Hardware Catalyst Initiative

About

ventureLAB’s Hardware Catalyst Initiative is Canada’s only lab and incubator for founders building hardware and semiconductor-focused products, enabling the creation of transformative technologies that will power our products of tomorrow — including healthcare technology, consumer electronics, telecommunications, smart energy, connected transportation, and more. Funded in part by the Government of Canada, through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), the Hardware Catalyst Initiative helps tech companies accelerate their time to market in a sector that normally incurs lengthy entry and scale times, enabling Canadian hardware and semiconductor companies to grow and scale locally, and compete globally. The Hardware Catalyst Initiative provides direct resources to accelerate commercialization at scale through our initiatives focused on four pillars: raising capital, retaining talent, commercializing technology and IP, and customer acquisition. Our team of talented advisors and expert partner ecosystem will grow your business develop and the Hardware Lab will incubate your hardware technology solution.

ventureLAB Highlights

$11M

Prototyping and Testing Labs

4.89

indirect jobs are created for every 1 semiconductor job created

$15M

Industry contributions through resources, expertise, and mentorship

35+

Global partners

$420M+

Invested in our Companies

Explore the Program

We understand that hardware founders experience unique challenges and have a finite amount of capital and time to bring their vision to reality. ventureLAB’s Hardware Catalyst Initiative is a competitive program that is offered at no cost and with no equity requirement to eligible companies. Dedicated to supporting both silicon and hardware companies for up to 24 months, the Hardware Catalyst Initiative is enabling Canadian companies to grow and scale locally to compete globally.
‍‍

‍What companies can expect:

Through the Hardware Catalyst Initiative program, participating companies will be able to access our world class $11M Hardware Lab & a free workspace with up to 2 badges per company, dedicated in-house advisory team to refine business milestones, product development roadmap, support with resource navigation and introductions to a world-class ecosystem of partners and experts.

‍

Interested in joining the 8th cohort? Fill out an Expression of Interest form.
(Dates and details coming soon)
‍

Founder Expectations

As the Hardware Catalyst Initiative is a two-year intensive program all founders accepted into the program should expect to work with dedicated advisors and mentors to develop, review, and track:

A detailed product design and development plan, including design and supply chain partners, and Prototyping & Testing Lab utilization
A detailed IP identification and strategic protection plan
A detailed customer engagement program with early adopters
A detailed financial plan of revenue, expenditures and investment through the HCI program
If applicable, a detailed talent acquisition plan, revenue growth plan, and ongoing development of your pitch and investor engagement

FAQ

angle-up

angle-down

Can I use the lab without being apart of the program?

Are you developing a hardware prototype and looking for convenient ways to test? ventureLAB is now accepting subscriptions to its world class Prototype & Testing Lab! Run as many tests as you want any day of the week or year, our lab is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year! Save money and time by subscribing to a fully-functioning lab environment right in Markham! If interested, please contact Derek Ma directly to learn more at dtekangma@venturelab.ca.

angle-up

angle-down

How do I join ventureLAB?

Apply to work with ventureLAB by filling in the form on our Apply page. Each year, we select over 100 ventures to join our diverse hub of founders. By working with ventureLAB, you’ll gain access to our initiatives focused on four pillars critical for any scaling company: raising capital, talent retention, commercializing technology and IP, and customer acquisition.

angle-up

angle-down

Do you charge for services?

We take no equity in your company. Founders join small cohort sizes — meaning you get tailored, dedicated guidance to navigate your unique business challenges. You’ll develop relationships in a growing global community of mentors, investors, partners, manufacturers, supply chains, and fellow entrepreneurs, critical to the growth and scaling of your business.