The Forge is a business incubator funded by McMaster University, serving novel and scalable startups in the Hamilton, Greater Toronto and Niagara Regions. Launched in 2015, we work hands-on with entrepreneurs to develop their business ideas from ideation and validation to growth. The Forge is sector agnostic and offers cohort-based programming. So far 250 companies have been through The Forge Business Incubator program;together they have raised over $40M and are selling products in 50 countries.
Industries
Focus Areas
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Stages Supported
Services Offered
Programs
Business Incubator
incubatorLimited-enrollment program for early-stage startups with customized growth plans for a small cohort
Startup Survivor
acceleratorProgram providing funding, mentorship, and resources to guide startups through launch preparation
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Company Revenue Stages
The Forge operates from McMaster Innovation Park, a premier research and innovation centre in Hamilton. Key statistics: 100 million dollars raised by portfolio companies, 1,099 jobs created, presence in 50 countries. Does not take equity in companies. Offers access to co-working space, mentor network including industry experts and serial entrepreneurs, and investor event facilitation. McMaster University is ranked among the world's top 85 universities.
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BAI Type
Finesse
Sector-agnostic (broad industry focus). Higher accountability signals (equity/paid programs, later-stage focus).
This classification is inferred from available data. Organizations can self-classify using the typology framework.
Entity Type
Not-for-Profit
Operating Regions
Ontario (ON)
349 startups
Notable Alumni
AdMass (acquired), AgeRate, Boardball, Jetson Infinity, OneChart
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McMaster University