Pre-Incubator Program

The DMZ Pre-Incubator is a free, 8-week online bootcamp that helps aspiring Canadian tech founders validate their startup ideas and build the foundations of a scalable business.
  • DMZ
Overview of the Pre-Incubator Program program:

The Pre-Incubator at DMZ is a founder-first startup validation program that helps early-stage entrepreneurs develop the knowledge and tools needed to move from idea to company. Delivered 100% online, the program is designed for individuals or co-founders who have a tech-driven business idea but haven’t yet launched or fully validated it in the market. The curriculum covers customer discovery, value proposition design, early business modeling, and go-to-market strategies. Participants are expected to commit 7–10 hours per week and complete milestones. The program culminates in a pitch presentation and personalized feedback to prepare founders for next steps, including incubators, accelerators, or funding readiness. This program is highly suitable for new founders, students, and early-career entrepreneurs who need hands-on support to go from idea to startup reality.

Benefits of the Pre-Incubator Program program:
  • Gain hands-on startup training and coaching
  • Build your business model and validate your idea
  • Access to DMZ advisors, entrepreneurs-in-residence, and mentors
  • Structured, milestone-based approach
  • Network with other emerging founders and tech peers
  • Increase readiness for incubators, funding programs, and pitch competitions
  • No cost, no equity, no risk
Eligibility criteria of the Pre-Incubator Program program:
  • Eligible Applicants Must:
  • Be located in Canada
  • Be aspiring or early-stage tech founders with:
  • A business idea involving a tech-enabled product or service
  • No or minimal prior funding/revenue
  • No prior acceptance to major incubators or accelerators
  • Be individuals or founding teams (solo founders welcome)
  • Be able to commit ~710 hours per week for 8 weeks
  • Must have a clear commitment to entrepreneurship and innovation
  • Ineligible Applicants:
  • Fully operational businesses with strong revenue traction
  • Ventures already incubated at DMZ or similar high-stage accelerators
  • Ideas not rooted in tech or innovation (e.g., lifestyle businesses, consulting only)
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