500 Global Alberta Accelerator

Overview of the 500 Global Alberta Accelerator program:

The 500 Global Alberta Accelerator is a regional initiative developed by 500 Global, in partnership with Alberta Innovates, to support early-stage startups with high-growth potential. Designed to foster innovation and economic diversification within Alberta, this 12-week program helps founders grow their businesses through expert-led programming, one-on-one mentorship, and exposure to investors and global startup networks. The program focuses on strategic growth, customer acquisition, fundraising readiness, and refining business models. Unlike 500 Global's flagship San Francisco accelerator, the Alberta Accelerator is equity-free, meaning participants retain full ownership of their company and do not give up equity to participate. Startups benefit from 500 Global’s global resources while working in a supportive, Alberta-based ecosystem. Programming includes weekly workshops, personalized coaching, peer-to-peer learning, and engagement with local and international mentors. A key highlight is the Demo Day, where founders pitch to a curated audience of investors, government partners, and tech leaders. The program is tailored to startups in various industries, especially those aligned with Alberta’s innovation priorities—such as cleantech, healthtech, fintech, AI, and more. Applications are open to startups both within Alberta and from other regions, as long as they are committed to building in or expanding into Alberta. With backing from Alberta Innovates, this program also plays a critical role in strengthening the province’s tech sector by equipping founders with the skills, knowledge, and networks to raise capital and scale globally.

Benefits of the 500 Global Alberta Accelerator program:

• 12-week structured accelerator program delivered by a globally recognized VC firm
• Equity-free participationstartups retain full ownership
• Access to international networks of investors, mentors, and experts
• Weekly programming and hands-on coaching tailored to early-stage growth
• Demo Day to showcase your startup to global and Canadian investors
• Peer support through a cohort of fellow high-potential startups
• Focus on scaling, customer acquisition, business modeling, and fundraising preparation
• Exposure within Albertas growing tech ecosystem
• Ongoing post-program alumni support

Eligibility criteria of the 500 Global Alberta Accelerator program:

• Open to early-stage tech startups from Alberta, other provinces, or international markets
• Founders must be willing to build or expand in Alberta
• Startups should have a working product or MVP and early customer traction
• Preference for companies in high-impact sectors like:
• Artificial Intelligence
• Clean Technology
• Health Tech
• AgriTech
• Fintech
• SaaS
• Founders must commit to participating in all programming (can be hybrid/in-person)
• English proficiency is required
• Teams must show high growth potential and readiness to scale