About NEXT Canada
NEXT Canada is a national entrepreneurship organization operating NEXT 36, NEXT Founders and NEXT AI, a venture-development accelerator for Canadian artificial-intelligence startups delivered in Toronto, Montreal and remotely.
Operating context
NEXT Canada operates distinct pathways for early founders, AI ventures and growth-stage businesses. Its 2026 cohort record lists 33 NEXT 36 ventures led by 41 founders, 18 NEXT AI ventures in Toronto, 52 in Montreal and 26 NEXT Founders ventures. NEXT AI combines technical and business development; HEC Montréal describes the Montreal delivery model as seven months of education, mentoring and networking with scientists in residence and co-working access. NEXT Canada's own program page also describes a Montreal/remote option for participants elsewhere in Canada. The cohort evidence supports active program delivery, not a claim that applications are currently open: the advertised 2026 application deadline was 10 December 2025. A new applicant should identify the appropriate track and ask about the next intake, participation obligations and funding terms.