Which program is for you?
Whether you have a business idea or an active startup, our programs can guide you through every stage of your entrepreneurial journey.
With each consecutive program, your will grow you business skills and entrepreneurial confidence while obtaining valuable support to take your startup to the next level.
Note that at least one co-founder of the start-up must be a McGill University affiliate (staff, academic, alumni, current student) to be eligible to participate in one of the Dobson Centre’s programs.
Lean Startup
For early-stage startups and aspiring entrepreneurs across industry sectors, that want to develop their idea into a viable concept and identify the next steps in building a successful business.
Next Cohort : Fall 2021
Candidates must apply online by September 21st, 2021 at 11:59 PM.
Neuroscience Lean Startup
A tailored Lean Startup program, for early-stage startups, aspiring entrepreneurs, and researchers in the field of neuroscience.
Health Lean Startup
A health sector focused Lean Startup program for early-stage startups and aspiring entrepreneurs working on innovations related to medicine and health sciences.
Next Cohort : Fall 2021
Candidates must apply online by September 26th, 2021 at 11:59 PM.
2. Validation Phase
- You have at least one (1) McGill affiliated cofounder
- The start-up has a high-level business plan with a clear business model
- There is an articulated value proposition that reflects an innovative mindset and offers a solution to a well-defined problem
- You have developed a go-to marketing strategy and are seeking early validation from potential customers
Dobson Bootcamp and Cup
For early-stage or early-traction startups that want to develop their business model, the art of the pitch and to further their understanding of business. Startups on this program also compete for seed funding.
Next Cohort: January 2022
3. Acceleration phase
- You have at least one (1) McGill affiliated cofounder
- You already have a start-up pitch that outlines your vision, problem and solution, business model, go-to market strategy and next milestones into a compelling narrative
- The start-up has a knowledgeable team in place with a diverse skill set
- The product/service has a clear distribution channels plan, metrics to prove its level of success, an early and potential customer base and an exit strategy
Current Status:
- The start-up has a developed/nearly developed Prototype or an MVP (Minimum Viable Product) – that has already been validated with early adopters - making a strong case for the viability of the product and the uniqueness of its value proposition
OR
- The start-up has a fully developed/nearly fully developed product in the market with early but steady traction – its first wave of users - with a proven product market fit and revenue generation
X-1 Accelerator
For startups demonstrating early traction that want to refine their market offering and work towards investment readiness.
Next Cohort : Summer 2022
Mentorship Circle
For startups that have successfully completed our entrepreneurship programs, who are looking to receive mentorship as they scale from early stage all the way to IPO.
International Startup Tour
For selected startups that have successfully completed our entrepreneurship programs, who are seeking investment and business development opportunities.
