What is the recruitment process?

1. Complete and submit the application form
2. You will then receive confirmation from Zú’s team that your completed form has been received
3. The selection committee will review the applications
4. If selected, you will be invited to an interview
5. You will receive the final result
    
   *Each evaluation cycle takes approximately 3 to 4 weeks.  

 

What is the duration of the incubation?

The incubation program lasts a minimum of 12 months and can be renewed if the entrepreneur wishes.

 

Which program does the next application deadline apply to?

It applies to both the incubation program AND the pre-incubation program.

  

Do I need to apply to a specific program?

No. Once applications are collected, our internal team will review each applicant to determine whether they are more likely to be eligible for the incubation program or the pre-incubation program. We will help you find the best fit based on your needs and the development stage of your project.

 

If I miss the application deadline, when is the next one?

The next cycle’s deadline is always updated on our website. However, please note that you can submit your application at any time.  

 

After submitting my application, when will I know the results?

Results are shared within 3 to 5 weeks after the application deadline.

Is it possible to replace the application form with another document?

No.

When should I fill out the application form?

You can fill out the form at any time. We periodically evaluate applications (3 to 4 times per year) through our selection committee. We have simplified the application process by allowing you to apply through a single form that is open year-round.

I don’t have answers to all the questions in the form. Is that a problem?

No. Depending on your project’s maturity, it is completely normal not to answer all the questions. For example, if you haven’t yet registered your company, it is normal not to have an incorporation number or revenue, and therefore not to complete those sections.

Why do I need to submit a video with my application?

The video adds a human dimension to your application, allowing our external jury members to connect with the entrepreneurs behind the projects.

 
What elements should I highlight in the video?

• Be direct and concise (under 3 minutes); you don’t need to go into too much technical detail or demonstrate your solution.
• Briefly explain the problem you are solving and the solution you are developing.   
• Clearly and simply describe your innovative factor, along with elements demonstrating your traction and project maturity  
• Share your vision for the next steps and how Zú’s support could help you refine it   

 
What will the video be used for?

It will only be used internally for the selection process.

What measures are in place to secure my video?

If it’s a YouTube video, make sure to choose the correct settings. Ideally, set it to “Unlisted” so that it can be accessed via direct link only and won’t appear in search results.

If it’s a Vimeo video, and you decide to use a password, please provide the password in the “Additional Comments” section at the end of the form so that the jury can access it.

What are the fees associated with Zú’s support programs?

 

2025 Program Fees
New incubatees (company registered in Quebec)		3,750  $
Incubation (canadian company registered outside Quebec)		5,000  $
Incubation for international entrepreneurs		15,000 $
Pre‑Incubatees (company registered in Quebec) Pre‑Incubatees (canadian company registered outside Quebec or international company)		250 $  850 $

  

When are the fees due?   

The fees are due upon signing the contract. However, it is possible to arrange an alternative payment schedule. 

What is the total value of Zú’s incubation program?

The incubation program is a personalized, evolving journey that lasts a minimum of 12 months and offers services valued at over $50,000 per year. Details and benefits are explained in the following section.

  

If I am selected for Zú’s incubation program, what will I benefit from?

• Guidance from a high‑caliber network of mentors   
• Participation in pitch clinics and other workshops
• Product testing in the state‑of‑the‑art Telus 5G Lab   
• Invitations to exclusive events
• Access to work and meeting spaces in Zú’s Atrium at Maison Alcan

Do I have access to an office if I am incubated at Zú?

No, you do not have access to a dedicated office. However, you are entitled to 5 hours per month in conference rooms for meetings, and you have unlimited access to Zú’s meeting pods in the Atrium at Maison Alcan.

If I don’t use my conference room hours in a given month, do I lose them?

Not necessarily. Conference room hours can be carried over for a maximum of 3 months. However, conditions may apply, and all hours must be used within the duration of the incubation program.

Does Zú offer grants or funding to incubated startups?

We offer investment and financing support services. We do not directly invest in the startups we support, nor do we take equity. That said, thanks to the support of the Fondation Guy Laliberté, we offer Inclusivity and Impact Grants.
For more information, visit: https://zumtl.com/fr/bourses-fondation-guy-laliberte-2/.

How many members of my team are allowed to participate in the programs?

A maximum of two team members can participate in pre‑incubation workshops and incubation mentorship meetings. However, in certain cases, the participation of an additional team member may be allowed if their presence is relevant to the discussion.

Are the workshops and mentorship meetings held virtually or in person?

Most pre‑incubation workshops and incubation mentorship meetings are held online. However, we regularly organize in‑person community events in Zú’s Atrium at Maison Alcan, and some expert workshops are also held on site.

Are Zú’s services offered in French or in English?

Pre‑incubation workshops are delivered in French by our facilitators. However, for the incubation program, we have English‑speaking and bilingual mentors available to support you.

Do all programs run in cohorts?

Only the pre‑incubation program is structured as a cohort, as it includes group workshops. The incubation program is not a cohort, as the meetings are held between the entrepreneur and their dedicated mentorship team.

Is the confidentiality of my information in my application and during my participation in the programs guaranteed?

Yes, the confidentiality of your information is a priority for us. Our selection committee, mentors, team, as well as other entrepreneurs participating in the programs, are all required to sign a Non‑Disclosure Agreement (NDA) to ensure the protection of your technology and business model. As an incubator, our role is to support your growth, not to compromise the security of your confidential information.

How are Zú’s mentors selected?

We follow a rigorous approach based on the MIT Venture Mentoring Service (VMS) methodology for mentor selection. These mentors are experts with significant entrepreneurial experience in the fields of technology and creative industries.

Who are the mentors?

They are well‑known figures in the Québec business community. To protect their privacy, we do not publish a public list of our mentors.

How does mentor matching work?

After your project is presented to them, the mentors will express their interest in supporting you based on your needs and their expertise. Our team will then assemble a group of mentors with complementary skills to support you in the best possible way throughout your entrepreneurial journey and business growth.

Does Zú also support startups outside Québec?

It is possible to be accepted even if you are not initially based in Québec. Acceptance is conditional on several criteria, including clear intentions to establish operations in Québec or if the company is already contributing to the Québec economy. Zú’s objective is to attract companies that will contribute to the province’s economic development, which is why we are open to considering external companies that meet these specific conditions.