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Bio

Bio
Join the bio-revolution today
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From Lab Bench to Market Breakthrough

We provide the state-of-the-art wet lab facilities, bio-specific expertise, and network to help you commercialize your scientific discovery.

  • Access Our State-of-the-Art BioHub: De-risk your research and accelerate development in our fully equipped, cutting-edge wet lab.
  • Validate Your Application: Work with specialized coaches to define a clear path from scientific principle to a validated market need.
  • Secure Bio-Specific Funding: Connect with investors and partners who understand the unique capital needs and timelines of biotech innovation.
  • Build Your Bio Venture: Master the journey from intellectual property to a competitive startup ready to scale within Canada’s bioeconomy.

Ready to bring your discovery to life?

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what you gain
We support founders leveraging biotech innovation to accelerate their commercialization potential and contribute to improving the lives of Canadians and building Canada’s bioeconomy in sectors such as biopharma, agri-food, clean technologies and biomaterials.

Our personalized services grow with you, providing hands-on support from seasoned industry coaches and an extensive global network. Our programs are free and open to all. We take no equity, and your IP stays yours.

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Problem Solving

Develop skills around creative thinking to generate innovative solutions for complex challenges.

Entrepreneurship Frameworks & Strategic Thinking

Learn the essential skills to become a successful founder. Master new frameworks for strategic thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving to navigate challenges and drive your business forward with confidence. 

Pitching

Craft compelling pitches and improve your ability to communicate your mission and value proposition in a clear and concise way. 

Networking & Collaboration

Build valuable connections and establish strong relationships with potential partners, stakeholders, and customers, laying the foundation for collaboration and growth. 

Sustainability & Social Impact

Integrate environmental, social and governance principles into your business model for sustainable growth.

Market Research

Conduct in-depth market research to uncover growth opportunities, drive innovation, and identify areas for impact. Develop the skills to expand your customer base and boost revenue.

Inclusive & Neurodiverse Friendly Environment

We’re committed to fostering an accessible and welcoming coworking space where entrepreneurs of all abilities feel supported. Our sensory-friendly spaces and tailored workshops are designed to help everyone thrive and contribute their unique strengths to the entrepreneurial community. 
We're not the force that creates the movement, but the nurturers of a soil where change can flourish

FAQ

Below you’ll find answers to the most common questions you may have about our programs and services.
Can international teams apply for the BioTech programs?

International teams may apply if you have an intention to build your startup in Canada and operate out of Montreal. Our focus is on supporting Canadian entrepreneurs with global ideas and solutions. While our programs are offered in person in Montreal and online, our global network can provide international resources and connections to help you advance your biotech innovations.

How do I apply for the BioTech programs?

To apply, please visit our application page and complete the required information. We review applications on a rolling basis and will contact you to discuss the next steps.

At what stage can I join District 3’s programs for Bio?

We accept applications from teams and entrepreneurs at various stages. Our Validation Program helps you test your hypotheses and refine your concept. For more advanced projects, our Launch and Grow Program offers tailored support to help you launch your operational team and scale your business effectively.

Are there any fees to participate in the BioTech programs?

Participation in our BioTech programs is free, and we do not take equity in your venture. Our goal is to provide support and resources to help you succeed.

What specific areas of BioTech innovation does the program support?

Both the Validation as well as the Launch & Grow program cover a wide range of innovation areas, and have been tailored to welcome Bio teams including but not limited to synthetic biology, precision fermentation, drug therapeutics, and AI tools for drug development/discovery. We are dedicated to supporting startups with an underlying technology with proof of concept or innovation across all sectors of the biotech and life sciences verticals.

What kind of support and resources are provided?

Participants receive personalized coaching from experienced professionals with deep expertise in biotech/biopharma entrepreneurship and R&D. These coaches bring valuable insights from their own startup journeys and industry knowledge. In addition, you will have access to industry experts through workshops, office hours, opportunities to showcase your work at global conventions, and connections to relevant grant opportunities.

What networking opportunities are available through the BioTech programs?

Our BioTech programs provide robust networking opportunities with biotech investors, research institutions, industry experts, and key government entities. We also facilitate connections with leading innovation centers both nationally and internationally.

How is intellectual property (IP) handled within the BioTech programs?

We respect your intellectual property rights and do not claim ownership of your IP. We offer guidance to help you navigate the complexities of IP management and protection, including access to relevant grants and specialized lawyers.

