AcceleratorEquity-free

District 3

Montreal, QC, Canada

A university startup incubator that has helped launch 1,200+ companies across tech, health, and sustainability.

Location:
Montreal, QC, Canada
Equity:
Equity-free

What you need to qualify

  • Actively building in or expanding to Quebec.
  • A novel concept with clear potential for real-world application.
  • Innovative use of technology or research where appropriate.
  • Team execution capability, either established or actively being built.
  • Coachability and openness to feedback.
  • A clear connection between your approach and District 3's thematic sectors: biotech, healthcare, high tech and social innovation.
  • Relevant experience to tackle the challenge, and the time commitment to fully participate in the program.
  • Professional working proficiency in English.
  • In-person participation in Quebec is mandatory.

Eligibility

Eligible stages
All stages
Countries
Global, subject to the provider’s eligibility and approval

How to apply

  1. 1

    Pick the program that matches your stage

    District 3 runs Systems Mapping (a 6-week phase of weekly 2.5 hour workshops), Validation (a 12-week intensive covering business model refinement, stakeholder discovery and customer interviews), Launch & Grow (biweekly 1:1 coaching on 90-day sprints, non-dilutive funding navigation, pitch refinement, IP strategy and co-working space), and MentorConnect (monthly 90-minute sessions with three mentors, with no fixed end date).

  2. 2

    Download the application template and draft your answers

    District 3 publishes the full application as a Google Doc in English and in French so you can prepare before filling in the online form.

  3. 3

    Submit the online application form

    District 3 is accepting applications on an on-going basis, so there is no deadline to meet.

  4. 4

    Written review by the Applications Panel

    The panel reviews the written application first.

  5. 5

    Pitch meeting

    Selected teams are invited to a pitch meeting with the panel.

  6. 6

    Decision

    The panel assesses the pitch and notifies you of its decision.

Frequently asked

No. District 3 states We take no equity, and that its programs are free and open to all.

No. District 3 is accepting applications on an on-going basis.

Teams actively building in or expanding to Quebec, with a novel concept that has clear potential for real-world application, an innovative use of technology or research where appropriate, execution capability, coachability, relevant experience, the time to participate, and a clear connection to District 3's sectors: biotech, healthcare, high tech and social innovation.

It depends which one. Systems Mapping is a 6-week phase, Validation is a 12-week intensive, Launch & Grow works in 90-day sprints with biweekly 1:1 coaching, and MentorConnect has no fixed end date.

Yes. Programs require in-person participation in Quebec, and professional working proficiency in English is required. The application template is published in both English and French.

The Applications Panel reviews the written application, selected teams are invited to a pitch meeting, and the panel then assesses and notifies you of its decision.
TechHealthSocial enterprise

Browse more like this: Startup accelerators in Canada

Related programs

We have not been able to confirm a deadline for this one. Check the official page before you start.

Do I qualify?

2 things decide this one. Check yourself against them before you spend time on the form.

Stage
Idea, Pre-seed
Where it runs
Canada. In person, so you need to be able to take part there
What you give up
No equity stated
Deadline
Not confirmed. Check the official page

That is the rulebook. What we cannot show you here is whether your startup clears it, how this ranks against the other programs you qualify for, and what to fix if you do not.

Check what I qualify for

Five questions, about a minute, no account needed.

Last verified against the official page. Report an error

Want these ranked for your startup?

Create a free profile and StartupFlow AI will score every program by fit and explain why each one matches you.

Get matched for free