A non-profit, science-based seed accelerator with in-person milestone sessions, designed to commercialize breakthrough deep-tech ventures.
- Location:
- Toronto, ON, Canada
- Duration:
- 39 weeks
What you need to qualify
- CDL is a global startup program for seed-stage, science-based companies.
- Founders should have a science or technology based venture with potential for significant scale.
- Applicants choose a stream and a location. CDL runs 27 streams and 17 locations across 10 countries.
- Applications are open globally, not restricted to Canada, although CDL's home sites include Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary and Halifax.
- CDL charges no fees and takes no equity.
Eligibility
- Eligible stages
- All stages
- Countries
- Global, subject to the provider’s eligibility and approval
How to apply
- 1
Choose a stream and a location
CDL runs streams including Prime, Artificial Intelligence, Climate, Health, Quantum, Space, Defence, AgriFood, Energy, Oceans, Minerals, Supply Chain and Web3, at sites including Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary, Halifax, Berlin, London, Paris, Milan, Seattle, Melbourne, Doha and Estonia.
- 2
Complete the online application form
The form on the application triage page collects founder first and last name, email, city, country and state or province, company name and website, the streams you are interested in, and how familiar you are with the CDL program.
- 3
Submit before the annual deadline
Applications close on July 24, 2026 at 11:59PM ET was the general deadline for the 2026/27 program. Specialised streams closed earlier: CDL Defence Nurture on May 10, 2026, CDL Defence on June 15, 2026, and CDL Quantum Bootcamp on June 21, 2026.
- 4
Work to eight week objectives if accepted
CDL sets personalized 8-week objectives with each venture, agreed with mentors between sessions, to sharpen strategy and drive execution.