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CENTRE FOR HOUSING INNOVATION (CHI)

Fast-tracking the future of housing.

Accelerator Program Skills Training

What is the Centre for Housing Innovation?

The Centre for Housing Innovation (CHI) is a national initiative, in partnership with GroundBreak Ventures, CivicAction, and NGen, to drive innovative housing solutions.

To address critical challenges in the housing value chain, including affordability, sustainability, technology adoption and efficiency, CHI will deliver two core initiatives: advanced training opportunities and an accelerator program.


Our Vision

Transform the Canadian housing ecosystem through innovation, technology, and talent.

Our Mission

Connect entrepreneurial, government, and industry leaders to scale innovative solutions and establish global leadership in housing, positioning Canada as a model for others facing housing challenges.

Featured Partners.

The Centre for Housing Innovation is supported by industry leaders.



DMZ is a tech incubator and startup ecosystem that fuels entrepreneurship in Canada and beyond.

Accepting Applications

GroundBreak Ventures™ is a venture capital firm specializing in real estate and property technology.

CivicAction is a catalyst for positive change, turning collaboration into action to build better, more inclusive cities.

NGen is the industry-led, non-profit organization leading Canada's Global Innovation Cluster for Advanced Manufacturing.

An initiative funded by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario.

ACCELeRATOR PROGRAM

A 6-month program supporting high-potential companies in housing.

A fast-track accelerator for companies with an innovative solution in the housing industry, offering mentorship, investor access, exclusive networking, office space, legal support, and over $1M in partner perks.




What you can expect.

Over six months, you’ll gain access to top-tier mentorship, strategic partnerships, and the resources needed to scale your impact. Connect with industry leaders, secure funding opportunities, and tap into a powerful network of investors, policymakers, and innovators working to solve Canada’s housing crisis.

Tailored mentorship

Hands-on mentorship from DMZ Experts-in-Residence and GroundBreak Ventures.

Connections to investors and partners

Direct access to investors, government stakeholders, and industry leaders.

Exclusive Events & Workshops

Exclusive workshops, networking events, and tailored advisory.

Industry-Leading Events

Engage in industry-leading events like FCM Annual Conference and Toronto Tech Week.

Tailored Support & Resources

Office hours and tailor-made support mechanism from NGen and CivicAction.

Office Space at DMZ

Six months of office space at DMZHQ in downtown Toronto with access to top-tier amenities.

Legal support

Legal support for contracts, agreements, and compliance.

Flexible Participation

Flexible participation – join remotely or in person. Weekly commitment of 1-2 hours.

Exclusive Partner Perks

Over $1M in partner discounts, including AWS, Google Cloud, and Notion.

Eligibility

This program is for companies who have:

  • An innovative solution that addresses housing challenges and enhances productivity in the industry.
  • Demonstrated traction within Canada (scaling/Seed/Series A stage)
  • At least one full-time founder and a coachable leadership team

Special considerations may apply to startups from rural areas, Indigenous innovators, academia-based entrepreneurs, and cutting-edge technologies.

Want to learn more?

Download our info pack for more program details.


By downloading, you agree to receive DMZ’s bi-weekly newsletter and updates about programs, events, and opportunities. Unsubscribe anytime.

Ready to apply? Next cohort begins in September 2025

APPLY

Meet our Experts-in-Residence

Companies in the accelerator program get hands-on mentorship, strategic insights and valuable connections through 1:1 access to these industry experts.

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Alnur Ismail

Engineering and Product
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Andrea Matheson

EiR, The DMZ
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Anthony Lau

Product, Sales
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Chris Bardos

GTM & Product-Market Fit
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Jodi Echakowitz

Public Relations
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Navin Kaminoulu

GTM & PropTech Innovation
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Nerys Parry

Real Estate Strategy
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Scott Kaplanis

Managing Partner, GroundBreak Ventures
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Tyler Ashby

Principal, GroundBreak Ventures
Skills TrainingCOMING SOON

Advanced training opportunities.

