FOR STUDENTS OR RECENT GRADS WITH BIG DREAMS AND AN ENTREPRENEURIAL MINDSET
Every year, we select 36 of the most entrepreneurial undergrads and recent grads from coast-to-coast who we believe have what it takes to build Canada’s next unicorn.
Whether you have a pre-existing early-stage startup that you want to take to the next level, or you have an idea that you want to turn into a reality, Next 36 can help.
WHAT YOU'LL GAIN
WORLD CLASS CURRICULUM
Learn how to build, launch and scale from successful entrepreneurs and award winning faculty.
ALUMNI COMMUNITY
Join a community of 1,000+ alumni and gain access to coaching, resources and big impact ventures.
INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Access NEXT Canada’s investor network.
INCREDIBLE MENTORSHIP
Get the chance to be paired with a mentor who has successfully launched a venture and have them guide the way.
FREE OFFICE SPACE
You’ll have access to a productive workspace surrounded by likeminded talented entrepreneurs.
IN-KIND PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
Get the services your venture needs from our partners including cloud hosting, legal support and more.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
Next 36 focuses on the growth of you, the founder, teaching you the core skills and strategies necessary for building a business. From how to compete with established competitors to how to read a term sheet and beyond, we’ve got you covered. Learn from successful entrepreneurs, business leaders and world-class faculty including:
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Next 36 runs one cohort per year over eight months. The program’s first four months are part-time while you complete your academic year and balance building your venture, followed by a full-time intensive commitment from May until September.
Applications Open
August 8, 2024
Deadline To Apply
October 15, 2024
Program Runs (Part-Time)
January - April 2025
Program Runs (Full-Time)
May - August 2025
VIRTUAL DELIVERY, INFINITE POSSIBILITY
“Being virtual was actually a bonus because Next 36 provided us with more hours of curriculum than any previous cohort. Additionally, we were able to have conversations with industry leaders and pioneers from South America, Europe, and Australia because of the remote environment and the value of the Next 36 brand”
– Sanchit Gupta, Co-founder of Depth Technology (Next 36, 2020)
WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR
YOU’RE A DREAMER, BUILDER, DISRUPTER: AN ENTREPRENEUR.
Next 36 accepts undergrads, masters students and recent grads from schools across Canada, from any academic discipline. Whether you have an early stage venture, or you’re looking to start something brand new, Next 36 can help.
We’re looking for:
Problem Solvers
Social Champions
Community Leaders
Academic Leaders
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Program Delivery
The program consists of a remote period (Phase 1), from mid-January to the end of April, and an in-person period (Phase 2) from May through August 2023.
Eligibility and Application
At this time, NEXT Canada only accepts Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or those with student/working visas.
However, if you intend to begin the process of applying for Permanent Resident status, or are already in the process of doing so, we will accept a notarized statement to this effect. If you intend to provide a statement to this effect, please contact us before submitting your application.
Can Next 36 help me with my startup Visa?
No, at this time, Next 36 does not support international applicants.
I am a Canadian student enrolled in an undergraduate program outside Canada. Can I apply?
Yes! Canadian citizens who are enrolled at international institutions can apply as long as you’re able to commit to attending the full summer program from early May to mid-August.
What grades do I need to get into the program?
There is no minimum GPA requirement. You’ll be asked for your GPA as part of the application, but it’s just one data point among many that we look at when reviewing your application.
Can I take other classes or be employed during the summer?
No, during the summer Entrepreneurship Institute (May-August) you have to be fully committed to the program. No other classes, jobs or side hustles.
Exceptions are only granted in extreme circumstances.
What kind of applicants are you looking for?
Next 36 is looking for students who have an entrepreneurial track record.
Show us that you’ve built something. Whether you’ve gone to hackathons, spearheaded a student club, started a company, or launched a social enterprise – we want to know about it. Tell us how you’ve identified opportunities, done something better or differently, and taken action to do something about it (even if that something failed spectacularly).
Can I apply with an existing venture?
Yes! You can apply with an existing early-stage venture. Typically, this venture may have small amounts of funding through grants, university programs or competitions but hasn’t taken any significant private investment.
Just remember, the application is an individual one so be sure all of your (eligible) co-founders also apply. Only successful co-founders at National Selection Weekend will officially be admitted into the Next 36 as “Lead Founders.”
What if I get into the program but my co-founders don’t?
There will be a second intake in February where we’ll open up applications for the Lead Founders’ co-founders who can apply or re-apply to get in to the program.
If they aren’t accepted during the second intake they will be considered “external co-founders”, and will have limited access to the program. Space permitting, external co-founders might have the opportunity to attend classes/workshops, may work out of the hot desk space, and can attend larger external events throughout the summer.
Program Costs
There is no fee to participate in Next 36. Entrepreneurs will only be expected to cover their summer living expenses including food and accommodations, as well as their travel to Toronto for the summer portion of the program.
Venture Funding and IP
You do. Upon incorporation, all ventures take ownership of the IP created by their venture. Full details on IP ownership is provided to the entrepreneur in their participation agreement.
Where does funding for the program come from?
NEXT Canada is a non-profit charity, and funding for the program’s operational costs has been donated by a committed group of entrepreneurs, business leaders and partners who recognize the value of developing entrepreneurial talent in the next generation of Canadians.
What if my venture has an existing shareholders agreement?
It’s highly recommended that ventures incorporate after being accepted into the program. Where this isn’t possible, all co-founder teams must agree to be governed by the Next 36 shareholder agreements. The venture must own all of its intellectual property.