Empowering women and gender diverse individuals
Fostering innovation starts with fostering inclusion.
Applications are currently closed. Sign up to receive updates for our next cohort.
AC:Incubate+
Addressing the barriers in the tech industry head-on by offering actionable tools, mentorship, and support to women, women-identifying, and gender diverse individuals as they start and grow their businesses.
We have partnered with SASC to create programming designed to empower women and gender diverse individuals in STEM careers and entrepreneurship.
When you’re a part of our community, you benefit from mentorship, our virtual platforms that enable growth through hard work, events, funding opportunities, and access to partners — so you’re never going it alone.
Impactful partnerships for gender equality
Expanding proven programs to remove systemic barriers
The economic and social benefits of diversity in leadership and STEM fields are clear. Research indicates that companies with diverse leadership are 25% more likely to outperform their peers and experience enhanced innovation and profitability. Despite this, women make up just 29% of the STEM workforce globally and, in Canada, only 17% of all private sector businesses were majority-owned by women.
This unique collaboration brings together SASC's expertise in fostering education and training in creating equitable workplaces with the AC's award-winning programs for early-stage technology companies, amplifying the reach and impact of both organizations.
Eligibility
Who is AC:Incubate+ for
The AC:Incubate+ program aims to address the barriers in the tech industry head-on by offering actionable tools, mentorship, and support to women, women-identifying, and gender diverse individuals as they start and grow their businesses.
To join the AC:Incubate+ program, you must meet the following requirements:
Cannot have participated in AC:Incubate+ Cohort 1- Be a woman, woman-identifying, and/or gender diverse founder with a STEM-based startup
- Must be available to participate in weekly, in-person programming at the AC HQ from September 17, 2025, through to March 5, 2026 (NOTE: Holiday closure December 22, 2025 – January 2, 2026)
- Can commit to attending 75% of the weekly in-person meetings, on Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
- Be incorporated in Canada or Ontario, or you must be prepared to incorporate within 30 days of being accepted into the program
- Eager to fully engage in our high-touch, high-impact and hybrid programming designed to accelerate growth and drive tangible results
Bring your innovation to life
Join the movement
We're looking for 10 incredible STEM-based startups led by women and/or gender diverse founders to participate in 6 months of AC:Incubate+ programming.
Participants will gain access to content and community-building programming that leverages equitable and inclusive ideals, and provides:
- Access to our award winning programming, based on best-practices from around the world
- Startup business basics and foundations targeted workshops, and educational opportunities
- Customized resources designed to empower women and gender-diverse founders
- The AC’s digital and in-person founder communities
- Free events and workshops that help you build network and grow your business
- One-to-one guidance with our team of in-house mentors and specialists
- 1:1 investment advisory services and access to the AC's investor network
- A dedicated Founder Experience Team to guide you through the program and ensure you're connected to all the resources you need to be successful
- Access to the AC's Value Added Service Providers with up to $600,000 in credits and discounts from industry leaders like AWS, Google for Startups and more
The best part? It is free thanks to the generous support of WAGE Canada.
Acknowledgement of funding
Program sponsor
This project has been funded through Women and Gender Equality Canada's Women's Program.
client spotlight
AC:Incubate+ client success stories
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Client Spotlight: Stefanie Bruinsma, Founder of AutoCate
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Frequently asked questions
1. Is there non-diluted funding available in this program?
No, that’s our AC:Studio program.
2. Do I have to be a tech (hardware/software) business to apply?
No. AC:Incubate+ is for STEM-based businesses, not just tech startups.
3. I have a male co-founder can I still apply?
Yes. If the primary founder and applicant identifies as a woman or is gender diverse and will be the one attending the in-person workshops, you can apply.
4. Can AC:Incubate+ help with becoming investment ready?
Yes. We’ve developed a specific investment readiness learning pathway within the AC:Incubate program. If we determine your company is a fit for this, we will include the Investment Readiness pathway for no additional cost. As a caveat – becoming “investment-ready” requires time and effort and typically takes 4-6 months to complete.
Applications Currently Closed
Thank you for your interest in our program.
Applications for AC:Incubate+ are now closed. Leave us your contact details and we will let you know when applications open.