Are you ready to stay ahead in the fast-evolving world of housing and manufacturing? Whether you're a housing professional, manufacturer or entrepreneur, our training will give you the tools to drive innovation and efficiency in your industry.

Who can benefit from our courses?

Homebuilders and Developers
Manufacturers & Suppliers
Urban Planners and Designers
Construction Professionals
Students in Real Estate, Urban Design, and Housing Policy
Housing Advocates
  • Homebuilders and Developers
  • Manufacturers & Suppliers
  • Urban Planners and Designers
  • Construction Professionals
  • Students in Real Estate, Urban Design, and Housing Policy
  • Housing Advocates

Frequently asked questions

What is the Centre for Housing Innovation (CHI) accelerator?

The CHI Acceleration Program is a six-month program designed to support scalable, innovative solutions in the housing and proptech industries. The program provides companies with mentorship, industry connections, investor introductions, and resources to drive innovation in housing productivity and sustainability.

When does the program start?

The first cohort begins on April 1, 2025.

How long does the program last?

Each cohort lasts six months, with at least four cohorts planned.

What kind of structured support and learning opportunities does the program provide?

Ongoing Support & Mentorship
  • Orientation meetup: A kick-off session to align expectations and introduce program goals.
  • One-on-one check-ins: Monthly guidance from program leads to track progress and overcome challenges.
  • Lead Expert-in-Residence sessions: Biweekly expert coaching on strategy, growth, and industry trends.
Training & Skill Development
  • CHI training workshops: Expert-led sessions featuring Skillhouse training modules to build essential business and leadership skills.
  • Office hours with GBV, NGen, and CivicAction: Monthly access to industry experts for tailored mentorship, insights, and support.
Networking & Visibility
  • Industry events & mixers: Opportunities to connect with investors, industry leaders, and like-minded entrepreneurs.
  • Graduation meetup: A demo day-style event where companies showcase progress and engage with key stakeholders.

How many companies are accepted per cohort?

Each cohort includes six companies, allowing for a focused and tailored approach to support.

Is there a cost to participate?

No, the program is completely free and does not take equity from participating companies.

What type of companies are eligible?

We seek scaling (Seed or Series A) companies in the housing sectors that have demonstrated traction and innovation within the Canadian housing ecosystem. Companies should have an innovative solution that enhances productivity, affordability, or sustainability in housing.

Are there any specific geographic restrictions?

The program primarily focuses on companies with relevance to the Canadian housing ecosystem.

Do I need a Canadian founder to apply?

Not necessarily, but your business should be or to be incorporated in Canada and have a clear impact on Canada’s housing sector.

Can early-stage startups apply?

While the focus is on scaling companies, promising earlier-stage startups with strong traction and market validation may be considered.

What kind of mentorship and resources will I receive?

Participants gain access to:
  • Tailored mentorship from industry leaders and experts
  • Investor and partner introductions
  • Workshops and networking events
  • Strategic business support
  • Brand visibility and marketing opportunities

Will I receive funding or grants through this program?

The program itself does not provide direct funding, but participating companies will receive investor connections, funding guidance, and financial mentorship.

What kind of investor connections can I expect?

We connect participants with leading investors in housing, proptech, and venture capital, helping companies secure funding and strategic partnerships.

Do participants get office space?

While the program does not require in-person participation, companies may have access to co-working and meeting spaces through DMZ’s network.

What is the time commitment for this program?

Participants should expect to dedicate 1-2 hours per month to program activities, in addition to mentorship sessions, investor meetings, and networking opportunities.

Is the program fully remote or in-person?

The program is primarily virtual, but select in-person networking events and pitch opportunities may be available.

What happens after the six-month program ends?

Graduates become part of the CHI Alumni Network, gaining ongoing access to industry connections, exclusive events, and continued investor support.