Business Incubators & Accelerators in Quebec – Directory of Startup Support Programs

Looking for startup support in Québec? 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 tech startup in Montréal, building a cleantech venture in Sherbrooke, or developing a social enterprise in Northern Québec, this directory connects you with the province’s leading innovation hubs.

✅ 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.

In Québec, many organizations blend both models, offering hybrid incubation-acceleration services tailored to your venture’s development stage.

✅ What These Programs Typically Offer

Incubators and accelerators in Québec often provide:

  • One-on-one mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and investors
  • Structured training in business planning, finance, marketing, and investor readiness
  • Access to coworking space, labs, or fabrication facilities — especially in innovation centres and universities
  • Connections to capital sources including angel investors, venture capital, and Québec-specific grants
  • Industry-specific support in agri-tech, cleantech, Indigenous entrepreneurship, AI, life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and social innovation
  • Events like demo days, pitch competitions, and networking mixers that build connections across the Québec startup ecosystem

Some programs offer equity-based investment (mainly accelerators), while others are non-dilutive and supported by public or educational institutions.

✅ How to Choose a Program

With incubators and accelerators operating across Québec, selecting the right one depends on your specific goals. When reviewing the directory, consider the following:

  • Stage Fit – Are you pre-revenue, MVP-ready, or generating sales?
  • Location – Many programs focus on cities like Montréal, Québec City, Gatineau, Sherbrooke, or rural regions such as Côte-Nord or Gaspésie
  • Sector Focus – Some programs specialize in areas like AI, health tech, cleantech, agri-food, or social enterprise
  • 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

Rooted in world-class research, cultural diversity, and a spirit of collaboration, Québec offers entrepreneurs the tools and networks to grow meaningful ventures. Its startup ecosystem is designed to support bold ideas across every stage and sector — from cutting-edge tech to mission-driven enterprises.

✅ Directory: Incubators & Accelerators in Québec

Gatineau Incubators and Accelerators

Institut Innovation Gatineau

Institut Innovation Gatineau (IIG) is a non-profit organization that supports tech startups and innovative businesses in the Outaouais region. It offers acceleration and incubation programs, mentorship, and access to funding opportunities to help entrepreneurs scale their ventures. IIG fosters a collaborative ecosystem focused on innovation, commercialization, and business growth.

Programs offered:

Magog Technopole

Magog Technopole supports startups and tech companies in the Eastern Townships with incubation, mentoring, and business development services. Its Xplore program provides structured guidance for early-stage companies. The organization is dedicated to growing the regional innovation ecosystem.

Program offered:

Montreal Incubators and Accelerators

Holt Xchange

Holt Xchange is a Montréal-based global fintech-focused accelerator that invests in early-stage startups. It connects companies with industry experts, capital, and global markets through tailored programming. The program emphasizes rapid scaling and real-world validation.

Program offered:

Montreal NewTech | Cooperathon

Montreal NewTech’s Cooperathon is Canada’s largest open innovation challenge, bringing together entrepreneurs, researchers, and citizens. Participants tackle real-world challenges in health, environment, education, and finance. It serves as a launchpad for impactful, socially driven startups.

Programs offered:

MT Lab

MT Lab is an incubator dedicated to innovation in tourism, culture, and entertainment. Based in Montréal, it connects startups with major industry partners for pilot projects and collaboration. The EPIIC program, run in partnership with La Piscine, supports creative entrepreneurs.

Program offered:

Techstars

A 3‑month, mentorship-led program launched in 2018 by Techstars in partnership with Real Ventures, focused on AI startups from around the world. Each cohort includes around 10 AI-driven companies tackling diverse sectors like health, public transit, aquaculture, and graphics, culminating in a Demo Day attended by key players in Montréal’s startup ecosystem. Based at Notman House since its inception, the program provides seed funding, access to corporate partners (e.g., IVADO, CDL‑Montréal), and deep immersion in a booming AI hub.

Program offered:

Zú

Zú is a creative hub and incubator in Montréal supporting startups at the intersection of technology, art, and entertainment. It offers tailored programs, labs, and prototyping tools to accelerate commercialization. Zú is backed by Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberté.

Programs offered:

Aéro Montréal

Aéro Montréal is Québec’s aerospace cluster and leads programs like Accélérateur 360 to help aerospace startups and SMEs grow. It connects industry players, promotes innovation, and supports commercialization. The cluster plays a central role in strengthening Québec’s global aerospace position.

Program offered:

BridgeMTL

BridgeMTL is a Montréal-based initiative supporting Black entrepreneurs with mentoring, community support, and business acceleration. It offers culturally relevant resources and fosters inclusive innovation. The program builds bridges between founders and funding networks.

Program offered:

Centech

Centech is one of Canada’s top deep-tech incubators, affiliated with ÉTS in Montréal. It offers structured acceleration and propulsion programs for high-potential startups. Centech also partners with corporations to foster innovation and commercialization.

Programs offered:

Centre d’entrepreneuriat ESG UQAM

The Centre d’entrepreneuriat ESG UQAM provides training, mentoring, and competitions like “Concours Mon Entreprise” to support student and community entrepreneurs. It helps transform ideas into viable businesses. The center also facilitates access to funding and networks.

