For founders developing foundational technologies to deploy intelligence to physical environments.

The Compute Stream at CDL-Vancouver works with ventures across hardware, software, and systems — from edge AI and robotics to quantum-enabled technologies and next-generation compute infrastructure.

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 three in-person objective-setting sessions between October and April. 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.

 

All CDL Compute Alumni Companies ▶︎

Who Should Apply?

The Compute Stream is particularly suited to entrepreneurs and researchers developing technologies at the intersection of intelligence and the physical world. 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 Innovation Areas

  • Robotics
  • Industrial Automation
  • Edge AI
  • Quantum-Enabled Technologies
  • Photonics
  • Semicondu

The list above is not exhaustive. Contact cdl-vancouver_ventures@creativedestructionlab.com to discuss the program and your venture with someone from the Compute Stream.

Our Mentors

CDL mentors include accomplished entrepreneurs, experienced operators, active angel and venture investors, world-leading scientists, engineers, and economists. Mentors meet every twelve weeks in Vancouver, BC to help founders set objectives over the program’s nine-month duration.

Companies accepted to the CDL Compute Stream gain access to mentors and partners with the experience, networks, and capital to help deep tech ventures reach their full potential. These experts meet with companies periodically to evaluate their technologies, suggest improvements, and to explore formal advising engagements.

See all CDL-Vancouver Compute mentors ▶︎

For more information or to schedule an introduction meeting with the CDL team, email cdl-vancouver_ventures@creativedestructionlab.com.

“As the Internet is starting to evolve into Web 3.0, innovations here are exciting and timely. The CDL can serve pockets that are underserved, and I see crypto/web3, AR/VR, robotics as early technologies that have not yet been fully tapped for potential. I am personally very bullish on this area and hope that we see new projects through CDL thinking about where to take computing next.”

Boris Wertz

Founder, Version One Ventures

Applications are now open for the 2026/27 program year

Apply