NEXT Founders 2026
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NEXT Canada
Creating Canada's Next Generation of High-Impact Entrepreneurs
Overview
NEXT Canada is a national, non-profit organization that develops exceptional talent to create world-class ventures and propel technology adoption. Founded in 2010 as The Next 36 by a group of pioneering business leaders and academics, NEXT Canada is today a leader in the delivery of cutting-edge programming designed to foster lifelong entrepreneurship in three streams: NextAI, Next 36 and Next Founders. Our programs, delivered through meaningful partnerships between government and the private sector, strengthen the foundations of Canada’s current and future health and prosperity. NEXT Canada is supported by generous donors and partners including RBC, Scotiabank, the Weston Family Foundation, EY, Scale AI, Hatch, BDC, Magna, Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt and Air Canada. NEXT Canada has directly impacted over 700 alumni who have built companies including, Bridgit, Deep Learni.ng, Kira Talent, Nymi and Thalmic Labs. These alumni have created over 3,000 jobs and raised over $1BN in capital.
Type
Registered Charity
Founded
2010
Regions
National (all of Canada), USA (for CAD companies)
Originally founded in 2010 as 'The Next 36'. Network includes faculty from Rotman School of Management, Harvard Business School, and Université de Montréal (Mila). Has raised $5.7B collectively among alumni and created 4,000+ new jobs. Operates as a not-for-profit with support from major donors and corporate partners including RBC, EY, and others. Focus on keeping entrepreneurial talent in Canada and growing Canadian headquarters.
Classification
Industries
General/industry agnostic
Focus Areas
High-impact entrepreneurshipTechnology adoptionAI-enabled venturesEarly-stage startupsGrowth-stage scaling
Sourced from website
Stages supported
IdeaDiscoveryValidationEfficiencyScaleMature
Services offered
- Access to free or discounted licenses for products or devkits
- Access to specialized equipment, lab facilities, and/or services
- Discounted and/or free professional services (legal, accounting, bookkeeping, etc.)
- Financing opportunities and connections with investor groups
- Free educational events or programming (ie. lunch and learns)
- Intellectual property education and assistance (Includes: patent, trademark and copyright evaluation, intellectual property strategy, protection and licensing)
- Mentorship and access to advisors
- Networking opportunities and community events
- Office space, co-working environment
- Paid programming (cash)
- Practical prototype/MVP development assistance
- Trade and export support (Includes: Business development missions, internationalization, and any other activities linked to international market development)
BAI Positioning
Finessehigh confidence
Refining and expanding venture growth and entrepreneurial competencies and create the connections across innovation ecosystem
Sector-agnostic (broad industry focus). Higher accountability signals (equity/paid programs, later-stage focus).
Learn more about the four BAI types →Programs
NEXT Founders (Scaling Program)
acceleratorFor founders of high growth ventures looking to scale
AI Program
acceleratorFor AI-enabled ventures looking to disrupt industries
Sourced from website
Leadership
Kyle Winters
CEO
Sourced from website
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