to Oct. 20
2026
Are you an academic trainee (Post-doc / PhD / MBA / MD / JD / MSc / PharmD) eager to build a life science startup? Whether your passion lies in therapeutics, diagnostics, medtech, synthetic biology, or fields like food, energy, agriculture, or consumer products, this is your opportunity to transform your research into a groundbreaking venture!
What the Activator offers:
- Completely free – Nucleate never takes equity or charges fees for its programs.
- Mentorship from industry leaders – Receive guidance throughout from specialized mentors and experts.
- Comprehensive educational programming – Learn from the best in one-on-one workshops and seminars.
- Global Community – Join a network of peers, alumni, and leaders across 18+ cities worldwide.
- Investor introductions – Get connected with investors ready to support your breakthrough.
- Local ecosystem access - Get connected to partners and resources across the local biotech and startup ecosystem.
- No forced incorporation – Focus on your venture at your own pace.
If you have an idea (i.e., you’re an Inventor), you can apply for either our Bio or Eco track:
- Bio Track: For innovators in therapeutics, diagnostics, or tools.
- Eco Track: Focused on food & agriculture, chemicals & energy, or consumer products.
Don’t have an idea yet? No worries! You can still join a team as a scientific, business, or clinical contributor through our matching process.
Got a team already? Your collaborators can come on board as team affiliates, so you all get the chance to learn and build together.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until October 20th.
Additionally, follow us on LinkedIn for all updates and visit our Linktree for additional resources!
About Nucleate Canada
Nucleate Canada’s Activator program debuted in 2025 and has since supported 15 trainee-led technology teams with 58 participants nationally across therapeutics, diagnostics, medtech, and climatetech. Two of our teams won the Alnylam Scientific Excellence Award and MilliporeSigma’s High Impact Award. We sourced 100+ US and Canadian mentors and experts for our teams, all of whom are still in contact