Canada Catalyst START-UP VISA

Overview of the Canada Catalyst START-UP VISA program:

ventureLAB’s Canada Catalyst Start-up Visa Program is a specialized accelerator designed to support innovative international tech companies seeking to establish and scale their business in Canada. The program is a designated pathway under Canada’s Start-up Visa (SUV) immigration program, which allows foreign entrepreneurs to gain permanent residency by launching high-growth businesses in Canada. This 9-month, in-person accelerator program provides customized support to early-stage hardware or enterprise software ventures that are ready to commercialize in the Canadian market. Participants gain access to ventureLAB’s robust network of experts, mentors, and investors, as well as strategic guidance from its advisory team. The program offers workspace in ventureLAB’s state-of-the-art Innovation Space and $11M Hardware Lab, tailored for companies working in DeepTech, advanced manufacturing, and enterprise software. Before arrival in Canada, startups receive virtual pre-landing support, helping them plan their transition and market entry. The program equips entrepreneurs with the tools and knowledge to navigate the Canadian innovation ecosystem, build partnerships, hire talent, and raise capital. The fee structure totals $75,000 CAD, payable in two installments: $50,000 upon selection, and $25,000 after the Letter of Support is issued—an essential requirement for applying to the IRCC Start-up Visa. Up to five founders per company may participate under one application, making it ideal for founding teams ready to relocate and operate in Canada.

Benefits of the Canada Catalyst START-UP VISA program:

• Pathway to permanent residency for qualified founders through IRCC
• 9-month in-person accelerator program hosted in Canada
• Virtual pre-landing support to prepare startups before relocating
• Access to ventureLAB Innovation Space and $11M Hardware Lab
• Strategic mentorship from advisors and experts in DeepTech, hardware, and enterprise software
• Canadian market insights, regulatory navigation, and business incorporation support
• Connect to a top-tier Canadian talent pool and R&D institutions
• Introductions to investors, partners, and hiring pipelines
• Co-working space and access to advanced prototyping equipment
• Opportunity for up to 5 co-founders to participate per company

Eligibility criteria of the Canada Catalyst START-UP VISA program:

• To be eligible for the Canada Catalyst SUV Program, applicants must meet the following requirements:
• Business Type:
• Innovative technology company
• Focused on hardware or enterprise software
• Must fall within the DeepTech category
• Stage of Business:
• Must have a Minimum Viable Product (MVP)
• Must have proof of concept and product validation in home market
• Generated at least $100,000 CAD in revenue over the last 12 months
• Legal Incorporation:
• If not already incorporated in Canada, the company must plan to incorporate and operate from Canada
• Intellectual property (IP) must be transferred to the Canadian corporation
• Immigration Compliance:
• Must meet all IRCC Start-up Visa criteria
• Team Size:
• Up to five founders may apply under a single application
• Sector Fit:
• Ideal for companies in DeepTech, advanced manufacturing, IoT, medtech, clean tech, or enterprise SaaS