The word "Say"The word "Yes"
tailored services for innovators
A journey from initial spark to lasting impact
Open Modal

Psst... Looking for our logo?

Grab a .zip packed with our logos in a few variants here ;)

tailored services for innovators
A journey from initial spark to lasting impact
Open Modal

Psst... Looking for our logo?

Grab a .zip packed with our logos in a few variants here ;)

services
 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
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
apply
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 the art of 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, and apply a systems-thinking approach to your business development. 

Things to know
District 3 offers a 6-week experience, featuring weekly 2.5-hour workshops and office hours, with a commitment of up to 10 hours per week.

Our services are completely free, and we take no equity.
Specific Expertise
Our support is aimed at all entrepreneurs using new technologies to innovate. District 3 offers expertise in specific sectors. Do you work in biotech, healthcare, or social innovation? We can offer you support and resources specific to your sector.
Dedicated programs
Are you a Concordia student ready to build lasting entrepreneurial skills, or a researcher wanting to bring your innovation to life?

Check out our tailored opportunities made just for you:

Alan Shepherd Summer residency for recent Concordia grads & current students

QCSE for Scientific Entrepreneurs
build
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
apply
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 startup doesn’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 consumer 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, with a commitment of 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, and 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
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
apply
Who is it for?
Startups that have demonstrated customer or stakeholder traction and seek to accelerate towards closing of a seed or 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, along with 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 that leverage emerging technologies or innovative business models, with at least two co-founders and full-time commitment from at least one. Our services are free, we take no equity, and your IP stays 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
Transition from entrepreneur to CEO while scaling your startup into a thriving small-medium enterprise (SME) with our high-touch MIT Venture Mentoring service
mentorconnect
Who is it for?
This service is 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 will enjoy bi-monthly luncheons to expand your network and access co-working space in downtown Montreal.

Things to know
MentorConnect is available to startups and experienced business leaders in the greater Montreal area, offering monthly meetings and additional sessions as needed. The program has no fixed end date, ensuring ongoing support. Our mentors adhere to 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.
Can I become a mentor?
Become a mentor at MentorConnect and share your expertise to support startup founders. This is an opportunity to contribute to the entrepreneurial ecosystem, expand your network, and play a key role in the success of young companies.
become a mentor

A decade of commitment to change

12K+

12K+ Community members

$520M+

$520M+ Sales & funds

570+

570+ Average active jobs

1300+

1300+ Startups supported since 2014
D3 truly feels like home, a place where we can explore and grow. It helps us navigate the challenges of structuring our governance to ensure our solutions focus on impact, which is essential for our mission.
Jean-Christophe Mortreux
Emission Reduction Now
District 3 helped us address weaknesses in marketing and financing. Our coach encouraged us to treat these challenges with love, providing valuable insight and support as a helpful mirror in our growth journey.
Catherine Mondor
Medyx
The support has been invaluable in our transition from startup to growth, facilitating conversations that help us explore both company and personal dynamics, guiding us through changes in roles and responsibilities.
Colin Gallagher
Haply
We are guided by three mentors from MentorConnect. They have supported our evolution and pivots, asking the tough questions that have led us to make better decisions.
Eric Normandeau
RecharjME
District 3 validated my idea and provided new skills, making me feel like I belong. Their virtual and physical spaces offer mentorship and inspiration from other startups, creating a supportive community focused on social impact.
Anne-Pascale Ménard
Cedulify
I find that as a solo entrepreneur, the road is really lonely at times. Surrounding yourself and being in spaces with other entrepreneurs, having friends that also have businesses, really, really helps.
Marie-Claire Hamel
Ozex
I had this idea that we need to raise millions of dollars. My coach was Julie, and she was telling me, be calm, try to build a good business, not just raise money. You want to develop a product that has value for your users.
Behnam Farsi
CanApply
At District 3, we were challenged constantly. The one-on-one coaching transformed us from two people with a good idea into a business with clear strategy, mission, and vision.
Erika Braithwaite
Precision Analytics
D3 offers incredible support for entrepreneurs. The tailored Launch & Grow program lets us choose relevant workshops, and 1:1 sessions with our dedicated coach ensure we stay focused on our business and keep moving forward.
Catherine Forest-Nault
Life Engine
Success is deeply personal for me. It’s about making a meaningful impact, helping others, and achieving financial stability. Equally important is the personal growth that comes from this journey, shaping who I am.
Bishakh Rout
OcuVista Solutions
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
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
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
testimonials
Don’t just take our word for it—let the founders do the talking.
This is the quote.
this is the cofounder name
this is the startup name
Don't know where to start?
let's talk

Innovation thrives where curiosity meets courage.

stories
We’re surrounded by inspiring people, all driven by a passion to make a difference. Meet the founders, from local to global, whose projects are creating meaningful change.
all stories

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.
Pre-seed
Medtech
Bio
Pre-seed
Medtech
The next wave of immunomodulating therapies
Cura Therapeutics
CURA's fusion protein reactivates the immune response against cancer, boosting T, NK, and B cells while blocking tumor blood supply.

Redefining Success & Wellness

Improving well-being through meaningful daily activities with mobile app that encourages mindfulness, harmony and connection.
Pre-seed
Wellness
Social Innovation
Pre-seed
Wellness
Redefining Success & Wellness
Cedulify
Improving well-being through meaningful daily activities with mobile app that encourages mindfulness, harmony and connection.

Enhancing Public Health Through Smart Water Management

CANN Forecast empowers municipalities with AI to improve water quality and infrastructure, addressing crises and enhancing public health.
Pre-seed
Climate & Sustainability
High Tech
Pre-seed
Climate & Sustainability
Enhancing Public Health Through Smart Water Management
CANN Forecast
CANN Forecast empowers municipalities with AI to improve water quality and infrastructure, addressing crises and enhancing public health.

Social change through organizing group action

Empowering communities with a platform to help individuals create their own impact.
Pre-seed
Community Support
Social Innovation
Pre-seed
Community Support
Social change through organizing group action
Komino
Empowering communities with a platform to help individuals create their own impact.

Navigating the challenges of parenthood

Rediscovering intimacy after having a baby with a mobile app that offers self-help tools to assist new parents.
Pre-seed
Wellness
Social Innovation
Pre-seed
Wellness
Navigating the challenges of parenthood
Ozex
Rediscovering intimacy after having a baby with a mobile app that offers self-help tools to assist new parents.

Cell and gene therapy to cure any pathology

A revolutionary approach to cancer treatment
Pre-seed
Biopharma
Bio
Pre-seed
Biopharma
Cell and gene therapy to cure any pathology
Modulari-T
A revolutionary approach to cancer treatment

Bringing eyecare into the modern era

Developing drug-releasing contact lenses, OcuVista Solutions focuses on developing technology to replace traditional eye drops.
Pre-seed
Medtech
Health
Pre-seed
Medtech
Bringing eyecare into the modern era
OcuVista Solutions
Developing drug-releasing contact lenses, OcuVista Solutions focuses on developing technology to replace traditional eye drops.
Jump right in!
startup job listings

looking to join
an existing
startup?

A speaker being interviewed
Concordia University
fAQ
Questions? We’ve got answers!
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.

Apply
Ready to succeed?