Business Incubators & Accelerators in British Columbia – Directory of Startup Support Programs

Looking for startup support in British Columbia? This page lists business incubators and accelerators that serve entrepreneurs and early-stage businesses across the province. For each organization, we’ve included the names of the programs they offer, so you can quickly identify the right fit based on your stage, sector, or funding goals.

Whether you’re launching a cleantech company in Victoria, building a biotech startup in Vancouver, or creating a social enterprise in Northern BC, this guide connects you with the innovation ecosystem that British Columbia is known for.

✅ What Is a Business Incubator and Accelerator?

Business incubators are designed to help entrepreneurs take an idea and turn it into a viable business. They typically support early-stage founders with mentorship, business development guidance, workspace, and connections to funding or academic partners.

Business accelerators, on the other hand, focus on growth-stage companies — usually startups that already have traction and are preparing to scale. Accelerators often run structured, cohort-based programs that provide intensive mentorship, investor introductions, and sometimes direct funding in exchange for equity.

Many organizations in British Columbia act as hybrids, offering both incubation and acceleration depending on a startup’s maturity and sector.

✅ What These Programs Typically Offer

Incubator and accelerator programs in British Columbia commonly include the following services:

  • One-on-one mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs, investors, and sector experts
  • Cohort-based workshops covering business development, marketing, finance, and pitching
  • Access to co-working, lab, or maker spaces (often tied to universities or tech hubs)
  • Connections to capital, including angel investors, venture capital, and public grants
  • Sector-specific support in cleantech, life sciences, digital health, AI, agri-tech, Indigenous entrepreneurship, and more
  • Networking events, demo days, pitch competitions, and investor showcases

Some programs are equity-based (especially those offering capital), while many are non-dilutive, funded by public agencies, post-secondary institutions, or private foundations.

✅ How to Choose a Program

With dozens of incubators and accelerators across British Columbia, it’s important to choose one that aligns with your goals. As you browse the directory below, consider:

  • Stage Fit – Are you pre-revenue, MVP-ready, or generating sales?
  • Location – Programs often serve specific areas (e.g. Victoria, Kelowna, Prince George, Kamloops, Vancouver Island)
  • Sector Focus – Many programs target sectors like AI, cleantech, health innovation, or social impact
  • Equity vs. Non-Equity – Consider whether you’re comfortable giving up equity or prefer non-dilutive support
  • Duration & Format – Programs vary from a few weeks to a full year and may be in-person, virtual, or hybrid

British Columbia offers one of the most collaborative and well-funded ecosystems in Canada, thanks to partnerships between government, academia, and industry. From urban innovation hubs to rural accelerators, there’s a wealth of support for entrepreneurs across the province.

✅ Directory: Incubators & Accelerators in B.C.

Abbotsford Incubators and Accelerators

Xlrator 

Xlrator is an accelerator focused on advancing startups and early-stage ventures through mentorship, strategic guidance, and access to industry networks. It specializes in supporting companies in the technology and innovation sectors. The program helps founders refine their business models and scale effectively.

Programs offered:

Campbell River Incubators and Accelerators

NexStream – NexStream Tech Challenges

NexStream is a tech challenge series designed to support entrepreneurs and innovators solving real-world problems in British Columbia. Participants receive funding, mentorship, and the opportunity to commercialize their solutions. The program is powered by community collaboration and industry partnership.

Program offered:

Kamloops Incubators and Accelerators

Kamloops Innovation

Kamloops Innovation is a technology business accelerator that supports early-stage ventures in the Thompson-Nicola region. It provides programs, mentorship, and office space to help entrepreneurs grow. The organization fosters innovation through partnerships with TRU and local businesses.

Programs offered:

Thompson Rivers University – TRU Generator

The TRU Generator is Thompson Rivers University’s on-campus entrepreneurship hub, supporting students, staff, and faculty in launching business ideas. It offers coaching, workshops, and networking opportunities. The initiative helps cultivate a vibrant innovation culture on campus.

Program offered:

Kelowna Incubators and Accelerators

Community Futures Development Corporation of the Central Okanagan

Community Futures Central Okanagan provides business support services to entrepreneurs and small businesses in the region. It offers financing, training, and advisory services tailored to rural and underserved communities. The organization plays a key role in local economic development.

Program offered:

METABRIDGE

METABRIDGE is a national program that connects Canada’s top tech scale-ups with experienced mentors, corporate leaders, and investors. The initiative supports companies poised for rapid growth by facilitating strategic relationships. Events and programming are designed to accelerate commercialization and investment readiness.

Program offered:

Okanagan coLab

Okanagan coLab is a coworking and innovation space in Kelowna focused on community-driven entrepreneurship. It provides workspace, events, and business development resources for social impact and creative ventures. The coLab fosters collaboration and sustainable growth for startups.

