Google for Startups Accelerator Canada is Going Virtual

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, various startup accelerator and incubator programs across Canada, such as Techstars’ Startup Weekend and Startup Canada’s Canadian Export Challenge, have been put on hold or have moved to online formats. Joining this list is Google for Startups Accelerator Canada, which recently announced that its accelerator program is going virtual.

Google’s accelerator, the first of its kind in Canada and the 12th world-wide, is a three-month program scheduled to begin September 8 through to November 27. The accelerator’s objective is to provide technical project support to eight to ten selected seed to series A-stage Canadian technology startups by offering the best of Google’s products, people, network, and advanced technologies.

Given the current business environment caused by COVID-19, the importance of programs supporting startup businesses is particularly acute. While running this program virtually will be a first for the tech giant, Google has restructured the program to ensure the online experience delivers the same quality of resources, mentorship and support that would be given in-person.

The application process remains open until June 30 and selected participants will be announced the week of August 17.

Author: Samara Friszman, 2020 Summer Student-at-law