Apply to the CDL program
For founders developing solutions that utilize artificial intelligence as the foundation for re-designing industry processes.
The Artificial Intelligence Stream at CDL Toronto brings together experienced exited entrepreneurs, leading scientists, and active investors to help ventures seeking to re-engineer industry processes and create system-level changes through the integration of AI.
The focus of this year’s AI stream will be to support a generation of Henry Fords; ambitious founders who envision re-designed business systems and the development of new business opportunities enabled by system disruption.
We are looking for companies seeking to initiate system-level innovations in industries that face technological and adoptive barriers due to the reliance on outdated systems.
CDL startups work with these mentors to sharpen objectives, prioritize time and resources, raise capital, and engage with experts working on the frontiers of research.
The startups attend five in-person objective-setting sessions between October and June. CDL is a non-profit organization. There are no fees for participation and CDL does not take any equity. Learn more about the CDL Program.
Who Should Apply?
The Artificial Intelligence Stream at CDL Toronto is particularly suited to visionary founders seeking to disrupt industries at scale through the use of AI. This stream is tailored towards early-stage companies (early venture or growth) or even projects (pre-incorporation); however, startups at all levels of maturity will be considered.
Example Technology Areas
- Simulation & Digital Twinning
- Internet of Things (IoT)
- Automation
- Recommendation Systems
The list above is not exhaustive. Contact cdl-toronto@creativedestructionlab.com to discuss the program and your venture with someone from the AI Stream.
Our Mentors
CDL mentors include accomplished entrepreneurs, experienced operators, active angel and venture investors, world-leading scientists, engineers, and economists. Mentors meet every eight weeks in Toronto to help founders set objectives over the program’s nine-month duration.
Companies accepted to the CDL Artificial Intelligence Stream benefit from close interactions with entrepreneurs who have built, scaled, and successfully exited deep technology companies, as well as world-leading scientists and economists focused on advancing the fields of artificial intelligence and machine learning. These experts meet with companies periodically to evaluate their technologies, suggest improvements, and to explore formal advising engagements.
“CDL was a six week forcing-function in the early days that obliged us to crystalize our product offering and go-to-market strategy. Thereafter, it blossomed into an intensive blend of piercing critiques, fruitful networking and invaluable mentorship. A number of CDL fellows eventually participated in our angel round, and the program was key in introducing us to our institutional co-leads as well…I want to thank CDL for challenging us to think big and for forcing us to get our act together.”
Sheldon Fernandez
CEO, Darwin AI | CDL-Toronto 2018/19
