The Creative Destruction Lab (CDL) is a unique program for massively scalable science-based technology startups. The program supports companies from around the world that have the potential to transform our social, industrial, and economic landscape.
Ventures meet with mentors at four objective setting sessions over the course of nine months. Mentors are experienced entrepreneurs or technical experts who have founded, led, and sold significant tech companies.
CDL-Montreal site focuses on supporting ventures who are innovating on the application of AI, as well as applying AI to problems along the supply chain. Recently, a third stream was created dedicated to startups working in the field of blockchain, decentralized organizations and the future of the internet.
Key features
• Formulation of objectives in collaboration with accomplished entrepreneurs that guide aspiring entrepreneurs in prioritizing crucial actions and eliminating distractions.
• Feedback and support from scientists, engineers, and other subject matter experts who are leaders in their respective fields.
• Access to business students at top universities who are enrolled in CDL courses and provide dedicated venture support on a project basis.
• Opportunities to access additional resources through the CDL Community such as network connections, referrals for key hires, as well as investment from mentors and other CDL community members.
• Participation is free of charge, and CDL does not claim any equity.
Facts and figures
• Three cohorts of 25 ventures per year.
• 299 ventures supported since 2017.
• 117 graduates since 2017.
• $2B CAD in Equity Value Creation (EVC) in CDL-Montreal.
• 12 sites based at top research institutions worldwide and growing: Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Halifax, Oxford, Paris, Wisconsin, Atlanta, Seattle, Estonia, Berlin.
• 75+ business mentors.
• 10+ technical, scientific mentors.
• 50+ MBA students engaged.
Calendar
• Summer: recruitment of startups
• August/September: interviews and selection
• October – May: 4 sessions in Montreal every 8 weeks
• June: Super Session in Toronto, a gathering of the CDL network
Acknowledgements:
CDL-Montreal is based at HEC Montréal, where it is executed under the leadership of the École des Dirigeants. The program is made possible thanks to the generous support of its founding partners: Bank of Montreal, CDPQ, National Bank, Power Corporation of Canada, Royal Bank of Canada, as well as the Government of Quebec and Scale AI.
