The Nobellum Growth Stream Innovator Program 2026 is a premier six-month accelerator designed to scale Black-led STEM ventures across Canada. Building on a track record of supporting over 100 businesses, the 2026 cohort focuses on revenue-generating startups preparing for external capital raises. Participants receive one-on-one Executive in Residence (EiR) coaching, access to a 178,000 sq. ft. advanced manufacturing facility, and professional co-working spaces via LAUFT. The program also features high-impact PR training with CityTv News and a pathway to the national Black Innovation Zone (BIZ). Eligible ventures must be Black-led, incorporated in Canada, and meet specific revenue or valuation thresholds. The application deadline is January 4, 2026.
Nobellum Growth Stream Innovator Program 2026 Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Host Organization | Nobellum |
| Program Type | 6-Month STEM Accelerator |
| Target Group | Black-led STEM Founders |
| Location | Canada (National + GTA Co-working) |
| Financial Requirement | $100k Revenue OR $3M Valuation |
| Core Benefit | Executive Coaching & Media Training |
| Application Deadline | January 4, 2026 |
Nobellum Growth Stream Innovator Program 2026 Details
The Nobellum Growth Stream is the flagship initiative of Nobellum’s mission to bridge the gap for Black-owned businesses in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Since its inception, Nobellum has catalyzed the growth of over 100 ventures, and the 2026 Growth Stream represents a sophisticated evolution of this support, specifically targeting “high growth potential” startups that are ready to navigate the complexities of raising external capital and scaling operations.
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By integrating founders into the Black Innovation Zone (BIZ), Nobellum connects participants with a national coalition representing 80% of the Black innovation community. This ecosystem approach ensures that founders aren’t just receiving temporary training but are being woven into the fabric of the Canadian tech landscape with access to intellectual property protection, government procurement expertise, and advanced laboratory facilities.
Benefits and Specific Scholarship Awards of the Nobellum Growth Stream Innovator Program 2026
The program offers a comprehensive suite of benefits designed to address the unique challenges of scaling a technology-driven venture.
Tier 1: Strategic Growth & Capital Readiness (The Scale Up Package)
- Executive in Residence (EiR): Personalized one-on-one mentorship from seasoned investors and domain experts to refine fundraising strategies.
- Black Innovation Zone (BIZ) Pathway: Direct connection to over 20 Black-led investors and accelerators across Canada.
- Financial Modeling & Scaling: Hands-on strategic planning support from top-tier university and college partners.
Tier 2: Infrastructure & Technical Development
- STEM Facility Access: Use of a 178,000 sq. ft. partner facility supporting biotech, advanced materials, and textile computing research.
- Co-working Space (LAUFT): Access to professional workspaces throughout the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) for team collaboration.
- Technical Node Tracks: Access to specialized toolkits for product development and go-to-market execution.
Tier 3: Branding, Media, and Procurement
- Media Training with CityTv News: High-level PR coaching and opportunities for founder brand elevation across national media platforms.
- RFP Training: Specialized instruction on bidding for and securing government contracts through Expert Procurement Canada.
- IP Protection (IPON): Support from intellectual property partners to commercialize and protect innovations.
Eligibility Requirements for the Nobellum Growth Stream Innovator Program 2026
- Academic/Leadership: Ventures must be Black-led, with at least one Black founder, and operate within a STEM-related industry.
- Study Status: (Not applicable) The business must be incorporated either federally or provincially in Canada.
- Visa Status: (Not applicable) Applicants must be operating and registered within Canada.
- Program Admission: Must meet one of two financial thresholds: generate over $100,000 CAD in annual sales revenue, OR own IP with a company valuation exceeding $3 million CAD.
How to Apply for Nobellum Growth Stream Innovator Program 2026 (Step by Step)
- Apply for Program: Submit a detailed application for the Growth Stream via the Nobellum portal, highlighting your STEM focus and Black leadership.
- Automatic Evaluation: Applications are screened for incorporation status and the $100k revenue or $3M valuation requirement.
- Eligibility Assessment: The Nobellum executive team reviews the venture’s scalability and readiness for capital investment.
- Notification of Award: Selected innovators are onboarded into the six-month accelerator and gain immediate access to EiR support and facilities.
Application Deadline: January 4, 2026
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the Nobellum Growth Stream?
It is a six-month accelerator program designed to scale Black-led STEM startups in Canada that are preparing to raise external capital.
2. Do I need to have a STEM business to apply?
Yes, the program is specifically tailored for ventures operating in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
3. What are the financial requirements for admission?
Startups must either have $100,000 CAD in annual revenue or a company valuation over $3 million CAD with existing IP.
4. Is the program open to solo founders?
Yes, provided that the solo founder is Black and the company meets the incorporation and STEM requirements.
5. What kind of facility access is provided?
Participants gain access to a 178,000 sq. ft. facility supporting biotech, advanced manufacturing, and more.
6. Where are the co-working spaces located?
Through LAUFT, participants can access professional co-working spaces across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
7. Does Nobellum take equity in my company?
The program is primarily a support and accelerator initiative; specific equity terms for investment pathways should be discussed during the BIZ connection phase.
8. What is the Black Innovation Zone (BIZ)?
It is a national coalition of over 20 Black-led investors and accelerators representing the majority of Canada’s Black innovation community.
9. Will I receive help with government contracts?
Yes, the program includes RFP training to help founders find and bid on government procurement opportunities.
10. When is the deadline for the 2026 cohort?
All applications must be submitted by the end of the day on January 4, 2026.
