UTEST Program
UTEST is a year-long accelerator at University of Toronto that helps founders turn research-based innovations and university IP into startups through education, mentorship, services, and investor access.
Funder: University of Toronto
Due Dates (Anticipated): April 2027 (applications open, projected) | June 2027 (application deadline, projected)
Funding Amounts: Up to $150,000 CAD per selected company (SAFE); up to $10,000 CAD per team in milestone-based funding; possible follow-on investment up to $500,000 CAD through TIAP.
Summary: Intensive accelerator for early-stage, U of T-affiliated startups, offering education, mentorship, professional services, and investor access to commercialize research and innovation.
Key Information: Institutional IP from U of T is required; only for U of T students, faculty, recent graduates, or affiliated hospitals.
Description
The University of Toronto Early Stage Technology (UTEST) Program is a year-long accelerator designed to help U of T-affiliated founders transform research-based innovations and intellectual property into successful startups. The program provides an intensive entrepreneurial education (delivered in partnership with MaRS), one-on-one mentorship, professional legal, HR, and marketing services, access to workspace, and a robust investor network. Participants benefit from workshops, coaching on business models and fundraising, collaboration with MBA students, and dedicated pitch events. The program culminates in opportunities for investment and ongoing support, with select startups eligible for significant seed funding and potential follow-on investment.
