AcceleratorCreative Destruction Lab's neuroscience stream in Toronto: nine months of objective-setting with mentors, no fees and no equity.
Creative Destruction Lab
Creative Destruction Lab (CDL) is a nonprofit accelerator based in Toronto, Canada, focused on fostering the growth of early-stage, science-based…
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Official links
Pages the organization runs itself.
Third-party rankings
Where Creative Destruction Lab ranks
| Ranking | Edition | Position | Since last edition | Trust | What it measures |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 The most active startup accelerators and where they're investing | 2023 | #10 | No prior edition | C | Activity |
 America's Best Incubators and Accelerators | 2026 | #15 | No prior edition | D | Performance, Prestige |
Overview
Creative Destruction Lab (CDL) is a nonprofit organization founded in 2012 at the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto. It operates globally across multiple locations, including Canada, the United States, Europe, Australia, and Asia. CDL is designed for seed-stage, science- and technology-based companies, focusing on enhancing the commercialization of science through entrepreneurship.
Focus
CDL invests in massively scalable, seed-stage companies across various sectors, including Advanced Therapies, AgriFood, Artificial Intelligence, Biomedical Engineering, Climate, Energy, Health, Manufacturing, Quantum, and more. The organization employs an objectives-based mentoring process, connecting entrepreneurs with experienced mentors to help prioritize tasks and maximize the probability of success.
Support
CDL offers zero equity and zero fees, providing an objectives-based mentorship program that connects entrepreneurs with experienced mentors. The program is designed to enhance the probability of success through disciplined execution and provides a strong signal to investors.
Questions
What is the duration of the program?
The program lasts for 9 months with 5 full-day objective-setting sessions at 8-week intervals.
Is there an application fee?
No, CDL does not charge any fees.
What is the equity stake taken by CDL?
CDL takes zero equity from participating companies.
Check your startup’s fit
Check your startup’s fit with Creative Destruction LabHosted by this organization
Programs at Creative Destruction Lab
AcceleratorAccelerator
FellowshipUnlocking entrepreneurial ambitions of MBA students.
From public sources
What the sources say about Creative Destruction Lab
CDL's application page says the 2026/27 application cycle is closed as checked October 21, 2026.
Source: CDL application page (deadlines)CDL says it does not directly fund participating startups and does not guarantee investment; individual mentors may invest.
Source: CDL - Frequently Asked QuestionsCDL says it charges no participation fee and takes no equity, with its nonprofit activities funded through partnerships and philanthropy.
Source: CDL - Frequently Asked QuestionsPitchBook's public Creative Destruction Lab preview lists Caplyzer with deal date 2026-07-23.
Source: Creative Destruction Lab investment portfolio | PitchBookPitchBook's public Creative Destruction Lab preview lists Amphitrite with deal date 2026-07-23.
Source: Creative Destruction Lab investment portfolio | PitchBookPitchBook's public Creative Destruction Lab preview lists The MindKind with deal date 2026-09-14.
Source: Creative Destruction Lab investment portfolio | PitchBook
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