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Fire up your business with a 10-week bootcamp.

Start it up

You have an idea, but is it viable? Is there a market for it? Can it be the seed of a flourishing tech empire? What’s actually involved in building and growing a tech firm?

Fire up your business with IO Ignition, a 10-week bootcamp created for entrepreneurs who want to validate a tech startup idea and create a solid business foundation to build upon.

What you get with the IO Ignition Program →

Ottawa’s busiest bootcamp for early stage startups.
Since 2018:

25

cohorts

450

startups supported

44%

women founders or co-founders from January 2022 to January 2023

Is IO Ignition a fit for me?

IO Ignition is the trailhead of your Venture Path, a comprehensive starting point that helps you map out the road ahead and avoid pitfalls and mistakes that may come your way. You should apply if you:

Want to put your
assumptions to the test

Are building a tech or
tech-enabled product

Have started talking to
customers or have initial sales

Want to build your network
with like-minded founders

What you get

 

Real-world expertise

Over ten weeks, entrepreneurs, renowned experts and startup mentors will share the foundational elements behind a successful tech company, including:

  • Master customer discovery interviews
  • Lean startup methodology
  • Legal, accounting and banking
  • Lean product development
  • Sales and growth hacking
  • Financial roadmap: non-dilutive vs. dilutive funding
  • Marketing and building your online presence
  • Pitching your business
  • And more!
Apply →

Woman teaching a group

Two entrepreneurs on a zoom call

Ask the experts

Get one-on-one mentorship time with Invest Ottawa’s Early Stage Advisors — tried-and-true founders who’ve built successful technology enterprises and have stories to tell.

Learn more →

Get in the know

For many IO Ignition graduates the next step in the Venture Path is IO Flex, where you can meet with other startup founders, talk about shared challenges and how to address them, and connect with other stakeholders and influencers from Ottawa’s tech community.

Apply →

Entrepreneur working on their laptop

Pitch Finale

Start mastering the art and skill of pitching your business idea to investors and customers through practice; the IO Ignition pitch finale stage will be your training ground. Pitch live in front of hundreds in the audience including a panel of judges, peers, the startup community, friends, and family. Win the titles of Best Pitch and Crowd Favourite and be awarded additional mentor hours and access to the Accelerator space.

Learn more→

Perk up

Reduce your startup expenses with healthy and helpful discounts on business essential software as a service (SaaS) tools that help accelerate growth. These exclusive perks range from legal, finance, accounting, equity management, insurance, sales, marketing, project management, and web design.

You’re in good company

Meet the cohorts

View all the IO Ignition Companies here →

Erin Seegmiller

Have questions?

Erin Seegmiller is happy to help.
Senior Manager, Early Stage Programs | Email Erin

 

The IO Ignition Application Process

Apply to the IO Ignition Program

Don’t count yourself out, apply today!
The IO Ignition bootcamp runs quarterly and we accept applications throughout the year!

More Venture Path Programs

IO Flex

Be a part of an enterprising Community.

Learn More →

IO Accelerator

The fast track to success – for companies that are ready.

Learn More →

IO ScaleUp

Tip the balance in your favour.

Learn More →

Thanks to our sponsors

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MDK Business

Proud Premier Sponsor of Invest Ottawa

 

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