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
$224K+
22%
application success rate
* based on self-efficacy surveys from 2019 to Summer 2023
TechAccel Program Comparison
| Comparison | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Upcoming Application Deadline | Winter: January 14th, 2024 Summer: April 2024 |
Winter: January 14th, 2024 Summer: April 2024 |
Summer: April 2024 |
| Program Length | 18 weeks | 18 weeks | 18 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! 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 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! At least one team member must be enrolled in the Faculty of Engineering. Not eligible if applying to McGill X1 or other summer accelerator program with funding. Complete eligibility requirements available in the FAQ. |
