Matter

For founders working on discovering, developing, or recycling advanced materials. The stream will focus on businesses that are identifying novel materials, new material discovery platforms, or characterization tools for new materials.

The Matter Stream at CDL-Toronto will provide technical guidance, business insights, and access to capital to entrepreneurs working on discovering, developing or recycling advanced materials across the value chain.

CDL startups work with mentors to sharpen objectives, prioritize time and resources, raise capital, and engage with experts working on the frontiers of research.

The startups attend up to 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.

All CDL Alumni Companies ▶︎

Who Should Apply?

The Matter Stream is suited to ventures along the materials value chain; materials discovery, development, or manufacturing and recycling. 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

Material informatics
Tools and processes for materials recycling
Biomanufacturing
Smart materials
Graphene and nanomaterials
Materials for energy storage

The list above is not exhaustive. Contact matter@creativedestructionlab.com to discuss the program and your venture with someone from the Matter Stream.

Our Mentors

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

Companies accepted to the CDL Matter Stream benefit from mentors in the advanced materials space with experience in investment in materials ventures, operating companies, and navigating complex value chains and licensing agreements. These experts meet with companies periodically to evaluate their technologies, suggest improvements, and explore formal advising engagements.

See all Matter mentors ▶︎

Alan Aspuru-Guzik

Professor of Chemistry and Computer Science, University of Toronto

Jeff Green

Managing Director, Rusheen Capital Management

Jill Becker

Former Founder and CEO, Cambridge Nanotech Inc. | CEO, Kebotix

Phil De Luna

Expert, Sustainability

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

CDL-Toronto

Toronto

“When I moved to Toronto, I was amazed by what the Creative Destruction Lab has done for our innovation ecosystem. Most of the emerging challenges that our world is facing in this century, ranging from climate change to health, require the rapid development of novel molecules and materials. This new CDL track will focus on helping young entrepreneurs build scalable companies in this space.”

Alán Aspuru-Guzik

Professor of Chemistry and Computer Science, University of Toronto | CDL-Toronto Matter

“Looking back, it’s hard to imagine where our company would be right now without CDL and the mentors who are continuing to support us today. We are in a position now where we have a clear vision for our company and the resources to effectively execute and scale our business.”

MesoMat Team

CDL-Toronto Matter 2019/20