NO EQUITY OR FEES
There are no application or membership fees. We don’t ask for equity in your company.
12 MONTH PROGRAM
Competition winners get a private office and dedicated desks at The GENERATOR, internet, coffee, memberships, programming, and more… FREE!
COMMUNITY
Networking opportunities with other tech companies, mentoring, and invitations to industry events.
The GENERATOR is a 5,000 sq. ft. incubator space available to promising BC tech startups on a competitive basis.
Discovery Parks runs The GENERATOR Competition annually to help BC tech startups get the start they need to help them thrive and grow. Competition winners receive a professional home for 12 months (FREE!); get to belong to an amazing community of tech entrepreneurs; and have access to mentors and programming. THE GENERATOR Program is based on the concept that free flowing ideas, minimal barriers, and a belief in serendipity accelerate the growth and success of technology companies.
The GENERATOR Program
12 months rent free space at The GENERATOR - A private office and assigned desks in open working area. Bring your computers, plug in and start working!
Unlimited, high-speed, wireless internet
Bookable boardroom and meeting rooms
Use of our secure bike room
BC Tech Association and/or Life Sciences BC memberships
Special access to programs including AWS Activate
One-on-one mentoring with our Entrepreneur-in-Residence
Matching business education allowance
Introductions and networking opportunities with other tech companies
Invitations to technology industry events
Communal lunchroom
Unlimited free coffee and tea
We are dog-friendly!
Want to check out The GENERATOR space before applying? Book a tour!
Important Dates
Application Deadline: Feb 3, 2023
Short-list Notified: March 2023
Winners Announced: Mid April 2023
Winners Move-in: June 1, 2023
Ready to apply to
The GENERATOR Competition?
Eligibility
The GENERATOR competition is open to British Columbia tech startups with a product or service that is in market or is expected to launch in the next 6 months. Our program is ideally suited for companies that will have a maximum of 10 people working simultaneously working onsite at the office. We can accommodate larger teams depending on the team size of other companies in your cohort and if companies have a hybrid system of remote and in-office team members.
Companies in our current GENERATOR cohort are also welcome to apply to win an additional 12 months (max of 24 months combined).
Application process
Apply to The GENERATOR competition using our application form. You must include your business plan which should demonstrate why your startup has a high probability for success and potential for growth. Your business plan must be no longer than 5 pages, pdf format, and include sections that describe:
Challenge: What problem are you solving? How?
Product or Service: Include any technological advantages. Is there any IP?
Revenue model: How will your business make money?
Value proposition: Why will customers choose your product or service?
Go-to-market strategy: What’s your tactical plan?
Competition analysis: Who are your current and potential competitors? How are you different?
The Team: Who’s on your team? What’s their experience and area of expertise?
Supporting information: Key milestones and achievements, key metrics, past financing (if any) and future financing plans
Evaluation and selection
All applications are evaluated by a panel of judges from BC Tech Association, Life Sciences BC, the Vancouver Economic Commission and Discovery Parks. Shortlisted companies will be invited to be interviewed by our panel “Dragon’s Den” style. Companies are selected based on their potential for solving the identified problem; sound business plan and strategy; leadership potential and team expertise; potential for growth and success; and likeliness to work well in a co-working environment. No companies within a cohort will be direct competitors.
The GENERATOR is dedicated to fostering an inclusive, welcoming working space for diverse founders to learn and grow from each other. We encourage founders from underrepresented groups to apply. If you previously applied to the competition and were not selected for that cohort, please consider applying in the future.
READY TO JOIN THE GENERATOR COMMUNITY?
Your contribution
So you’ve won… now what? Our philosophy is to set you up in The GENERATOR Program and then let you get down to work and focus on your business.
We only ask two things of you while participating in our program:
1. Quarterly Reports. Help us measure the effectiveness of The GENERATOR by completing our short quarterly report that asks about:
Number of employees
Amount of revenue generated, equity raised and grants/other funding
List of companies you collaborate and have connections with (other GENERATOR companies, universities, industry associations)
Plans to transition from The GENERATOR to commercial space
Plans to secure additional financing and funding
2. Sign a 12-Month Lease. We require you to sign a 12-month lease with Discovery Parks (don’t worry the rent is free!). You will need to move out of The GENERATOR at the end of your lease to make space for the next cohort. Alternatively, you can apply to a second consecutive competition for the chance to win an additional 12 months with us!