Programs offered:

Coop Carbonne

Coop Carbone is a cooperative that accelerates sustainable mobility and climate initiatives in Québec. It runs the Sustainable Mobility Accelerator to support startups working on low-carbon transportation. The organization fosters systemic change through innovation and collaboration.

Program offered:

Cycle Momentum

Cycle Momentum is a Montréal-based accelerator for cleantech startups, offering tailored support and access to investors and global markets. Their programs include Lab to Startup, focused on commercialization of research-driven solutions. They emphasize sustainable innovation and climate impact.

Program offered:

District 3 (Concordia University)

District 3 is an innovation hub at Concordia University supporting science- and tech-based startups. It offers a range of programs from ideation to growth, including mentorship and R&D support. District 3 bridges academia and industry to drive entrepreneurial success.

Programs offered:

Esplanade Québec

Esplanade Québec is a Montréal-based accelerator that supports social and environmental impact ventures. It offers structured programs like Acceleration, Transformation, and Perspectives Entrepreneurs, tailored to mission-driven entrepreneurs. Esplanade collaborates with funders, researchers, and practitioners to foster systemic change.

Programs offered:

Fintech Cadence

Fintech Cadence is a national fintech hub based in Montréal that supports early-stage ventures through programs like Ascension and IFH Lab. It provides specialized mentorship, ecosystem connections, and industry expertise. The organization focuses on inclusive finance and innovation in the financial sector.

Programs offered:

Flots

Flots is a Montréal-based pre-incubator that helps early-stage entrepreneurs validate ideas and gain essential skills. It offers tailored coaching, community support, and local ecosystem access. Flots focuses on building confidence and capability in first-time founders.

Program offered:

Food Hub

The Food Hub, operated by Coop Alentour, supports agri-food producers and cooperatives in Québec. It provides processing, distribution, and incubation services to boost sustainable food systems. The hub promotes local food innovation and community resilience.

Program offered:

FounderFuel

FounderFuel is a top-tier Montréal-based accelerator for early-stage tech startups. Backed by Real Ventures, it provides capital, coaching, and access to a wide investor network. The program culminates in a high-profile Demo Day that draws national attention.

Program offered:

Garage Incubation

Garage Incubation is a Montréal-based incubator offering programs and services to help entrepreneurs grow innovative businesses. It provides coaching, events, and connections to investors and mentors. The organization supports a diverse range of sectors and founders.

Program offered:

Innohub La Centrale

InnoHub La Centrale, located in Montréal, supports early-stage entrepreneurs with incubation services, workshops, and community connections. It provides bilingual support and guidance tailored to local business needs. The hub emphasizes inclusive and accessible entrepreneurship.

Program offered:

La Piscine

La Piscine is a cultural and creative industries incubator in Montréal offering programs like Deep Dive and Surf SODEC. It supports entrepreneurs in arts, media, and entertainment with coaching, space, and funding access. The organization is known for its collaborative, design-driven approach.

Programs offered:

Main (Mouvement des accélérateurs d’innovation du québec)

MAIN is a Montréal-based organization that connects and supports Québec’s incubators and accelerators. It builds capacity, shares best practices, and facilitates collaboration across the innovation ecosystem. MAIN acts as a central node for entrepreneurial development in the province.

Program offered:

Mangrove

Mangrove is a Montréal-based platform offering structured peer learning for entrepreneurs through initiatives like Cercles Numana. It helps founders gain clarity, accountability, and support in their growth journey. Mangrove’s approach emphasizes authenticity and mutual learning.

Programs offered:

MT Lab

MT Lab is Montréal’s innovation hub for tourism, culture, and entertainment, connecting startups with major industry players. It offers incubation, pilot opportunities, and specialized programs like EPIIC in partnership with La Piscine. MT Lab fosters applied innovation in experience-driven sectors.

Programs offered:

Polytechnique Montréal

Propolys is Polytechnique Montréal’s entrepreneurship space, offering startup support, mentorship, and access to facilities. Its programs include entrepreneurial tracks for medtech and deep-tech ventures. Propolys supports students and researchers aiming to commercialize technological innovation.

Programs offered:

Québec Tech

The Association québécoise des technologies (AQT) supports tech SMEs across Québec with programs like international commercialization. It advocates for digital innovation and provides events, networking, and growth tools. AQT strengthens the competitiveness of Québec’s tech industry.

Programs offered:

QueerTech

QueerTech is a Montréal-based organization empowering LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs and professionals in tech. It runs programs like QT Qatalyst and QT Founders to support inclusive innovation. QueerTech fosters a diverse ecosystem through mentorship, events, and industry partnerships.

Programs offered:

Saint-Jean-Port-Joli Incubators and Accelerators

Quartier Artisan

Quartier Artisan is based in Saint-Jean-Port-Joli and supports creative entrepreneurs and artisans with business development programs. Its Stage V accelerator focuses on helping craft entrepreneurs expand internationally. The organization blends cultural heritage with entrepreneurial growth.

Program offered:

Sherbrooke Incubators and Accelerators

2 Degrés

2 Degrés is an incubator in Sherbrooke focused on cleantech and environmental innovation. It offers tailored incubation programs, mentorship, and ecosystem connections for startups addressing climate challenges. The organization supports sustainable entrepreneurship from ideation to scale.

Programs offered: