At a minimum, applicants must have:

• An idea dedicated to solving a compelling problem using innovative technology
• An early minimum-viable-product
• At least one dedicated full-time founder
• An in-house tech lead
• Potential to transition into the DMZ Incubator after graduation

The Pre-Incubator is a program to validate a business idea and secure first customers. At a minimum, founders should have an MVP. Startups have access to curated online learning material, a day-pass workspace at the DMZ’s head office in the heart of downtown Toronto, hands-on support, exclusive perks from 80+ partners valued at $470K+ and more. Startups in the Pre-Incubator will have the opportunity to gain accelerated acceptance into Incubator.

The DMZ Incubator is for startups ready to launch and grow their business — venture-backable pre-seed and seed-stage companies with a full-time founder, early traction and proven product-market fit. Startups receive up to $10K+ in entry grant funding, 18+ months of additional support and exciting perks. Startups do not need to participate in the bootcamp to be eligible.

Not sure what program is right for you? Check out our programming here.

Startups need flexibility which is why Pre-Incubator is flexible in length. Applications and program intake occurs on a rolling basis, with new startups joining the program at the beginning of each month. Program length for each startup varies based on progress but typically lasts 4 to 6 months and includes a Training Phase and Execution Phase.

Startups that show commitment and growth may be offered a spot in Incubator, an 18-month program with intakes every 6 months. Eligibility is determined case by case.

On average, startups spend 4 to 6 months in our Pre-Incubator program and this encompasses both the Training and Execution Phases of the program.

In the Training Phase, startups undergo digital training with access to on-demand curated content. They also partake in 1:1 EiR sessions, 1:1 Program lead sessions, and board meetings. Startups are assessed before moving on to the Execution Phase. The Training Phase typically lasts 1-3 months.

The Execution Phase starts in December and June; it is the final 3-month period before the upcoming Incubator cohort where startups have the chance to scale and prove their eligibility for Incubator.

The Execution Phase begins with a board meeting where startups develop clear goals for the remainder of the program with the help of industry-leading experts.

Startups participating in Pre-Incubator are not guaranteed a spot in the Execution Phase. A Program Lead works with startups to ensure startups set and reach reasonable and achievable goals in the Pre-Incubator program. The DMZ will determine if a startup is suitable for the Execution Phase based on factors such as founder coach-ability, commitment to the program and future business potential.

Startups participating in Pre-Incubator are not guaranteed a place in the Incubator program. During the Execution Phase, startups must undergo business and technical due diligence and meet eligibility criteria to join the Incubator.

Startups participating in Pre-Incubator can expect to commit between 10-12 hours per month.

Breakdown per month may include:

• 6 hours for scheduled Friday Founder Meetups
• 3 hours for on-demand content to be completed based on a founder’s own schedule
• 2 hours for 1:1 calls with Experts-in-Residence
• 1 hour for 1:1 meetings with DMZ Program Leads

Startups may also be invited to optional exclusive events and workshops.

There are no membership fees to join Pre-Incubator, but in exchange for this support, the DMZ asks companies selected for the Execution Phase for 2.5% equity in the form of options. The Pre-Incubator Execution Phase graduates that enter the DMZ Incubator program do not provide any additional equity for the Incubator’s 18 months of support.