dives and workshops focused on product design, customer acquisition, and leadership development for founders.

Key benefits

  • Equity-free support

    Equity-free support: For duration of program.

  • Mentoring

    Dedicated mentoring from Google teams.

  • Training

    Exclusive invitations to technical bootcamps hosted by Google where offered.

  • Access to experts

    Access to Google's network of industry experts.

  • Google product credits

    Eligible startups receive product credits.

  • Early access

    Access to new Google products and tools as relevant.

  • Strategic support

    Support on company and product strategy.

  • Technical project partnership

    Work hand in hand with experts from Google on your biggest tech challenges.

  • Founder Network

    Connect and learn from fellow founders, and access a peer-to-peer support network.

Entry Criteria

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Entry Criteria

  • Startups demonstrating traction, ideally between Seed and Series A stage
  • Building a scalable product or service with a significant total addressable market and defensible growth model
  • Deeply technical, preferably leveraging technologies like machine learning and AI
  • Commitment from CTO and/or technical roles to participate and engage in required program sessions
  • We are committed to building accelerator classes that are diverse and inclusive, and encourage applications from qualified startups with founders of all backgrounds, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability, veteran status, and geography

Key dates

  • October 1, 2024

    Program Kick-off

  • December, 2024

    Demo Day

  • December, 2024

    Graduation

Accelerator Alumni

Jonathan Christensen, Founder & CEO, Bidmii Jonathan Christensen, Founder & CEO, Bidmii

The difference with the GFS Accelerator program is that mentors become really invested in your problem and they plug in so deeply into your platform, and the exact problem that you’re trying to solve. We got a year's worth of work done in the ten weeks.

Jonathan Christensen Founder & CEO, Bidmii

Frequently asked questions

When will the program run?

Google for Startups Accelerator: Canada will kick-off October 2024. The cohort will consist of 10-15 Canadian-headquartered technology startups.

What is the format of the program?

The accelerator runs for a period of ten weeks with a mix of remote and in-person, 1-to-1, group learning sessions, sprint projects and mentorship. As part of the Google for Startups Accelerator, selected founders outline the top technical challenges facing their startup, and are then paired with relevant experts from Google to help solve those challenges. Participating startups receive deep mentorship on technical challenges with an emphasis on data, machine learning, artificial intelligence, as well as connections to relevant teams from across Google.

Who should apply to Google for Startups Accelerator: Canada?

The accelerator program is best suited for Seed to Series A revenue generating tech startups that are headquartered in Canada. Selected companies should have a minimum of 5+ employees and the founder and appropriate team members must be available to join all program elements of their cohort. In order to ensure Google can provide meaningful value, startups should aim to leverage AI/ML technology in their product, service or operations and/or show an interest in leveraging this technology in the future.

Does the program culminate in any final event - like a pitch competition?

At the end of the program, startups will take part in closing celebrations and Demo Day. Founders will also have the opportunity to share their startup/products with cohort-mates, Google senior leaders, members of our investor mentor network, and other teams around Alphabet. It is mandatory for each startup to participate in Demo Day and respond to audience questions. For inspiration from our 2023 cohort, you can watch their Demo Day here.

Does Google maintain relationships with the founders who participate?

We like to follow the journey of our accelerator alumni. Upon graduation, founders will join our North American Accelerator Alumni Community with continued access to Google experts and programming.

Additionally, a big part of our accelerator programming focuses on helping founders build impactful networks, so Google mentors often continue cultivating relationships with participants after the formal accelerator program wraps. We also tap into alumni for speaking opportunities at Google or otherwise and have also asked them to return the favour and become mentors themselves.

What are the criteria to receive product credits, and what does "eligible for product credits" mean?

Startups must meet specific criteria to be eligible for Google product credit offerings. To learn more about the Google Cloud credit eligibility requirements, please visit the Google Cloud startup page.