Need more information on our Acceleration programs? Our FAQs should give you a good overview. Have additional questions?
Q. What does Foresight Canada do?
Foresight Canada is the nation's largest cleantech accelerator, offering an array of tailored programs for ventures across different stages of their startup journey.
We have cohort-based programming (six weeks), workshop styles programs (four weeks), and virtual live events (a few hours) covering specific topics. A few of these programs are free of charge, and a few are offered at a subsidized rate with the help of our funding partners.
Q. Is my company eligible for Foresight's programming?
If you are a Canadian-incorporated venture or are in the process of becoming incorporated, you are eligible to apply for any program Foresight offers.
Please note that most of our programs require you to be a client of the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP) and require endorsement from your Industrial Technology Advisor to participate.
If you are an International venture registered outside of Canada, you are eligible to apply for the Startup Visa program.
Q. What are the various programs within Foresight?
We support climate entrepreneurs from startup, through to commercialization, and industry adoption with:
Five Core Accelerator Programs:
- Kickstart: Product solution fit
- Launch: CEO training
- Deliver: CTO training
- Residency: Continued mentorship support through 1:1 advisory
- Grow: Peer-to-peer roundtable sessions
Our intake process evaluates the right program fit for your business needs. You may choose to take part in other Foresight programs at any stage. Ready to get started? Apply here.
NEXT Streams
These are sector-specific accelerator hubs with several initiatives and programs to build the cleantech ecosystem. Currently, we have six NEXT streams: agriNEXT, waterNEXT, bioNEXT, powerNEXT, buildNEXT, and carbonNEXT. These NEXT streams offer some or all of the following:
- Industry matchmaking events: Connect industry with innovators
- Strategic support programs: 1:1 mentorship support from subject matter/technology experts
- Annual cohorts: Insights into technology needs, end-user and market trends, investor perspectives, and ecosystem opportunities (six weeks)
Elective Programming
We offer free, supplementary programming to support your unique needs. Delivered over four short, interactive sessions, these are delivered approximately three times per year:
- Investor Readiness
- Pilot
- Governance
- Access to Capital
Q. What is the intake process for programs?
After you submit the online application, one of our program managers will schedule:
- STEP 1: An intro call to understand the general fit, including the positive environmental impact, scalability, and coachability
- STEP 2: A 45-minute intake presentation with the intake committee where you present a 15-minute overview of your business followed by a 25-30 minute Q&A to assess which program is best suited for your company
- STEP 3: One of our program managers will follow up within 2-3 business days to provide feedback, program fit, and next steps.
For NEXT cohorts, there is an additional intro call with the NEXT program manager.
Q. What happens after I am accepted?
You will be invited to join the next cohort, a contract will be sent to you, and you will receive a welcome email with all the relevant information.
We have three cohorts every year for Acceleration programs (Spring, Fall, and Winter) and one to two cohorts for each of the NEXT streams.
Q. How do I enroll myself into one of the NEXT streams?
If you would like to join a NEXT stream, please complete the AfA Application Form and ensure you select which of the NEXT streams fits your business. If you are unsure, we can also discuss this on the intro call. Once the intake process is completed, you will be introduced to the respective NEXT program manager through email.
Q. What time commitment do you require from companies?
Each of our cohort-based programs has three main components:
- Online eLearning content consisting of readings, videos, and worksheets (~1-4 hours per week)
- 1:1 mentorship meetings with your EIR (~1 hour per week)
- Live webinar sessions with the cohort (1-1.5 hours per week depending on the program)
Q. How much do your programs cost?
Program fees are CAD $100/month for Kickstart, CAD $200/month for Launch and Deliver, and CAD $500/month for Grow plus applicable taxes.
The NEXT cohorts are free for active ventures in the Acceleration cohorts. Otherwise, program fees are CAD $250 plus applicable taxes.
There may be scholarships available through our funding partners.
Q. Does Foresight take any equity in companies?
No, we do not take any equity in the companies that go through our programs.
Q. Where can I find information on your Executives in Residences (EIRs)?
When companies join our programming, we match them with an Executive in Residence (EIR) based on their business needs and fit in terms of the product/solution they offer.
Q. Do you have any success stories or notable alumni?
Foresight accelerates the growth and impact of cleantech ecosystems across Canada. We have supported over 1,280 ventures through our various programs and accelerated over 500 ventures.
- Here is a list of the companies we have supported.
- Here are several articles highlighting alumni companies.
- Meet the Foresight 50: Foresight 50 shines a spotlight on compelling climate solutions by recognizing Canada’s 50 most investible cleantech ventures.
- Read more articles here.
Q. Can I participate in both Foresight’s Accelerator program and another program at the same time?
Yes, participating in one program does not affect your qualification to participate in another program. However, we do recommend companies be conscious of the time commitments for each program.
Ready to get started? Apply here.
