THRIVE Academy
Meet the current cohort
THRIVE Academy
Applications are Now Closed!
OVERVIEW
THRIVE Academy is focused on supporting pre-seed stage startups in the agritech, agrifood and climate tech sectors.
The THRIVE Academy is open to pre-seed or early-seed stage startups! We're looking for visionary founders working at the intersection of agriculture, food, and climate technology. More specifically, those who are building bold solutions to drive sustainability and resilience in our global food systems. If you're tackling the most pressing challenges in agriculture, food and climate innovation, this is your opportunity to accelerate your impact.
Through a curated combination of expert-led workshops, mentorship, and pitch preparation, the program helps founders sharpen their go-to-market strategies and get investor-ready. From refining business models to scaling climate-positive innovations, the THRIVE Academy is your launchpad to commercial and capital success.
Ready to shoot for the moon?
Who Should Apply
We're looking for promising founders with innovative ideas
Specifically we are looking for:
- Early-stage startups that are based in or registered in Alberta, Canada
- Startups with innovative, science or technology-driven solutions in AgTech, FoodTech, or Climate Tech
- Pre-seed or early-seed stage ventures ready to validate their innovation
- Teams eager to receive hands-on support, mentorship, and market exposure
- Entrepreneurs committed to making a positive environmental and economic impact
Does this sound like you?
Who Should Apply
We're looking for promising founders with innovative ideas
Specifically we are looking for:
- Pre-seed to early seed-stage agri-food tech companies
- Early stage innovators with ground breaking ideas for agri-food tech
Does this sound like you?
Program at a glance
Phase 1
- Intensive virtual programming
- Mentorship
- Build a foundation for high-growth companies
- Prepare to become market and investor ready
Phase 2
- Implement learnings
- Mentorship
- Demo Day & in-person immersion
- Feedback for future steps
Program Benefits
Through THRIVE Academy you'll receive the tools and support to build a company foundation for scalable growth
Acceleration
The program is specifically designed to kickstart your entrepreneurial journey and accelerate rapid progress towards commercial outcomes.
Mentorship
We'll match you with mentors from our extensive network of industry insiders, corporates, alumni and investors.
Investment Readiness
We'll teach you the fundamentals of what founders need to be investment ready ensuring your highest chance at success when you seek outside funding.
Validation
We'll help you test and validate your idea and make fast informed de-risked decisions that minimize your risk.
Exposure to Smart Farm Networks
You'll have an opportunity to apply to get access to Old’s College Smart Farm & other PSI’s to evaluate, demonstrate, and validate your developing technology.
Accelerator Opportunities
Selected startups will have the opportunity to graduate into THRIVE’s Canada or Global Accelerator programs.
Partner Perks
Gain access to over $3.5 million in exclusive perks and discounts from our network of leading industry partners, designed to accelerate your startup's growth and success.
Interested in the Academy Program?
Applications will be accepted throughout the year with two intakes per year. One cohort will run September- November and the other cohort will run February- May.
Partners
The THRIVE Canada Academy’s successful execution is made possible through the generous support of the Alberta Scaleup and Growth Accelerator Program, managed by Alberta Innovates. This initiative is supported by a consortium including the Alberta Ministry of Technology & Innovation, Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan), Alberta Innovates, Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund (OCIF) and Olds College. The THRIVE Canada Academy is further supported by Farm Credit Canada (FCC).
Program Partners
The THRIVE Academy is part of the Alberta Scaleup and Growth Accelerator Program which helps businesses scale, grow and contribute to a thriving innovation ecosystem in Alberta. The program is led by Alberta Innovates with funding support from Alberta Technology and Innovation and Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan). The Program contributes to the Alberta government’s goal to help create 20,000 jobs and increase technology firm revenue to $5 billion by 2030.
THRIVE acknowledges Farm Credit Canada (FCC/FAC) as a founding partner of its Canadian operations.