The Nobellum Innovator Program – 2026 Growth Stream is a flagship accelerator created to support the development and scaling of Black-led ventures in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Designed for founders who already have a developed prototype or MVP, the six-month program focuses on high-growth, revenue-generating startups that are preparing to raise external capital. Building on Nobellum’s reported support for more than 100 Black-owned STEM businesses as of 2025, the Growth Stream continues that mission by connecting founders with mentorship, infrastructure, strategic guidance, and visibility opportunities to help them scale.
Program Details
• Program Name: INNOVATOR PROGRAM - 2026 GROWTH
• Application Deadline: 31 May 2026
• Program Duration: Six months
Program Benefits
• Executive in Residence Coaching Support (EiR): Founders receive one-on-one mentorship from experienced executives, investors, and domain experts to refine strategy and navigate growth.
• Co-working Space (LAUFT): Participants gain access to professional co-working spaces across the GTA to support collaboration, productivity, and community.
• Partnered STEM Facility: Ventures can access a 178,000 sq. ft. facility and a network of about 100 scientists working across areas such as advanced manufacturing, biotech, textile computing, and advanced materials.
• Scale Up Program: Founders receive hands-on support from leading universities and colleges in strategic planning, financial modeling, market research, and scaling operations.
• Technical Development Tracks (Node): The program provides access to partners and toolkits that strengthen product development, financial planning, and go-to-market execution.
• PR and Media Training with CityTv News: Participants receive storytelling tools and media exposure opportunities to strengthen their brand visibility.
• Demo Day and National Recognition: Founders present at a professionally produced Demo Day attended by ecosystem leaders, investors, and corporate partners.
• Pathway to the Black Innovation Zone (BIZ): Nobellum connects founders to a national coalition of 20+ Black-led investors and accelerators.
• Procurement Canada RFP Training: Participants receive support on finding, bidding on, and complying with government procurement opportunities.
• Intellectual Property Support (IPON): Founders can access IP support to help protect and commercialize their innovations.
Eligibility Criteria
To be admitted into the Growth Stream, ventures must be Black-led, with at least one Black founder, operate in a STEM-related industry, and be incorporated either federally or provincially in Canada. In addition, applicants must meet at least one of the following thresholds: generate more than CAD 100,000 in annual sales revenue, or hold intellectual property alongside a company valuation above CAD 3 million.
Strengthening Your Application
While not mandatory, applicants can strengthen their submission by showing that they have already launched an MVP or generated early revenue, built an executive team or secured an active senior advisor, and demonstrated clear investment readiness and scalability potential.
The Nobellum Innovator Program – 2026 Growth Stream is positioned as a high-impact accelerator for Black-led STEM ventures that are ready to move beyond early validation and into scale. Through mentorship, technical and business support, infrastructure access, investor readiness, and national exposure, the program aims to help founders strengthen their ventures and prepare for sustained growth.