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NEXT Canada

Creating Canada's Next Generation of High-Impact Entrepreneurs

Toronto, Ontario

NEXT Canada is a national, non-profit organization that develops exceptional talent to create world-class ventures and propel technology adoption. Founded in 2010 as The Next 36 by a group of pioneering business leaders and academics, NEXT Canada is today a leader in the delivery of cutting-edge programming designed to foster lifelong entrepreneurship in three streams: NextAI, Next 36 and Next Founders. Our programs, delivered through meaningful partnerships between government and the private sector, strengthen the foundations of Canada’s current and future health and prosperity. NEXT Canada is supported by generous donors and partners including RBC, Scotiabank, the Weston Family Foundation, EY, Scale AI, Hatch, BDC, Magna, Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt and Air Canada. NEXT Canada has directly impacted over 700 alumni who have built companies including, Bridgit, Deep Learni.ng, Kira Talent, Nymi and Thalmic Labs. These alumni have created over 3,000 jobs and raised over $1BN in capital.

Industries

General/industry agnostic

Focus Areas

High-impact entrepreneurshipTechnology adoptionAI-enabled venturesEarly-stage startupsGrowth-stage scaling

Sourced from website

Stages Supported

DiscoveryEfficiencyIdeaMatureScaleValidation

Services Offered

Mentorship and access to advisorsPaid programmingFree educational events or programmingDiscounted and/or free professional servicesOffice space, co-working environmentFinancing opportunities and connections with investor groupsNetworking opportunities and community eventsAccess to specialized equipment, lab facilities, and/or servicesPractical prototype/MVP development assistanceAccess to free or discounted licenses for products or devkitsTrade and export supportIntellectual property education and assistance

Programs

NEXT Founders 2026

accelerator

For students and recent grads launching their startups

NEXT Founders (Scaling Program)

accelerator

For founders of high growth ventures looking to scale

AI Program

accelerator

For AI-enabled ventures looking to disrupt industries

Sourced from website

Company Revenue Stages

Start ($0-1M)Grow ($1-5M)

Originally founded in 2010 as 'The Next 36'. Network includes faculty from Rotman School of Management, Harvard Business School, and Université de Montréal (Mila). Has raised $5.7B collectively among alumni and created 4,000+ new jobs. Operates as a not-for-profit with support from major donors and corporate partners including RBC, EY, and others. Focus on keeping entrepreneurial talent in Canada and growing Canadian headquarters.

Sourced from website

WebsiteLinkedIn

BAI Type

Finesse

Sector-agnostic (broad industry focus). Higher accountability signals (equity/paid programs, later-stage focus).

high confidence
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This classification is inferred from available data. Organizations can self-classify using the typology framework.

Entity Type

Registered Charity

Operating Regions

National (all of Canada), USA (for CAD companies)

Leadership

  • Kyle Winters

    CEO

Sourced from website

1,200+ entrepreneurs, 800+ ventures launched

Notable Alumni

Tia Health, CleanSlate UV, Wealthsimple, Validere, Ada, Sniply, SkyWatch, Ecopackers, Bridgit, SnapTravel, North (Focals Smart Glasses), Partake Brewing, Kira Talent

Sourced from website

Founded 2010
Startup Visa Designated