At a minimum, applicants must have:

• An idea dedicated to solving a compelling problem using innovative technology
• An early minimum viable product
• At least one dedicated full-time founder
• An in-house tech lead
• Potential to transition into the DMZ Incubator after graduation

The Pre-Incubator is a program to validate a business idea and secure first customers. At a minimum, founders should have an MVP. Startups have access to curated online learning material, a day-pass workspace at the DMZ’s head office in the heart of downtown Toronto, hands-on support, exclusive perks from 80+ partners valued at $470K+ and more. Startups in the Pre-Incubator will have the opportunity to gain accelerated acceptance into Incubator.

The DMZ Incubator is for startups ready to launch and grow their business — venture-backable pre-seed and seed-stage companies with a full-time founder, early traction and proven product-market fit. Startups receive up to $10K+ in entry grant funding, 18+ months of additional support and exciting perks. If startups applying to the DMZ are eligible for the Incubator, they do not need to go through the Pre-Incubator first.

Not sure what program is right for you? Check out our programming here.

Startups need flexibility, which is why the Pre-Incubator is flexible in length. Applications and program intake occurs on a rolling basis, with new startups joining the program at the beginning of each month. Program length for each startup varies based on progress but typically lasts 4 to 6 months and includes a Training Phase and Execution Phase.

Startups that show commitment and growth may be offered a spot in Incubator, an 18-month program with intakes every 6 months. Eligibility is determined case by case.

On average, startups spend 4 to 6 months in our Pre-Incubator program. This encompasses both the Training and Execution Phases of the program.

In the Training Phase, startups undergo digital training with access to on-demand curated content. They also partake in 1:1 EiR sessions, 1:1 Program lead sessions, and board meetings. Startups are assessed before moving on to the Execution Phase. The Training Phase typically lasts 1-3 months.

The Execution Phase starts in December and June; it is the final 3-month period before the upcoming Incubator cohort where startups have the chance to scale and prove their eligibility for Incubator.

The Execution Phase begins with a board meeting where startups develop clear goals for the remainder of the program with the help of industry-leading experts.

Startups participating in Pre-Incubator are not guaranteed a spot in the Execution Phase. A Program Lead works with startups to ensure startups set and reach reasonable and achievable goals in the Pre-Incubator program. The DMZ will determine if a startup is suitable for the Execution Phase based on factors such as founder coachability, commitment to the program and future business potential.

Startups participating in Pre-Incubator are not guaranteed a place in the Incubator program. During the Execution Phase, startups must undergo business and technical due diligence and meet eligibility criteria to join the Incubator.

Startups participating in Pre-Incubator can expect to commit between 10-12 hours per month.

Breakdown per month may include:

• 6 hours for scheduled Friday Founder Meetups
• 3 hours for on-demand content to be completed based on a founder’s own schedule
• 2 hours for 1:1 calls with Experts-in-Residence
• 1 hour for 1:1 meetings with DMZ Program Leads

Startups may also be invited to optional exclusive events and workshops.

There are no membership fees to join Pre-Incubator, but in exchange for this support, the DMZ asks companies selected for the Execution Phase for 2.5% equity in the form of options. The Pre-Incubator Execution Phase graduates that enter the DMZ Incubator program do not provide any additional equity for the Incubator’s 18 months of support.