Programs offered:

Purppl

Purppl (Purposeful People) is a social enterprise accelerator that helps social entrepreneurs build sustainable business models. It offers long-term coaching and strategic support to grow impact-driven ventures. Purppl partners with changemakers to tackle social and environmental challenges.

Programs offered:

Nanaimo Incubators and Accelerators

Innovation Island – Venture Acceleration Program

The Venture Acceleration Program at Innovation Island supports tech entrepreneurs in Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast. It delivers one-on-one mentorship and structured programming to validate ideas and scale businesses. The program is part of BC’s province-wide accelerator network.

Program offered:

Innovation Island Technology Association

The Venture Acceleration Program at Innovation Island supports tech entrepreneurs in Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast. It delivers one-on-one mentorship and structured programming to validate ideas and scale businesses. The program is part of BC’s province-wide accelerator network.

Programs offered:

Nelson Incubators and Accelerators

Interact Innovation Lab

Interact Innovation Lab is a platform that empowers underrepresented entrepreneurs through tailored accelerator programs and inclusive innovation practices. It supports social ventures and community-driven startups with mentorship and resources. The lab is committed to equitable growth in the innovation economy.

Program offered:

Interactive Niagara Media Cluster o/a Innovate Niagara

Innovate Niagara is a Regional Innovation Centre that supports entrepreneurs in the Niagara region through incubation, mentorship, and commercialization services. It serves a range of sectors including digital media, manufacturing, and life sciences. The cluster provides startup resources and connects companies with industry experts.

Program offered:

Interface Health

Interface Health is a digital health technology accelerator that fosters innovation through competitions, global partnerships, and advisory support. It helps health tech companies grow by connecting them with investors, clinicians, and healthcare stakeholders. The platform operates globally with a strong base in Vancouver.

Program offered:

Kootenay Lake Innovation Centre (KLIC)

KLIC is a community-focused innovation hub based in Kaslo, supporting rural entrepreneurs and tech innovators. It offers mentorship, events, and business programming tailored to the needs of local startups. The centre fosters inclusive innovation in the Kootenay region.

Program offered:

Kootenay Lake Innovation Centre (KLIC) in partnership with BrainStation

In collaboration with BrainStation, KLIC delivers digital skills training and innovation programs to rural entrepreneurs. This partnership provides access to tech education and business mentorship. The initiative bridges the digital divide in smaller communities.

Programs offered:

Okanagan Incubators and Accelerators

Accelerate Okanagan

Accelerate Okanagan is a key innovation hub in British Columbia supporting startups and scale-ups through mentorship, acceleration, and investment-readiness programs. It connects entrepreneurs with a broad network of experts and capital. The organization is central to the Okanagan tech ecosystem.

Programs offered:

Prince George Incubators and Accelerators

Northern Innovation Network (formerly Hubspace)

The Northern Innovation Network fosters entrepreneurship and business innovation in northern BC. Formerly known as Hubspace, it provides coworking space, mentorship, and startup programming. The network supports rural and Indigenous entrepreneurs across the region.

Program offered:

Vancouver Incubators and Accelerators

AInBC

The Artificial Intelligence Network of BC (AInBC) connects AI-focused companies, researchers, and institutions to drive innovation in British Columbia. It promotes responsible AI development and commercialization. AInBC supports talent development and policy engagement in the AI sector.

Program offered:

Alacrity Canada

Alacrity Canada helps technology entrepreneurs grow through global market expansion programs, mentorship, and investment support. Based in Victoria, it operates international initiatives connecting Canadian companies with overseas customers and capital. The organization fosters innovation and sustainability.

Programs offered:

Alpha Ventures

Alpha Ventures is a startup studio and venture capital firm that co-builds and funds early-stage technology startups. It provides strategic support, resources, and capital to emerging entrepreneurs. The firm focuses on scalable and disruptive tech solutions.

Program offered:

Aragon Launchpad Academy

Aragon Launchpad Academy is a program designed to support emerging startups and social ventures with training, mentorship, and community support. It emphasizes leadership development and impact entrepreneurship. The academy nurtures early-stage ideas into viable ventures.

Programs offered:

Axiom Zen

Axiom Zen is a venture studio known for creating and incubating breakthrough technologies like Dapper Labs and CryptoKitties. It blends product development, design, and strategy to launch innovative businesses. The studio operates at the intersection of blockchain, AI, and consumer tech.

Programs offered:

BC Tech Association

The BC Tech Association is a non-profit dedicated to supporting the province’s technology industry. It offers skills training, startup support, and policy advocacy. The association helps grow tech talent and scale tech companies across BC.

Programs offered:

Beeloud

Beeloud is an early-stage accelerator and community platform that nurtures ideas in the social innovation and tech spaces. It supports diverse founders through coaching, networking, and startup programming. The organization champions values-driven entrepreneurship.

