Global Incubator Programme, Made Smarter Innovation Canada (c1)

Global Incubator Programme - Made Smarter Innovation, Canada

Application form
The Global Incubator Programme on Made Smarter Innovation in Canada will comprise of representatives from innovative UK businesses that are looking to grow and scale in the Canadian market.

Business representatives will be provided with a structured programme consisting of four phases:
Stage 1 – Prepare: (from October 2025)
Stage 2 – Participate: First market visit (November 2025), Second market visit (March 2026)
Stage 3 – Pursue: Incubation (October 2025 - March 2026)
Stage 4 – Exploit: work with your UK adviser to build on the programme (From March 2026)

Each phase is made up of distinct activities. Successful applicants will be asked to produce a Strategic Development Plan for the programme and will be allocated an Innovate UK Innovation and Growth Specialist who will provide support.

By submitting an application to the Global Incubator Programme you are agreeing to take part in all elements of the programme. The applicant should be the person who will take part in the programme.

Before You Begin

Please read the following important information before starting your application:
- You can save your progress at any point by clicking the “Save” button at the bottom of each page. You do not need to create an account to use this feature—simply choose the “Skip Create an Account” option to receive a link via email to return to your form later.
- You will be required to upload a company pitch deck as part of your submission. This must be a PDF document and should clearly outline your business, product or service, and international growth plans.
- We strongly recommend attending the programme briefing event before submitting your application. This will give you a clearer understanding of what we’re looking for and help strengthen your submission. You can sign up or watch the recording on our website.
- Please submit only one application per business. Duplicate entries will not be considered, so ensure all information is complete and accurate before submitting.
To begin, click 'Next' below. We look forward to reviewing your application!

Company name*
Company Reg No*
Website*
Name*

First NameLast Name
Job title*
Email*
example@example.com
Phone Number*

Area CodePhone Number
Company stage*
Company size*
Number of employees
Company region *
Annual revenue*
Sector*
Where did you hear about this programme? *
How many GBIPs/GIPs has your company been on in the last 12 months? *
How many GBIPs/GIPs has your company been on outside last 12 months? *
Are you already involved in international activities?*
If yes, please provide a brief description. If no, please specify.

Please give a short description of the new product(s) and/or service(s) your business is developing – what is innovative about them and why do you think they fit the innovation scope? Also state at what stage the new product or service you are developing is at (i.e. in early R&D phase, prototyping/testing or full product in the market)*

0/1000
Experience and Aims
What do you think your company could achieve from participating in the programme? i.e. how will this support your growth strategy in terms of building partnerships and collaborations and increasing turnover, employee numbers, increase profits, etc*

0/1000
Why are you specifically interested in working with the Canadian market and what is your understanding of the competitive landscape (identity where possible the UK market conditions vs the Canadian market conditions)? Also, explain how will working with Canadian collaboration partners will help further develop or/and further exploit your innovation*

0/1500
Describe your team and why they are well positioned to tackle and have the resources to commit to this market opportunity*

0/1000
What is the impact of your technology or business? *

0/1000
What is the scalability of your business model?*

0/1000

Eligibility and Selection
First Stage Selection - application and suitability criteria

This application form will be used for the recruitment of businesses onto the programme and will be managed by the Innovate UK Business Growth Delivery Manager on behalf of Innovate UK. To participate in this Global Incubator Programme your business must be established in the UK. If your business is not registered in the UK, your application will be rejected.

The Global Incubator Programme is designed to support businesses to grow and scale. Businesses with up to 250 employees (in Northern Ireland with fewer than 250 employees, a turnover of less than €50 million, or a balance sheet total of less than €43 million) are eligible to apply through this could include early-stage, micro and mature businesses. There are no firm guidelines on turnover requirements.

The following criteria will be used to shortlist the applicants at the first stage:
1. Programme fit: Must be a highly innovative company and fit with the Global Incubation Programme focus
2. Ambition: Must show ambition for growth and how participating in the programme can help them to achieve this.
3. Product market fit: The product has the potential to fit with the ecosystem and market of the partner country.
4. Capability: Must have sufficient expertise and resources to exploit the opportunities from the programme
5. Level of innovation impact: Given the competitive markets of the Global Incubator Programme, the company should offer a strong product or service which has a positive impact, including economic and societal benefit.

Second Stage Selection – panel interviews

A panel comprising a Lead Adviser from the Innovate UK Business Growth Partner team, the relevant Innovate UK Innovation Lead(s) and the Global Incubator Programme Manager will shortlist the applicants and conduct short interviews with businesses. Further details will be provided after the first stage process is completed.

Third Stage - financial checks

Innovate UK will undertake financial background checks on the businesses (or directors if the company is less than 3 years old) to ensure the business is viable and does not have any outstanding County Court Judgements (CCJs).

There are a limited number of places available on each Global Incubator Programme and only businesses that have passed these three stages, and have scored highly, will be offered a place on the programme.

Should travel restrictions permit, only one participant per company will be eligible for a funded place on a programme – second and subsequent delegates are able to apply to attend but would need to pay their own expenses. It is possible for multiple representatives from the same company to take part in the programme but we would only fund one representative at a time.

Businesses that have taken part in previous Global Incubator Programmes

Companies who have taken part in a previous Global Incubator Programme are not eligible to participate in any new programmes unless by exception where clear additional benefit and impact can be demonstrated through the application process. These applications should be treated as exceptional.

Subsidy Control

Businesses with up to 250 employees (249 in Northern Ireland) can receive up to a maximum amount of £344,600 (€200,00 in Northern Ireland) of innovation advisory and support services provided through Innovate UK Business Growth over a rolling 3-year period. The limit of £344,600 relates purely to the support that a business receives through Innovate UK Business Growth and is not related to what was previously de minimis support or similar types of support provided by others.
Existing Innovate UK support*
Please list any grants or other support that you have previously received from Innovate UK, Innovate UK Business Growth or through the Enterprise Europe Network. Please provide Year | Amount of grant received | Programme

To complement the application, please upload a company pitch-deck*

Please upload a PDF version of your pitch-deck.
Cancelof

Terms and Conditions
Each participant in the programme is expected to complete the formal contract with Innovate UK, and payment of a £2000 deposit which will be refunded on the full completion of the programme. The contract also details our expectations if the company should leave the programme without adequate reason.

Innovate UK has the following expectations of participants:
- Be committed – be involved in all parts of the programme and play an active role.
- Maximise your chances – work closely with the advisers.
- Demonstrate sufficient investment – ensure that you have the resources to participate effectively.
- Develop and implement an impact-focused strategic development plan – working closely with your adviser.
- Engage an appropriate representative in the programme – discuss this with your adviser.
- Support and challenge each other.
We take your data very seriously and are committed to the privacy and security of it. Our Privacy Statement explains the types of personal data we may collect about you and how we’ll store and handle that data, and keep it safe.
You can unsubscribe from these communications at any time. For more information on how to unsubscribe, our privacy practices, and how we are committed to protecting and respecting your privacy, please review our Privacy Policy.

By clicking submit below, you consent to allow Innovate UK Business Growth to store and process the personal information submitted above to provide you with the content requested.
Where did you find out about this programme?*

Social MediaEmail MarketingSearch EngineInnovate UK Business Growth WebsiteDirect referral from IGSOther
Should be Empty:

Global Incubator Programme - Made Smarter Innovation, Canada

Experience and Aims

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Eligibility and Selection

Terms and Conditions