The Canadian Technology Accelerator in San Francisco / Silicon Valley
Note that qualified candidates who would like to be considered for a three-month residency at the Technology Accelerators in 2013 can now apply online.
Before you apply, please review the criteria that our screening committee will consider in determining which companies are selected for a residency at the CTA@PnP or CTA@RS.
The deadline for receiving applications for the August 1 - November 30th class is June 1st, 2013!
The Canadian Technology Accelerator: Helping to grow your business in the Silicon Valley!
The Canadian Trade Commissioner Service manages the Canadian Technology Accelerator (CTA) initiative in the Silicon Valley, the global hub for technology and entrepreneurship. With four facilities, our goal is to provide qualified Canadian ICT, digital/ social media, life sciences, and clean-tech companies with access to unique resources and contacts to help them grow at a global scale.
Ideal candidates are product-ready SMEs with a potential for high growth and in need of:
- Strategic partnerships;
- New customer acquisition;
- Funding;
- A soft landing for setting up a local business development office.
As a participant to the CTA, you will benefit from:
- Office space amongst inspired and likeminded global entrepreneurs;
- Introductions to experienced mentors and advisors such as the Canadian executive expatriate group, The C100;
- Access to industry leaders and talents;
- Networking events with partners and investors;
- Additional support from the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service.
Our four facilities offer workspace that is fully paid by the CTA initiative. Companies are responsible for their visas, as well as for travel, living and lodging expenses.
Plug and Play Tech Center
440 North Wolfe Road
Sunnyvale, CA 94085
Facility:
- CTA@PnP
- Launched March 2009
Markets: ICT, including software, wireless, networking, and mobile solutions
Duration: Up to four (4) months
RocketSpace
181 Fremont Street
San Francisco, CA 94105
Facility:
- CTA@SF
- Launched April 2011
Markets: Digital and social media, gaming
Duration: Up to four (4) months
Environmental Business Cluster
10 South 3rd Street,
5th Floor
San Jose, CA 95113
Facility:
- CTA@EBC
- Launched September 2011
Markets: Energy, Environment, and Cleantech
Duration: Up to four (4) months
CTA@Mission Bay
Genentech Hall
University of California, San Francisco
600 16th St.
San Francisco, CA 94113
Facility:
- Launched March 2012
Markets: Life Sciences
Duration: Up to six (6) months
The CTA initiative is managed and led by the Trade Commissioner Service, with support from the Government of Canada, the Province of Ontario, the Province of British Columbia, and the Province of Alberta.
Criteria that our screening committee will consider
Differentiated Product/Technology!
- You have a clear vision and value proposition for your business, competitive landscape, and you're prepared to pitch it
- Your product/technology is commercially available
Traction!
- You have demonstrated proof of concept and/or IP protection
- You can demonstrate existing sales, and/or quantify your user or customer pool in Canada (and/or the US)
- You have received seed funding - please remove the contents of the parenthesis
- You have in-Canada partners who have done due diligence on your technology/company and are supporting your application
Potential to Scale!
- You have identified your business' growth objectives and you are ready to launch globally
- You have a credible executive team in place
- You have a minimal viable product to deliver to a sizeable market
- You have a good understanding of the various growth financing mechanisms
- You could move your business to the next inflection point by connecting with potential partners, funders or potential customers in the San Francisco/Silicon Valley Region.
