Quick Take
- NEXT AI’s 2025 cohorts run: March-September in Toronto and Montreal
- Program connects: startups with faculty from Google, Facebook AI, and Mila
- Two-phase framework covers: AI development and market commercialization
- Participants need: Canadian citizenship or valid work permits
- Applications: opened October 17, closed December 10, 2024
Canada’s premier artificial intelligence accelerator has announced its 2025 cohort programs for Toronto and Montreal, offering comprehensive startup development through what industry experts call the country’s leading AI venture platform.
NEXT AI tackles key challenges in the AI startup landscape by delivering world-class mentorship, education, and networks for early-stage teams building ambitious AI solutions. The program helps promising ventures become globally competitive companies through structured support for technical development and market commercialization.
Participants get access to award-winning faculty, connections with leading AI scientists and Venture Managers, plus an international network of mentors and investors. The program features high-impact workshops, speaker series, and free office space in Toronto and Montreal’s AI innovation districts.
Dual-Track Program Structure
NEXT AI runs two distinct cohorts to meet different startup needs and location preferences.
The Toronto cohort operates March through April virtually, except for Immersion Programming in March. From May to mid-August, the program becomes predominantly in-person at NEXT Canada’s downtown Toronto headquarters. All participants must attend three key in-person events: Immersion Programming in March, Venture Reveal in May, and Venture Day in August.
The Montreal/Remote cohort runs March to September 2025, providing complete remote access. However, participants must attend three mandatory in-person events: Immersion Week in March in Montreal, Venture Reveal in May in Toronto, and Demo Day in September in Montreal.
Distinguished Faculty Network
The program brings together internationally recognized educators and industry leaders who teach specialized AI curriculum. Participants learn Machine Learning from Graham Taylor of University of Guelph, CIFAR, and Google. Strategy and Innovation comes from Ajay Agrawal at Rotman School of Management, while Economics of Entrepreneurship is taught by Reza Satchu from Alignvest Management Corporation.
Deep Learning instruction comes from Yoshua Bengio of Université de Montréal and Mila. The curriculum includes Reinforcement Learning from Joelle Pineau of Facebook AI Research Lab, Agile Project Management from Ann-Frances Cameron at HEC Montréal, and Natural Language Processing from Jackie Cheung at McGill University.
Two-Phase Growth Framework
Phase One builds strong venture foundations through common-track and one-on-one support. Founders get instruction from internationally acclaimed faculty and Canadian business leaders while being introduced to dedicated mentors, Venture Managers, and scientists-in-residence. Legal and accounting partners help organize ventures to be investor-ready and consolidate product roadmaps.
By Phase One’s completion, founders are ready to validate their offerings in the market and accelerate project growth.
Phase Two reduces mandatory programming, letting entrepreneurs focus on customers while receiving continued support from Venture Managers and mentors. The phase ends with extensive pitch training before introductions to select investors interested in early-stage AI ventures.
Strategic Partnership Network
NEXT AI uses Canada’s leadership position in artificial intelligence to create ventures with global disruption potential. The program’s comprehensive approach addresses both technical development and market commercialization, essential factors for scaling AI solutions internationally.
Participants access perks from leading AI technologies and legal assistance through in-kind partners including NVIDIA, AWS, and Osler. This partnership network gives startups essential resources typically unavailable to early-stage companies.
Startup Selection Criteria
NEXT AI looks for companies in the discovery-efficiency stage where AI is core to the idea or company. Ideal teams are driven by their mission, open to mentoring, and have in-depth technical expertise or strong industry understanding.
Eligible companies must have at least one business co-founder and one distinct technical co-founder, each intended to receive minimum 10% company shares. Founders must hold Canadian citizenship, permanent residency, or valid work/study permits.
The business model and market opportunity must be conducive to massive scaling, reflecting the program’s focus on creating globally significant AI ventures.
Market Impact Strategy
NEXT AI represents more than an accelerator program. It serves as a strategic bridge connecting Canada’s AI research excellence with commercial market opportunities. The program’s track record and faculty roster position it as a premier destination for ambitious AI entrepreneurs seeking to build globally competitive ventures.
The structured environment, combined with access to global thought leaders and resources, equips teams to seize market opportunities and effectively commercialize AI technologies on an international stage. NEXT AI continues positioning itself to transform ambitious startups into significant players in the global AI ecosystem.
