Global Founders Welcome: Discover ventureLAB’s Start-Up Visa Program

Canada is rapidly establishing itself as a global innovation hub, providing plentiful opportunities for tech companies aiming to expand. The ventureLAB's Canada Catalyst: Start-Up Visa Program specifically caters to international entrepreneurs who seek to create scalable businesses in Canada. This nine-month, in-person initiative is particularly focused on tech companies in hardware or enterprise software solutions, especially those involved in the DeepTech sector. The program offers expert guidance, a rich tech ecosystem, and a potential path to permanent residency, aimed at facilitating the establishment and growth of startups in Canada.

Participants benefit from a comprehensive suite of resources, market insights, and a network designed to ensure their success in the Canadian market. Before even arriving in Canada, founders receive virtual support to help prepare their businesses for a smooth market entry. Once in Canada, they gain access to ventureLAB's Innovation Space, which features cutting-edge facilities valued at over $12 million, including specialized labs for hardware engineering, MedTech, and AI applications. The program also offers expert-led workshops covering Canadian business practices and exclusive benefits worth more than $500,000.

Networking plays a crucial role in the Canada Catalyst program, facilitating connections between founders and essential stakeholders in the Canadian tech ecosystem, including public and private partners and research institutions. Participants also receive assistance in developing a talent acquisition strategy to recruit local talent and navigate immigration pathways like the Start-up Visa. Moreover, the program connects founders to key research and development resources, including government innovation programs and relevant tax credits that can bolster their growth.

To support market expansion and business development, participants receive personalized advisory services addressing critical areas like product development, go-to-market strategies, and customer engagement. Experts within the program further assist startups in refining their intellectual property strategies to ensure protection within Canada, as well as providing investment readiness support to enhance funding opportunities. Testimonials from previous participants highlight the program's significant impact on their growth trajectories, with founders noting how the program facilitated vital industry connections and market understanding.

The total cost for the Canada Catalyst: Start-Up Visa Program is CAD $75,000, divided into two payments: CAD $50,000 upon selection and CAD $25,000 after receiving a Letter of Support. Each company can have up to five founders enroll in the program.

To qualify, applicants must meet specific criteria, including being an innovative tech company focused on hardware or enterprise software, ideally in DeepTech. The company must comply with the requirements set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada for the Start-up Visa program. Additionally, it should have a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and proof of concept, including a record of at least CAD $100,000 in revenue over the previous year. If not yet incorporated, companies must plan to do so in Canada and transfer IP ownership to a Canadian corporation.

For tech entrepreneurs eager to scale and establish a foothold in Canada, the ventureLAB's Canada Catalyst: Start-Up Visa Program stands out as a vital resource, offering the necessary support, networks, and infrastructure to pursue their goals effectively. Interested individuals are encouraged to apply, as this program represents an invaluable step toward building a successful global business.