For startups ready to make big moves in K-12 education.
Applications closed Tuesday, March 11
Co-founded by
Pascal Siakam, this accelerator
supports startups across
North America that are
revolutionizing
education.
Co-founded by Pascal Siakam, this accelerator supports startups across North America that are revolutionizing education.
Where NBA power
meets EdTech innovation.
With resources from PS43 Foundation and DMZ, we give startups a strong playbook to succeed:
12-week virtual
accelerator.
A fully remote program, requiring just 1-2 hours of weekly commitment.
Expert
guidance.
Work with top entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and education professionals.
Real-world
testing.
Get your product into the hands of school boards to fine-tune your solution.
A world-class
network.
Connect with leaders and educators in DMZ and PS43’s network.
$50,000 in
prizes.
Compete for grants of $30K, $15K, and $5K at Demo Day, including judge Pascal Siakam.
“PS43 was founded on the belief that education is not only essential but also invaluable. By teaming up with DMZ – a powerhouse in scaling startups – we’re equipping EdTech entrepreneurs with the right tool to create real change.”
- Pascal Siakam, Founder of PS43 Foundation and NBA Champion.
Program dates
Who can apply?
We’re looking for EdTech startups ready to make an impact in education.
Eligibility criteria
- Tech-enabled solution: Your product addresses a real challenge in K-12 education.
- Strong leadership: At least one full-time founder and an in-house technical lead.
- Market-ready product: A validated MVP with early feedback and market potential.
- Geographic focus: Operational readiness in North America with plans to scale globally.
- Collaborative team: A coachable, growth-oriented team eager to learn and innovate.
While not required, startups with solutions that support underserved communities and/or offer bilingual capabilities in English and French will be given priority consideration.
Applications ClosedFrequently asked questions
FAQs
What is the Siakam EdTech Engine?
The Siakam EdTech Engine is a 12-week virtual accelerator program designed to help early-stage EdTech startups scale their impact. Co-founded by NBA champion Pascal Siakam’s PS43 Foundation and powered by DMZ, the program offers mentorship, resources, real-world testing, and funding opportunities.
What does the program include?
A virtual 12-week accelerator from April to July 2025:
- Startups will be required to commit 1-2 hours on average per week throughout the duration of the program
Access to expert mentorship and goal-setting support from DMZ:
- Bi-weekly 1:1 sessions with dedicated Program Leads, offering strategic guidance and progress tracking
- Bi-weekly 1:1 mentorship sessions with Experts-in-Residences to help founders achieve their business objectives
- Monthly workshops led by EdTech industry leaders
- Monthly peer-2-peer meetings to connect, leverage, and grow your network
- Perks and benefits valued at $20,000 in business savings, including services like AWS and Google Cloud for Startups
Access to PS43 Foundation and DMZ’s network:
- Through PS43’s network, startups will get direct connections to school boards, educators, and students to test their product in real classroom environments, collect valuable feedback, and refine their solution to meet the needs of end-users effectively
- Startups will get direct exposure to leaders in Pascal Siakam’s PS43 Foundation network
- Startups gain perks of joining DMZ’s global founder community, including access to exclusive events at DMZ’s HQ, potential investor connections, and more.
A Demo Day with $50,000 in grant prizes:
Demo Day marks the conclusion of the program in mid-July; exact date to be announced soon. The Demo Day event will take place at Google’s Toronto HQ.
Startups will present their solutions to a panel of judges, including program founder and NBA champion Pascal Siakam, competing for grants of $30,000, $15,000, and $5,000.
Who is eligible to apply?
We’re looking for startups that:
- Offer a tech-enabled solution addressing a challenge in education.
- Have a validated MVP with early market feedback.
- Are led by at least one full-time founder and an in-house technical lead.
- Are based in North America with plans for global scalability.
- Operate with a collaborative and coachable team.
Startups supporting underserved communities or offering bilingual solutions in English and French will receive priority consideration.
How do I apply?
Start your application by clicking the Apply Now button. Submit all required materials by Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. EST.
How many startups will be selected?
The program will select up to 6 startups to participate in the program.
Is the program free?
Yes, participation in the Siakam EdTech Engine is free for selected startups.
Do I need to be based in Toronto to join?
No, the program is fully virtual, allowing startups from across North America to participate.
About the partners
This program pairs PS43’s vast industry connections and resources with DMZ’s award-winning startup programming and expert mentorship.
Together, we’re changing the education landscape, one startup at a time.
This program pairs PS43’s vast industry connections and resources with DMZ’s award-winning startup programming and expert mentorship. Together, we’re changing the education landscape, one startup at a time.
Ready to dream big
and play hard?
Take your shot – getting started is
easy. Submit your application by
Tuesday, March 11 at 11:59
p.m. EST. Questions? Reach out at dmz@torontomu.ca.
Take your shot – getting started is easy. Submit your application by Tuesday, March 11 at 11:59 p.m. EST. Questions? Reach out at dmz@torontomu.ca.
Applications Closed
