Founders Program
acceleratorOnline four-stage program with curated resources from ideation to acceleration
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NF
North Forge Technology Exchange
Canada's only startup incubator, accelerator with a fabrication lab
Overview
Welcome to North Forge. We’re a not-for-profit tech incubator, accelerator, and state-of-the-art fabrication lab that works with startups across Canada in technology, STEM, and advanced manufacturing from the ideation stages all the way through to Series A. We help startups and makers build their companies through groundbreaking experiences and resources at no charge. We are a powerhouse entrepreneur community fuelling Manitoba’s innovative science-based, technology-enabled, and advanced manufacturing startups. Our facilities include one of North America’s largest fabrication labs (FabLab™), spanning 35,000 square feet across Innovation Drive and Innovation Alley in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Type
Not-for-Profit
Founded
2016
Regions
Prairies (AB, MB, SK)
Non-profit organization that takes no equity. Impact metrics (June 2020 - June 30, 2025): 1,234 jobs created (FTE), $40.8M capital raised by portfolio companies, $34.3M revenue growth. Features experienced mentors, entrepreneurs-in-residence, and award-winning growth coaches.
Classification
Industries
Advanced materials & advanced manufacturingAgricultureClean technologiesDigital media & telecommunicationsEducationLife sciences & advanced health
Focus Areas
Ideation to Series A supportRapid prototypingIntellectual property protection
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
FabLab
otherOne of North America's largest fabrication and rapid prototyping facilities
ElevateIP
otherIntellectual property safeguarding services
Start-up Visa (SUV)
otherProgram for immigrant entrepreneurs with skills and potential to build businesses in Canada
DARE Innovation Awards
eventAnnual awards celebrating Manitoba's entrepreneurial excellence and innovation across 9 categories
RampUp Weekend
eventAnnual event featuring the inaugural DARE Innovation Awards
Sourced from website
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