Program offered:

Capilano University – Indigenous Digital Accelerator

Capilano University’s Indigenous Digital Accelerator supports Indigenous entrepreneurs and creators building digital businesses. It provides mentorship, technical training, and cultural grounding. The program is designed to foster Indigenous-led innovation and enterprise.

Programs offered:

Circle Innovation – Innovation Sandbox

Circle Innovation operates the Innovation Sandbox, a platform that accelerates research commercialization and product development. It connects startups with academic research, funding, and prototyping support. The organization supports deep tech and health innovation.

Program offered:

Coast Capital Innovation Centre

Based at the University of Victoria, the Coast Capital Innovation Centre helps students and alumni turn ideas into startups. It offers workshops, mentorship, and funding resources. The centre fosters youth-led innovation and entrepreneurship.

Programs offered:

Creative Destruction Lab

Creative Destruction Lab is a seed-stage program for science and tech startups with high growth potential. It connects ventures with world-class mentors and investors to accelerate commercialization. The program operates across Canada, including a BC site at UBC.

Programs offered:

Digital Technology Supercluster

The Digital Technology Supercluster brings together industry, academia, and government to co-invest in large-scale digital innovation projects. It focuses on sectors like healthcare, natural resources, and manufacturing. The initiative is based in British Columbia and drives national tech leadership.

Programs offered:

Discovery Parks

Discovery Parks supports the growth of research-driven and tech-based companies in BC by providing real estate and innovation services. It operates science parks and incubation spaces in partnership with universities. The organization supports commercialization and scaling.

Program offered:

Empowered Startups

Empowered Startups is a global startup incubator that helps entrepreneurs launch businesses in Canada through the Startup Visa Program and educational accelerators. It emphasizes innovation, sustainability, and global market access. The organization supports international founders and startups.

Programs offered:

Entrepeneurship@UBC

Entrepreneurship@UBC is the University of British Columbia’s venture creation program for students, researchers, and faculty. It offers programming across ideation, incubation, and acceleration stages. The initiative supports science and technology innovation from campus to commercialization.

Programs offered:

Foresight Canada

Foresight Canada is a cleantech accelerator that helps startups commercialize sustainable technologies through training, mentorship, and investor networks. It focuses on decarbonizing the economy and driving environmental innovation. Foresight operates nationwide with a strong presence in BC.

Programs offered:

GetFresh Ventures

GetFresh Ventures is a venture studio and consultancy that supports sustainable food and beverage startups. It offers business strategy, brand development, and go-to-market expertise. The studio helps purpose-driven companies grow in the natural products industry.

Programs offered:

Groundswell Alternative Business School

Groundswell is a community-focused business school that supports social entrepreneurs and impact-driven ventures. It provides education, mentorship, and peer support in a collaborative environment. Groundswell empowers inclusive entrepreneurship.

Program offered:

Grow Tech Labs

Grow Tech Labs is a business accelerator that supports cannabis and wellness-focused startups with mentorship, networking, and investment readiness. It fosters innovation in regulated industries. The program helps companies scale sustainably and navigate policy environments.

Program offered:

HATCH ventures

HATCH is a startup incubator located at UBC, supporting early-stage ventures through coaching, funding, and lab space. It caters to university-affiliated founders and research commercialization. The program helps turn innovative ideas into scalable companies.

Program offered:

Innovate BC

Innovate BC is a Crown agency that accelerates innovation in British Columbia through funding, program delivery, and ecosystem support. It funds R&D, talent development, and commercialization initiatives. Innovate BC bridges research and industry across the province.

Programs offered:

Interface Health

Interface Health is a digital health innovation platform and accelerator that connects startups with a global network of healthcare stakeholders. It supports health tech companies through competitions, mentorship, and commercialization pathways. Based in Vancouver, it fosters collaboration among innovators, investors, and industry leaders.

Program offered:

HATCH ventures

HATCH ventures is an incubator located at the University of British Columbia, supporting UBC-affiliated startups through funding, mentorship, and infrastructure. It helps entrepreneurs transform research-based ideas into scalable businesses. The program focuses on deep tech, life sciences, and innovation with global impact.

Program offered:

Kyn Biosciences Inc.

Kyn Biosciences is a life sciences startup focused on developing novel cancer immunotherapies. It leverages cutting-edge biotech research to create targeted treatments. The company is advancing its platform with support from BC’s innovation ecosystem.

Program offered:

Launch Academy

Launch Academy is a Vancouver-based tech accelerator that supports early-stage startups with mentorship, workspace, and global expansion programming. It has helped launch hundreds of companies across sectors like AI, fintech, and SaaS. The academy provides a launchpad to international markets.

