Programs | ideaBUILD
ideaBUILD Logo

Enabling early-stage deep tech startups to bring ideas to operational prototype.

ideaBUILD is a 10-month rigorous program that offers founders a $10,000 grant towards prototyping materials, academic entrepreneurship-leading frameworks, and deep-tech-leading industry advisers who work alongside them to validate and build their product’s first operational prototype.

Diverse industries and teams

We are proud to support founders pioneering new solutions that are transforming the planet in Ag Tech, Med Tech, Clean Tech and Ocean Tech.

We welcome applications from founders of all deep tech ventures, whether or not they have a connection to Dalhousie University.

HUB Alumni have backgrounds in the full range of engineering disciplines, as well as medicine, neuroscience, environmental science and more.

Ideal candidates

  • Between 1-4 founding team members
  • Seeking more industry and faculty advisors to refine their product
  • Expanding their team and positioning for funding
  • Research focused and need a prototype for proof of concept

About our graduates

  • Between 1-4 employees
  • Working on scaling their operational prototype for commercialization
  • Expanding their team and positioning for funding

ideaBUILD overview

Full time, 10 month term, full access

  • Access to hot desks (workspace) in the HUB
  • Entrepreneurial workshops offered by MIT and technical workshops offered by industry experts and Faculty
  • Scheduled support for use of equipment in the Emera ideaHUB and IDEA Building facilities, with engineering expertise on-site
  • Venture Manager, Program Coordinator and Academic Director supporting you on achieving your Action Plan
  • $10,000 per company to purchase materials to build operational prototype
  • Access to Industry and Engineers in Residence

Program / Access to the Emera ideaHUB: October – July, with workshops taking place the first 12 weeks. Detailed calendar and sessions, coming soon!

July 2nd: Applications open
August 23rd:
Applications close
September 3rd – 20th: Interviews
End of September: Acceptance confirmed
October 15th: ideaBUILD Orientation Day

Applications

Please apply to the ideaBUILD program below. Note: this is not a closed application process – we are here to help. Contact ideahubprograms@dal.ca if you have any questions.

Follow Emera ideaHUB for program updates

Meet the ideaBUILD Fall 2023 cohort
Aruna Revolution Logo

DAKU Tech

Greenii Logo
iFormit Logo

KISS Bread

MetalloSil

Revilong

MetaCrust Logo

Tyler Henery

Merivale Software & Robotics

Meet the ideaBUILD Spring 2024 cohort

Gáamai Hair

MRI Pulse

CAIG

Retssop

Valley Finder Ltd.