BUILD | DRIVE | TRANSFORM
XR Accelerator
Program
About the Program
The XR Accelerator Program equips XR innovators with essential resources:
Funding
Access up to $25,000 in funding* (matching funds required)
Mentorship
Receive expert-led technical training and business mentorship
Equipment Access
Utilize discounted XR labs and high-end equipment
Networking
Connect with investors, industry leaders, and potential customers
Structured Pathway
Advance from Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 5 to TRL 9
See the Program Guide for more details.
Benefits of Joining
- Get financial support with grants* to develop and scale XR products
- Gain hands-on technical training in AR, VR, and MR technologies
- Receive mentorship from industry experts, investors, and experienced entrepreneurs
- Advance from prototype to a market-ready product with commercialization guidance
- Access dedicated support for women, BIPOC, Indigenous entrepreneurs, and persons with disabilities
Talent Acceleration Commitment
All selected participants must engage with student talent through one of the following:
Research Collaboration
Collaborate on research by hiring students for a faculty-supported project
Internship
Offer technical or business internships to students
Grant Utilization
Allocate part of the $25,000 grant* (if awarded) to student engagement
This initiative ensures participants gain high-quality talent support, accelerating business growth while contributing to workforce development.
Eligibility
- Is a legally registered for-profit entity
- Canadian businesses: Must be registered in Ontario, with operations in Southern Ontario (preferred) International businesses: Must be legally registered in your home country
- International businesses: Must be legally registered in your home country
- Has a working XR prototype at TRL 5 or above
- Your prototype must be tested in a controlled or simulated environment
- Can demonstrate a clear path to advancing to TRL 6 (real-world validation)
- Uses Unity, Unreal, WebXR, or similar XR development platforms
- Commits to the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)
- Has at least one team member available to participate actively online during the program
See the Program Guide for more details.
Program Structure
The XR Accelerator Program follows a structured three-phase approach:
Phase 1
Product Development and TRL Transition
Duration: June 2 – June 30, 2025
Goal: Advance from TRL 5 (Proof of Concept) to TRL 6 (Minimum Viable Product)
Activities: Hands-on mentorship, XR development training, product validation
Phase 2
Market Validation and Commercialization
Duration: July 15 – October 22, 2025
Goal: Strengthen business models, customer engagement, and investment readiness
Outcome: The top 10 startups receive $25,000 in funding*
phase 3
Alumni Support and Growth
Duration: November 28, 2025 – May 27, 2026
Goal: Sustain business success through continued mentorship, networking, and access to XR labs at discounted rates
Application Process
Key Dates
- Virtual Info Sessions: March 19, March 31, April 15, 2025, Register here
- Selection Notification: May 12 – May 15, 2025
- Program Launch: June 2, 2025
Let’s build the future—together.
Apply Now
Ready to make an impact?
Apply today and be part of a movement shaping the future of XR innovation.
For questions or more information, contact us at [email protected].
Selection Criteria
Applications are evaluated based on:
Innovation and Originality – 20%
Developing an innovative XR solution
Market Potential – 35%
Identifying an apparent demand and viable business case
Team Capability – 25%
Assembling a strong, capable team
Impact Potential – 30%
Creating a positive social and economic impact
For startups advancing from Phase 1 to Phase 2, additional criteria:
Prototype Readiness – 25%
Building a functional and scalable product
Market Validation – 25%
Proving customer demand through engagement
Commercialization Plan – 25%
Developing a clear go-to-market strategy
Impact Potential – 25%
Generating sustainable jobs and investment opportunities
Funding & Financial Support
For businesses registered in Southern Ontario:
- Selected participants may be eligible for up to $25,000 CAD in funding, subject to availability.
- A 1:1 matching contribution (cash or in-kind) is required.
- Funding is contingent on your proposal’s alignment with the program’s objectives and available resources.
Demo Day Incentives:
- The top two startups may be awarded up to $75,000 CAD each to support post-TRL 9 commercialization efforts (subject to funding availability).
For businesses outside Southern Ontario:
- Funding is not guaranteed for international or out-of-province startups.
- Startups are encouraged to apply for support through local agencies, innovation hubs, or funding programs in their home country or region.
- The NCoE will provide participation confirmation letters or relevant documentation to assist with funding applications on a case-by-case basis.
✅ Funding Can Be Used For:
- Developing and testing XR products or prototypes
- Advancing from TRL 5 to TRL 6 (real-world validation)
- Conducting market research and customer discovery
- Acquiring customers and building industry partnerships
❌ Funding cannot Be Used For:
- General business operations not directly tied to XR development
- Debt repayment or unrelated administrative overhead
Program Fee
Application Fee: A one-time CAD$ 199 fee is required only after selection to confirm your spot in the program.
Optional Unity Pro License:
Participants can purchase a discounted 1-year Unity Pro License for $1,000 USD (available only to accepted applicants).
Optional Phase 2 Premium Access Package (for selected startups) includes:
– XR Lab & Experience Zone access (valued at $5,000+/month)
– Dedicated premium mentorship and technical support
– Expanded networking and Canadian business development opportunities
The Phase 2 premium package is optional and offered to high-performing startups to accelerate growth.
Alumni Support
Program graduates continue to receive:
- Ongoing mentorship through monthly check-ins
- Access to XR labs and specialized development tools
- Research collaboration opportunities with Algoma University
- Industry networking with investors and key stakeholders
- Opportunities to mentor future program participants
Become an Evaluator
Industry experts, investors, and business leaders are key in selecting the next generation of XR startups.
Become an Evaluator
Why Join the Evaluator Panel?
- Influence the future of XR innovation
- Network with investors and technology leaders
- Support underrepresented founders in the XR space
Who We Need
We welcome professionals with expertise in:
- XR technologies and product development
- Startup growth, business strategy, and commercialization
- Investment, funding, and market research
- Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) advocacy
Your Role as an Evaluator
- Review applications using a structured rubric
- Provide feedback to support startup growth
- Engage in discussions via Google Chat or Slack
- Commit to reviewing applications between March 17 – May 14, 2025
Let’s build the future—together.
Apply Now
Ready to make an impact?
Apply today and be part of a movement shaping the future of XR innovation.
For questions or more information, contact us at [email protected].