Programs | ideaBUILD
ideaBUILD Logo

Enabling early-stage deep tech startups to bring ideas to prototype and prepare for scale.

ideaBUILD is a 10-month rigorous program that helps founders take their physical product idea from design to prototype and prepare for manufacturing and scale.

ideaBUILD includes workshops and one-on-one sessions to advance hardware companies in Atlantic Canada. Sessions are focused on designing/building hardware in addition to business fundamental sessions for running a startup.

In addition, participating startups will have the opportunity to apply for up to $10,000 in funding to purchase materials and services needed to build their 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 2023-2024 cohort
Aruna Revolution Logo

DAKU Tech

Greenii Logo
iFormit Logo

KISS Bread

MetalloSil

Revilong

MetaCrust Logo

Tyler Henery

Merivale Software & Robotics

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, Office 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

March 29th: Applications close
April 2024: Interviews
April 2024: Acceptance confirmed
May 2024: ideaBUILD Kickoff

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