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tailored services for innovators
District 3 is a leading innovation hub offering a comprehensive range of services designed to support startups from the idea stage to advanced growth.
As part of the D3 community, you will benefit from access to our collaborative workspace, exclusive events, expert-led workshops, a growing network, funding opportunities, and valuable industry insights.
Explore Stage
Designed for individuals and teams at the beginning of their start-up journey, this 6-week phase—focused on social and environmental impact—helps you understand challenges, map the landscape, and build sustainable solutions.
Who is it for?
Any individual or team ready to jump into entrepreneurship to solve complex social or environmental challenges.
What do you gain?
Ignite your entrepreneurial spirit and master systems thinking. Conduct research to better understand your challenge using systems mapping and the Impact Gaps Canvas. By the end, you’ll:
- Enhance your problem-solving skills
- Confidently develop impactful solutions
- Visualize complex systems
- Apply a systems-thinking approach to business development
Things to know
- District 3 offers a 6-week experience featuring weekly 2.5-hour workshops and office hours.
- Expect a commitment of up to 10 hours per week.
- Services are completely free, and no equity is taken.
Specific Expertise
Support is aimed at entrepreneurs using new technologies to innovate. District 3 offers sector-specific expertise (e.g., biotech, healthcare, social innovation) with resources tailored to your needs.
Dedicated programs
Are you a Concordia student ready to build lasting entrepreneurial skills, or a researcher wanting to bring your innovation to life? Explore tailored opportunities:
Alan Shepherd Summer residency for recent Concordia grads & current students →
Build Stage
Refine your business model and sharpen your leadership skills in this 12-week intensive program. Engage with potential customers and stakeholders to validate your assumptions and create a clear action plan.
Who is it for?
Early-stage startups with proof of concept, ready to bring their innovation to market. Teams should have the technical capacity to build the solution.
NB: High-tech startups don’t require proof of concept for this program.
What do you gain?
Test your market hypotheses and develop your business model while working alongside peers. Use hands-on methods to validate your ideas through stakeholder discovery and customer interviews. Access 1:1 industry-specific coaching and attend workshops and training—all within District 3’s downtown Montreal coworking space.
Things to know
- District 3 offers a 10- to 12-week program that includes individual work, coaching, and workshops.
- Commitment: ~25 hours per week per co-founder.
- Weekly in-person attendance is required for a 3-hour session.
- Our services are completely free, with no equity taken.
- Your intellectual property remains fully yours.
Sector-specific Support
Gain access to industry-specific coaching and knowledge in health, bio, high tech, and social innovation.
Grow Stage
Accelerate your startup’s growth with hands-on coaching from experienced entrepreneurs. Secure both dilutive and non-dilutive funding, refine your pitch, and strengthen your IP strategy. Build your team, expand into global markets, and gain access to a powerful network of mentors, partners, and investors to maximize your impact.
Who is it for?
Startups that have demonstrated customer or stakeholder traction and seek to accelerate toward closing a seed round or achieving product–market fit.
What do you gain?
Access to tailored services to build your product, acquire customers, and achieve or boost early sales. Get biweekly 1:1 industry-specific coaching focused on 90-day sprints, plus customized workshops and peer-to-peer sessions. We’ll help you navigate non-dilutive funding and fundraising rounds while connecting you with a robust network of local and global partners and investors. Enjoy co-working space access and join a community of like-minded innovators.
Things to know
- We’re looking for ideas leveraging emerging technologies or innovative business models.
- Team: at least two co-founders, with full-time commitment from at least one.
- Our services are free, we take no equity, and your IP remains fully yours.
Sector-specific support
Gain access to industry-specific events, partners, networks, funding, coaching, and knowledge in health, bio, high tech, and social innovation.
Scale Stage
Transition from entrepreneur to CEO while scaling your startup into a thriving small–medium enterprise (SME) with our high-touch MIT Venture Mentoring service.
Who is it for?
Founders looking to enhance their management skills and grow their companies. It’s also designed for those transitioning from early-stage startup mode to an established business, actively engaging with key stakeholders like customers, suppliers, and investors.
What do you gain?
Engage in monthly 90-minute sessions with three mentors, receiving tailored guidance on hiring, internationalization, and more—within a safe, NDA-bound environment. As mentors, you’ll enjoy bi-monthly luncheons to expand your network and access co-working space in downtown Montreal.
Things to know
- Available to startups and experienced business leaders in the greater Montreal area
- Monthly meetings with additional sessions as needed
- No fixed end date—ongoing support
- Mentors follow a strict ethical code and cannot invest in the startups they mentor
What is MentorConnect?
Licensed from MIT’s Venture Mentoring Service, District 3’s MentorConnect sets the standard for mentoring in innovation and entrepreneurship. We connect entrepreneurs with a team of three experienced mentors, creating a collaborative and supportive environment for growth and development.
Learn more about MentorConnect →
Can I become a mentor?
Become a mentor at MentorConnect and share your expertise to support startup founders. Contribute to the entrepreneurial ecosystem, expand your network, and play a key role in the success of young companies.
FAQ
What if my solution isn't in high tech, bio, health or social innovation?
We welcome applications from teams and entrepreneurs across all industries. While we specialize in health, bio, high tech, and social innovation, our services are designed to support a wide range of business solutions. We’re here to support startups, no matter your industry or if your focus spans multiple fields.
Do I need to be part of Concordia University to join District 3?
No, our programs and services are open to all Quebec residents.
Do you take equity or claim intellectual property?
We don’t take equity and your intellectual property remains yours. All District 3 employees and consultants are under a non-disclosure agreement, ensuring a safe space where teams can openly share their solutions and internal operations.
How long does the application process take?
After submitting your application, our panel will review it and provide a decision within 2-3 weeks. You’ll receive an email with the next steps at that time.
What happens after I apply, and what criteria are used to review my application?
Once we receive your application, our selection panel will evaluate key factors such as the problem you're addressing, the number of co-founders, your time commitment, and sector alignment. This helps us determine if District 3’s services are the right fit for your startup and which program best supports your current stage of development.
Note: At this stage, we’re not assessing the viability or quality of your startup—our focus is on ensuring we can add value to your journey.
How do I apply, and how do I know if I’m eligible?
Just click the button. We will determine your eligibility and place you into the appropriate program based on your application.
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