XR Accelerator Program Application Form

The XR Accelerator Program is a comprehensive initiative to foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and inclusivity in the Extended Reality (XR) industry. The program provides mentorship, training, funding, and workspace access to help startups advance their technologies and transition from the Technology Readiness Level (TRL 5) to TRL 6. For additional information, click the LINK to this folder. By submitting this application you agree to all the information shared below and in the additional documents including our website and the program page.


Notice of Collection of Personal Information

Under the authority of the Algoma University Act, 2008, and in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act of Ontario and the University's Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Policy, Algoma University collects, uses, discloses and protects your personal information at all times. The personal information provided on this form will be used to manage your request and carry out the necessary processes. If you have questions about the collection, use and disclosure of your personal information in this notice, please contact the Privacy Office at privacy@algomau.ca.

 

Now Accepting Applications Worldwide

The XR Accelerator Program is officially open to startups and SMEs around the world! Whether you're building immersive experiences in VR, AR, MR, or WebXR, we invite you to apply to Canada’s premier XR scaling program.

 

🔔 Important Notice

Funding & Eligibility Confirmation


Before proceeding with your application, please note:


  • Only companies registered in Southern Ontario are eligible for direct program funding (subject to availability).
  • International or out-of-province applicants are welcome, but must secure funding through local partners or agencies.
  • The NCoE can provide official participation letters upon acceptance to assist with funding requests.


Who can apply


  • XR startups and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs)
  • Working on a solution at TRL 5 or higher
  • Using Unity, Unreal, WebXR, or similar platforms
  • Seeking global exposure and access to the Canadian innovation ecosystem


Program Format


  • Fully Online: Participate from anywhere in the world
  • Optional In-Person: Use our XR labs and workspace if you're able to travel to Brampton, Ontario, Canada


Eligibility Criteria


You are eligible to apply if your business:


  • Is a legally registered for-profit entity
  • Canadian applicants: Registered in Ontario with operations in Southern Ontario (preferred)
  • International applicants: Registered in your home country
  • Has a working XR prototype at TRL 5 or higher, tested in a simulated or controlled environment
  • Is built using Unity, Unreal, WebXR, or similar XR platforms
  • Demonstrates readiness to progress to TRL 6 (real-world validation and deployment)
  • Has at least one team member available to participate actively online
  • Commits to principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)


Fees & Benefits


  • Application Fee: A one-time CAD 199 fee is required only after selection to confirm your spot in the program.
  • Optional Unity Pro License
  • Accepted participants can access a discounted 1-year Unity Pro License for $1,000 USD.
  • Optional Phase 2 Premium Access Package (for selected startups) includes:
  • XR Lab & Experience Zone access (valued at $5,000+/month)
  • Dedicated premium mentorship and technical support
  • Expanded networking and Canadian business development opportunities


Funding & Financial Support


  • For businesses registered in Southern Ontario:
  • Selected participants may be eligible for up to $25,000 CAD in funding, subject to availability.
  • A 1:1 matching contribution (cash or in-kind) is required.
  • Demo Day: The top two startups may receive up to $75,000 CAD each to support post-TRL 9 commercialization efforts (subject to funding availability).
  • For businesses outside Southern Ontario:
  • Funding is not guaranteed for international or out-of-province startups.
  • Startups are encouraged to apply for support through local agencies, innovation hubs, or funding programs in their home country or region.
  • The NCoE will provide participation confirmation letters or relevant documentation on a case-by-case basis.


Funding Can Be Used For:


  • Developing and testing XR products or prototypes
  • Advancing from TRL 5 to TRL 6 (real-world validation)
  • Conducting market research and customer discovery
  • Acquiring customers and building industry partnerships


Funding Cannot Be Used For:


  • General business operations not directly tied to XR development
  • Debt repayment or unrelated administrative overhead


Final Info Session: April 22, 2025. Click to register for the Info Session


For questions email us at info@immxrsive.ca

 

Eligibility Check

To proceed with your application, you must meet the following eligibility criteria

 
 
 
 
 

Choose a country from the list below

 

Even if you have answered no to any of the questions above, you may still submit your information for acceptance into the program.

 

 

Section 1: Applicant Information

 
 
 
 
 

Please include your website link

 

 

Section 2: Eligibility

 
 
 
 

 

Section 3: Team Information

 
 

Name and role in the company

 
 
 
 
 

Confirm your commitment to attending at least 70% of all program sessions, including:

Technical Training: Remote sessions.

Business Training: Primarily in-person at the NCoE space.

 

 

Section 4: Funding and Financial Details

 
 
 
 
 
 

Provide details on the source, amount, and how the funds were used, if applicable

 

 

Section 5: Intellectual Property (IP)

 
 
 

 

Section 6: Talent Acceleration Commitment

To support growth and innovation, all selected participants must engage with student talent through one of the following options:

  • Hiring at least two student Interns: One from the Computer Science faculty for technical development and one from the Business faculty for business and market expansion efforts.
  • Research Collaboration: Hire students for a research project (eligible for faculty research grants).
  • Internship: Provide technical or business internships to students.
  • Grant Utilization: If awarded a $25,000 grant, allocate part of the funding to support student engagement.
 
 

 

Section 7: Global Market Expansion

 
 

 

Section 8: Challenges and Expected Outcomes

 

Select all that apply

 

Select all that apply

 
 
 

 

Section 9: Pitch Deck Submission

Click this LINK for information on:


  • What to include on each slide
  • Pitch Deck template in Word
  • The high-scoring pitch deck provides clear market research, strong differentiation, detailed feasibility plans, and impact projections.
  • The mediocre pitch deck lacks depth and fails to define competitive advantages, TRL progression, market impact, and financial projections.
  • Please only provide a link to a Google Slides presentation. No file uploads, Canva links, or other formats will be accepted.
  • The pitch deck must be exactly 10 slides.
  • Ensure the link is publicly accessible or set to “Anyone with the link can comment.
 
 

 

Section 10: Additional Information

 

Include any other relevant information that strengthens your application.

 

 

Section 11: Declaration

 

By signing this form, I confirm the information provided is accurate to the best of my knowledge. I agree to abide by the XR Accelerator Program’s terms and conditions. Submission does not guarantee acceptance.

 
 

For assistance, contact us at info@immxrsive.ca. Applications must be submitted online by April 30, 2025