Programs offered:

Launch.vc

Launch.vc is a venture capital firm and startup studio that builds, invests in, and accelerates innovative companies. It provides operational support, funding, and strategic guidance. The firm works with founders across multiple verticals, including digital health and e-commerce.

Program offered:

League of Innovators

The League of Innovators is a national charity offering youth entrepreneurship programs, including accelerators and skill-building courses. It supports young founders through mentorship and peer networks. The organization helps youth launch and scale ventures.

Programs offered:

Light House

Light House is a non-profit that supports green building innovation and sustainable design. It provides industry consultation, startup incubation, and project facilitation. The organization works with public and private partners to advance environmental sustainability.

Programs offered:

METABRIDGE

METABRIDGE connects Canada’s top tech scale-ups with experienced mentors, corporate partners, and investors through curated retreats and events. The program supports companies that are ready to grow beyond their local ecosystems. It emphasizes peer-to-peer learning and strategic relationship-building.

Program offered:

Moken

Moken is a startup studio and venture partner that offers strategic and technical support to founders. It assists with business development, branding, and product launch. Moken helps startups from ideation to scale with a collaborative approach.

Program offered:

New Ventures BC

New Ventures BC runs the province’s largest startup competition and provides acceleration programs, mentorship, and training. It supports early-stage ventures in validating and scaling their businesses. The organization is a foundational part of BC’s startup ecosystem.

Programs offered:

Nimbus Synergies 

Nimbus Synergies is a venture capital firm investing in early-stage digital health companies. It provides strategic capital, industry partnerships, and operational expertise. The firm focuses on improving health outcomes through innovation.

Programs offered:

Praxis Spinal Cord Institute

Praxis accelerates the translation of spinal cord injury research into clinical practice and commercial solutions. It funds, tests, and validates technologies that improve quality of life for people with SCI. The institute collaborates with global health and innovation networks.

Program offered:

Project Zero 2021 Incubator

Project Zero is an incubator that supports circular economy startups and social enterprises. It provides tailored support, mentorship, and access to sustainability experts. The program helps ventures reduce waste and build regenerative business models.

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RADIUS

RADIUS is a social innovation hub at Simon Fraser University that runs incubators, fellowships, and research programs. It supports changemakers building just and sustainable systems. RADIUS focuses on inclusive entrepreneurship and systems transformation.

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SFU VentureLabs

SFU VentureLabs supports science and technology ventures in scaling and commercialization through structured programs and industry mentorship. It is affiliated with Simon Fraser University and works closely with research-based startups. The lab connects companies with talent, capital, and markets.

Programs offered:

Small Business Accelerator Program

The SBA Program, run by UBC Library, offers free online tools and curated resources to help entrepreneurs start and grow businesses in BC. It provides market research guides, planning templates, and sector-specific advice. The platform supports rural and urban businesses alike.

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Spring Activator

Spring Activator supports purpose-driven entrepreneurs with programs focused on impact investing, fundraising, and business incubation. It works with individuals, investors, and organizations to drive positive social and environmental change. Spring has both local and global reach.

Programs offered:

VentureLAB

VentureLAB is a leading innovation hub in Ontario focused on hardware and health tech startups. It offers programs, workspace, and investment opportunities to scale ventures. Though based in Ontario, it partners with national and international organizations.

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Victory Square

Victory Square Technologies is a venture builder that invests in early-stage tech companies across sectors like digital health, gaming, and AI. It provides funding and operational support to accelerate growth. The firm integrates IP development with commercialization strategies.

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ZenLaunchpad – Accelerator

ZenLaunchpad is a coworking space and accelerator in North Vancouver that supports early-stage tech startups. It offers mentorship, office space, and networking opportunities. The program emphasizes lean startup principles and founder support.

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Victoria Incubators and Accelerators

Coast Capital Innovation Centre

The Coast Capital Innovation Centre, housed at the University of Victoria, provides resources and support for student and alumni entrepreneurs. It offers coaching, funding advice, and access to startup tools to help launch viable ventures. The centre is a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship education on campus.

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Scale Collaborative

Scale Collaborative supports non-profits and social enterprises in scaling impact through business model innovation and financial sustainability. It offers training, investment readiness support, and strategic planning. The organization champions economic transformation through social innovation.

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University of Victoria

The University of Victoria fosters innovation through research commercialization, entrepreneurship programs, and startup support. It provides labs, funding, and mentorship to students and faculty. The institution plays a key role in advancing BC’s innovation ecosystem.

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VIATEC

VIATEC (Victoria Innovation, Advanced Technology & Entrepreneurship Council) supports Greater Victoria’s tech sector with programming, funding, and community-building initiatives. It operates an accelerator and provides services for startups and scale-ups. VIATEC strengthens the region’s economic development through innovation.

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