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TechAccel Program

We help student technological innovators make a positive impact on the world!

The TechAccel Program is one of the McGill Engine’s key co-curricular/experiential learning programs. It supports early-stage student ventures with Lean Startup Methodology training, 1:1 business mentorship, and funding. The program runs three times a year during the Fall, Winter and Summer Semesters, each cohort is about 18 weeks long.

The grants come out of the Faculty of Engineering Innovation Fund, which is funded by charitable gifts from alumni and other community donors. The Innovation Fund is not an investment fund. Donors are not investing in the companies.

Impact Since 2016

$201K+

in funding granted

21%

female participation rate

78%

application success rate

+12%innovation skills*

83startup projects helped

+25%entrepreneurial skills*

* based on self-efficacy surveys from 2019 to Fall 2021

TechAccel Program Comparison

Comparison	TechAccel Pre-Grant	TechAccel Project Grant	TechAccel Summer Stipend Grant
Upcoming Application Deadline	Fall: September 2023 Winter: January 15th, 2023 Summer: April 16th, 2023	Fall: September 2023 Winter: January 15th, 2023 Summer: April 16th, 2023	Summer: April 16th, 2023
Program Length	18 weeks	16 weeks	16 weeks
Funding	$0	Up to $2,500 for project expenses *Lead applicant will receive a T4A tax slip	$7,500 stipend *Lead applicant will receive a T4A tax slip
Time Commitment	Part time (about 1-2 hours per week)	Part time (about 2 hours per week)	Full time
Cohorts	Fall, Winter and Summer	Fall, Winter and Summer	Summer
Mentorship	Matched with a mentor	Matched with a mentor	Matched with a mentor
Startup Project/Venture Level of Validation	Technologically-based startup idea where little to no customer discovery or validation has been completed and you would like to learn how to validate your idea through training and mentorship.	Technologically-based startup idea where there has been sufficient level of actual customer problem validation via customer discovery, in particular customer interviews.	Technologically-based startup idea where there has been sufficient level of actual customer problem validation via customer discovery, in particular customer interviews.
Eligibility Expanded	McGill students teams of 2-4, the lead applicant must be a McGill student (undergraduate, graduate, or postdoc) enrolled full time. All faculties are eligible! Complete eligibility requirements available in the FAQ.	McGill students teams of 2-4, the lead applicant must be a McGill student (undergraduate, graduate, or postdoc) enrolled full time. All faculties are eligible! At least one team member must be enrolled in the Faculty of Engineering. Complete eligibility requirements available in the FAQ.	McGill students teams of 2-4, the lead applicant must be a McGill undergraduate student enrolled full time. All faculties are eligible! Complete eligibility requirements available in the FAQ.