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.

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Eligibility Criteria

About The Growth Program

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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.

  • The entrance of a building with a sign that reads 'LAUFT ON-DEMAND WORKSPACE' illuminated at night, with glass walls and a digital display board inside promoting flexible work options.

    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.

  • Two women standing next to a banner promoting Beauty Braids & Beyond. The woman on the left is wearing glasses and a black shirt, smiling for the camera. The woman on the right is wearing a black jacket, also smiling. The banner behind them features a large hand holding a smartphone displaying various hairstyling images, with text about the event and a QR code at the bottom.

    Scale Up Program

    Hands-on support from top universities and colleges in strategic planning, financial modeling, market research, and scaling operations.

  • A man in a dark suit and tie speaking into a microphone, with his right hand raised, during a panel discussion or meeting. A woman in a red blazer is sitting beside him, with her back to the camera.

    Technical Development Tracks (Node)

    Access to partners and toolkits that strengthen product development, financial planning, and go-to-market execution.

  • Group of diverse people standing together holding a large ceremonial check, with a presentation screen behind them that reads 'Award Ceremony'.

    Demo Day & National Recognition

    A professionally produced Demo Day attended by ecosystem leaders, investors, and corporate partners for high-level visibility.

  • A woman holding a microphone and a smartphone, standing in front of a large screen displaying a presentation titled 'Speed Networking' at an indoor event.

    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.

  • A woman with short dark hair and orange earrings talks to a young girl with curly hair at a row of computer monitors at an event or exhibition.

    Expert Procurement Canada - RFP Training!

    Tailored training on finding, bidding, and complying with government contracts and procurement processes.

  • Two men are looking at a smartphone together, one wearing a black hoodie with a blue geometric design and the word "Noble" on it, the other in a gray hoodie. They are in an indoor setting with a colorful artwork on the wall behind them.

    Pathway Partnership: Intellectual Property (IPON)

    Gain support from IP partners to protect and commercialize founders’ innovations.

  • 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

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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.

  • 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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