The Invest Nova Scotia Accelerate Competition is back with a powerful, time-sensitive offer designed to elevate early-stage tech companies into investor-ready ventures. This exclusive, no-cost initiative is the ultimate launchpad for local innovators working in high-impact sectors like health tech, ocean tech, clean technology, agriculture, and AI-powered software.
Each selected startup can claim up to $40,000 in non-dilutive, non-repayable funding, coupled with expert-backed support, sector-specific workshops, and access to an elite network of advisors and perks. This isn’t just a funding offer—it’s a fast-track, transformational experience to build, grow, and position your business for success in global markets. From IP strategy to customer acquisition and funding readiness, participants receive unparalleled support tailored to their unique goals.
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Time is of the essence. With a tight application window closing on July 22, 2025, at 5:00 PM Atlantic Time, this competition is ideal for startups that are already building, validating, and preparing to scale. Whether you’re developing disruptive ocean tech or building scalable AI solutions, this is your moment to accelerate like never before.
Accelerate is more than just a grant. It’s a game-changing ecosystem experience, featuring exclusive offers like major discounts on top-tier tools—AWS, Google Cloud, HubSpot, Zoom, and more. Past cohorts have gone on to raise significant funds, form strategic partnerships, and break into global markets—all starting with this opportunity.
This competition is open to Nova Scotia–based startups only and is your gateway to funding, mentorship, visibility, and growth.
Name of Organizer
Invest Nova Scotia
Requirement/Eligibility
1. The startup must be based in Nova Scotia and registered with the Registry of Joint Stock Companies, with the majority of its core team and leadership physically located in the province.
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2. The business must have less than $1 million in total lifetime revenue and less than $250,000 in total equity investment at the time of application.
3. A validated solution is required. The company must have developed a minimum viable product (MVP) or proof-of-concept, completed customer discovery, and conducted a competitive landscape assessment.
4. Founders must collectively own at least 51% of the business and must commit to full-time participation in the venture throughout the competition period (some flexibility allowed on a case-by-case basis).
5. Applicants must not already be part of Invest Nova Scotia’s portfolio or have received Accelerate funding in the past.
6. The business should fall under one of the following target sectors: Agricultural Technology, Clean Technology, Health Technology, Ocean Technology, or Advanced Software Solutions (particularly leveraging AI, blockchain, machine learning, or data network effects).
7. Applicants must demonstrate a clear use case for the $40,000 in funding, with well-defined technical or business milestones to be achieved during the five-month sprint.
8. A capable and committed team should be in place, with the expertise to execute the company’s vision and roadmap.
9. The startup should show early traction or indicators of market interest, such as pilot testing, customer feedback, or pre-revenue agreements.
10. A strong, scalable business model and go-to-market strategy must be presented, along with a roadmap to investment readiness.
Duration/Stipend
The competition runs for five months in a fully virtual format, beginning October 1, 2025, and ending in February 2026. Each selected startup receives up to $40,000 in non-repayable, non-dilutive funding to be used toward reaching strategic milestones such as product refinement, customer acquisition, sales readiness, or technical development. Alongside funding, participants gain access to workshops, coaching, and investor-readiness sessions—plus a valuable startup perks package with deep discounts on industry-standard tools and software.
Deadline
July 22, 2025
Apply Now
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