INNOVATOR PROGRAM
- 2026 GROWTH
Have you already developed a prototype or MVP and are ready to bring your STEM innovation to market? Our Growth Stream is designed for devoted innovators who are prepared to launch and scale their ventures.
About The Growth Program
This AI & Capital Investment stream is a comprehensive, six-month accelerator designed to equip revenue-generating Black-led STEM ventures with the advanced skills, advisory support, and investment-readiness required to scale globally. Structured across a curated sequence of workshops, coaching sessions, and milestone checkpoints, the program delivers a rigorous, industry-informed pathway that strengthens each founder’s capacity in market expansion, operational excellence, and capital acquisition.
Startups will be actively preparing to raise external capital. Program participants will gain access to over $200,000 in a robust network of tools, resources, and programming which includes coaching, co-working space, subsidized talent, tailored advisory services, curated workshops, and access to STEM facilities across Canada—designed to accelerate commercialization, growth and investor readiness.
Sponsored By
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Why join The Growth Stream?
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Executive in Residence Coaching Support (EiR)
One-on-one mentorship from experienced executives, investors, and domain experts to help refine strategy and navigate growth.
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Co-working Space (LAUFT)
Access to professional co-working spaces across the GTA, fostering collaboration, productivity, and community.
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Partnered STEM Facility
Access to a 178,000 sq. ft. facility and ~100 scientists supporting advanced manufacturing, biotech, textile computing, advanced materials, and more.
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Scale Up Program
Hands-on support from top universities and colleges in strategic planning, financial modeling, market research, and scaling operations.
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Technical Development Tracks (Node)
Access to partners and toolkits that strengthen product development, financial planning, and go-to-market execution.
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Demo Day & National Recognition
A professionally produced Demo Day attended by ecosystem leaders, investors, and corporate partners for high-level visibility.
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Pathway to the Black Innovation Zone (BIZ)
As a founding member, Nobellum connects founders to a national coalition of 20+ Black-led investors and accelerators representing 80% of the Black innovation community.
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Expert Procurement Canada - RFP Training!
Tailored training on finding, bidding, and complying with government contracts and procurement processes.
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Pathway Partnership: Intellectual Property (IPON)
Gain support from IP partners to protect and commercialize founders’ innovations.
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Program Timeline
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Application - Opens
April 1, 2026
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Application Close
May 31, 2026
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Selection Begins
June 1, 2026
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Interview Invitations Sent
June 2, 2026
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Interviews
June 5, 2026
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Selection Emails Sent
June 8, 2026
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Program Officially Begins
June - Nov 2026
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Program End - Virual Demo Day
June 23-24, 2026
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Startup Fest Montreal
July 8 - 10, 2026
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Startup Showcase
August, 2026
Our Impact Statistics
Eligibility Criteria
To be admitted into the Growth Stream – AI & Capital Investment Stream, founders should typically:
1. Black-led or at least one Black Co-Founder
2. Must be in Canada
3. $100K in Revenue and/or Investments
4. Must Operate in a STEM related industry
Program Market Requirements
Have an operating business with early traction
Are post-MVP or revenue-generating
Are exploring fundraising within the next 6–12 months
Need clarity on valuation, capital structure, and investor positioning
Note: This stream is not for idea-stage or exploratory founders.
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Testimonials
Foobric
Founder: Syddonna Brown
Startup: Foobric
Industry: Fashion
Stream Idea
Graduation: 2023
Funding Awards: >$ 4,000
Kiwi-Charge
Founder: Abdel Ali
Startup: Kiwi-Charge
Industry: Solar Power Energy
Stream: Growth
Graduation: 2023
Funding Awards: >$ 8,000
MedMelanin
Founder: Yvonne Osagie
Startup: MedMelanin
Industry: Skin Care Services
Stream: Idea
Graduation: 2023
Funding Awards: >$ 2,000
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