A decade of commitment to change

170+

170+ Bio startups supported (2020-2024)

15+

15+ Key partnerships

$54M+

$54M+ Funding since 2021
ready to build your idea?
Applications to our programs are open!
apply now
success stories
Meet the founders, from local to global, whose projects are creating meaningful change.
see all
Freshr
Pioneering Sustainable Packaging for a Zero-Food Waste Future
Freshr Technologies develops compostable packaging that extends seafood shelf life, reducing plastic waste and supporting sustainability.
read
Cura Therapeutics
The next wave of immunomodulating therapies
CURA's fusion protein reactivates the immune response against cancer, boosting T, NK, and B cells while blocking tumor blood supply.
read
Hyasynth
Improving the lives of people with neurological health conditions
Hyasynth uses industrial fermentation to supply millions of people with therapeutics
read
GC LipidTech
Reducing Overfishing and Preserving Marine Biodiversity with Sustainable Microalgae Solutions
GC LipidTech develops engineered microalgae strains to provide sustainable alternatives to fishmeal, supporting more eco-friendly aquaculture and marine biodiversity preservation.
read
team
Aaron Johnson
Aaron Johnson
Interim Executive Director of District 3
Anna Ehrhardt
Anna Ehrhardt
Director of Administration and Operations
Margaret Bywater
Margaret Bywater
Biotech Stream Lead & Senior Coach
Julie Hamel
Julie Hamel
Social Innovation Lead & Senior Coach
Marion Kressmann
Marion Kressmann
Mentor Connect Director
Paul Geiben
Paul Geiben
Marketing Manager
Andrea Betts
Andrea Betts
Administration and Compliance Lead
Rosilda D’Arienzo
Rosilda D’Arienzo
Neurodiversity Stream Lead & Assistant to the Executive Director
Gleice Leite
Gleice Leite
Biohub Lead
Zaccary Dyck
Zaccary Dyck
Lead Facilitation and IT
Sandra Chang
Sandra Chang
Social Innovation Validation Lead
Nicole Dunsmore
Nicole Dunsmore
Marketing Coordinator
Regina Gantert
Regina Gantert
MentorConnect Coordinator
Riley McGregor-Mann
Riley McGregor-Mann
Office and Operations Support
Mahzad Sharifahmadian
Mahzad Sharifahmadian
Strategic Initiatives Manager
Mitalie Makhani
Mitalie Makhani
Pre-Launch and Launch & Grow Lead
Tam Nguyen
Tam Nguyen
Social Innovation Ideation Lead
Heena Punjabi
Heena Punjabi
Operations Lead
Anmol Nagpal
Anmol Nagpal
Innovation, Strategy Lead & Validation Coach
Sophie Legler
Sophie Legler
Startup Coordinator
Nerjis Hassan
Nerjis Hassan
Residency Coordinator, L2M National Discover Program Lead
Mathilde Davan
Mathilde Davan
Data, Systems and Automation Coordinator
Andrea Tavares de Lima
Andrea Tavares de Lima
Validation Lead
Roberto Cialdella
Roberto Cialdella
Marketing Coach
Partners
Your ecosystem of support

It takes a village to raise a child, and an ecosystem to turn an idea into lasting impact. You're in good company.

Funding Partners
Partner Network
District 3 offered valuable mentoring and coaching support, enabling us to exchange ideas. We continue with MentorConnect, where diverse mentors share insights, revealing that many challenges are similar across industries.
Josh Pottel
Molecular Forecaster
Co-founder
As a leader, D3 supports you throughout your journey, encouraging exploration from various angles. Each time you reach a milestone, they motivate you to keep moving forward.
Dilan Jaunky
GC LipidTech
Co-founder
I had been a scientist all my life. Patents and papers have a major impact only when they become a product, therapy or tool. I’ve grown tremendously since, thanks to the right support to guide me along my entrepreneurial journey.
Margaret Magdesian, Ph.D.
Ananda Devices
Co-Founder
testimonials
Don’t just take our word for it—let the
founders do the talking.
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cofounder name
role, startup name
news
News from District 3's ecosystem
all news

January 1, 1970

Five new tech companies announced at the 1st Annual Québec Tech Celebration
Big congrats to our MentorConnect team, Haply Robotics, for being selected to join Stage V by Québec Tech! Stage V helps high-potential Quebec startups scale internationally through tailored support and resources. This recognition highlights Haply’s innovation, impact, and global vision.
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The Hub: D3's Newsletter - October 2025
Trick or treat? At D3, you might find a co-founder at your door, a workshop to sharpen your conversational wizardry, or startups conjuring breakthroughs in foodtech, biotech, AI, and beyond. Whatever you pick, it’s all treats this fall.
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The Hub: D3's Newsletter - September 2025
At D3, we know every founder hits roadblocks, and that’s where the real building begins. This fall, our programs help you validate ideas, sharpen your model, and turn detours into momentum. Application deadlines are approaching, our startups are making headlines, and our annual report highlights a community tackling big challenges with bold solutions.
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