Next 36 Program 2027 for Canadian Entrepreneurs

Applications are now open for the Next 36 Program 2027, an intensive entrepreneurship programme designed for undergraduate students, master's students and recent graduates across Canada who have the ambition to build innovative and high growth ventures. Each year, NEXT Canada selects 36 promising entrepreneurs from across the country and provides them with the education, mentorship, resources and networks needed to develop their entrepreneurial ideas.

The programme is designed for ambitious young entrepreneurs at different stages of their journey. Applicants may already have an early stage startup that they want to develop further, or they may have an idea that they want to transform into a viable venture. The programme provides practical support for participants who want to learn how to build, launch and scale a business.

The Next 36 Program 2027 will run for eight months. The first four months, from January to April 2027, will be delivered virtually. The remaining four months, from May to August 2027, will take place in person in Toronto, Canada. During the in person summer period, participants are expected to commit full time to the programme and attend required activities in Toronto.

About the Programme

Next 36 is a high touch entrepreneurship programme that combines academic learning, mentorship, workshops and practical venture development. Participants learn from successful entrepreneurs, experienced mentors and award winning faculty while working on their own entrepreneurial ideas or businesses.

The programme is intended to help participants move from an idea or early stage venture toward a stronger and more scalable business. Through structured learning and interaction with experienced entrepreneurs, participants can develop their understanding of business development, venture building and growth.

Participants also become part of a growing community of more than 1,000 alumni. This network provides opportunities to connect with other entrepreneurs, access resources and learn from individuals who have developed ventures through the NEXT Canada ecosystem.

Programme Benefits

Successful participants will receive access to:

• Entrepreneurship education from successful entrepreneurs and award winning faculty.

• Practical guidance on how to build, launch and scale a venture.

• A community of more than 1,000 alumni.

• Coaching and entrepreneurial resources.

• NEXT Canada's investor network.

• A mentor who has successfully launched a venture.

• A productive workspace surrounded by other talented entrepreneurs during the in person programme.

• Venture support services from programme partners.

• Access to services such as cloud hosting, legal support and other business resources.

• Opportunities to develop relationships with entrepreneurs, investors, mentors and other members of the Canadian innovation ecosystem.

Programme Areas

Participants will have opportunities to develop their abilities in:

• Venture creation and development.

• Business building and entrepreneurship.

• Product and venture development.

• Launching early stage businesses.

• Scaling innovative ventures.

• Leadership and problem solving.

• Accessing entrepreneurial networks and resources.

• Investor and mentor engagement.

The programme is open to applicants from any academic discipline, allowing participants with different educational and professional interests to bring diverse perspectives to entrepreneurship.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Next 36 Program 2027, applicants must:

• Be an undergraduate student, master's student or recent graduate.

• Be studying at or have graduated from a school in Canada.

• Come from any academic discipline.

• Have an early stage venture or an idea for a new venture.

• Demonstrate entrepreneurial potential.

• Be willing to participate fully in the programme.

• Commit full time to the summer intensive period from May to August 2027.

• Be available to be present in Toronto for required sessions during the summer intensive period.

• Participate in all mandatory programme activities.

• Agree to abide by NEXT Canada's code of conduct.

Required Application Information

Applicants will be asked to provide information that demonstrates their educational background, entrepreneurial interests and personal potential.

The application requires:

• Information about your education experience.

• Responses to short answer questions.

• A short video responding to an interview question.

• A video of no more than 60 seconds.

• Any additional information requested through the online application.

Selection Criteria

Next 36 is looking for individuals with strong entrepreneurial potential and the motivation to build meaningful ventures.

Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate qualities including:

• Strong problem solving ability.

• Commitment to creating positive social impact.

• Community leadership.

• Academic leadership.

• Entrepreneurial ambition.

• A willingness to learn from experienced entrepreneurs and mentors.

• The potential to develop an existing early stage venture or transform an idea into a viable business.

How to Apply

1. Review the eligibility requirements for the Next 36 Program 2027.
2. Confirm that you are an undergraduate student, master's student or recent graduate from a Canadian institution.
3. Consider whether you want to develop an existing early stage venture or transform a new idea into a business.
4. Prepare information about your education experience and entrepreneurial interests.
5. Complete the short answer questions included in the application.
6. Record a short video answering the required interview question, ensuring that it does not exceed 60 seconds.
7. Submit the completed application through the Next 36 online application platform.
8. You can save your application and return to complete it at any time before the deadline.
9. Submit your final application by October 14, 2026 at 11:59 PM.