Outwork. Outshine. Outpitch. Only the strongest startups will survive.
Startup Survivor is a four-month innovation program and pitch competition open to McMaster University students and recent alumni. If that isn’t exciting enough, we’re giving out $95,000 throughout the program!
Program Overview
Throughout the summer, participants have business and technical challenges to complete. Topics focus on business modeling, prototyping, go-to-market strategy, and pitching to investors. To support their learning, our team of industry experts and mentors hosts workshops for each new topic introduced. At the end of each challenge, a panel of judges review the deliverables and provide feedback for improvement and a challenge score.
The final challenge of the summer requires startups to pitch to a venture capital firm that could invest or engage further with them. Building a successful investor pitch takes practice, so startups work closely with our pitch coach to ensure they are ready to deliver their best pitch.
Having a supportive network is one of the most important systems for a new company. We host monthly meetups for program participants to share key learnings, ask questions, and connect with peers.
Every startup grows differently. To support their unique journey, one-on-one mentorship is offered weekly with our Manager of Student Entrepreneurship to provide tailored support and business advisory services. Our co-working space at McMaster Innovation Park is open for companies to work from. We even include access to our makerspace for those with hardware solutions.
Funding
We understand that building a business takes time, hard work, and funding. To support participants along the way, all teams receive $5,000 in funding throughout the summer. Startups focused on smart, sustainable, and/or autonomous transportation solutions may qualify for up to $10,000 in funding, courtesy of our sponsor, CITM.
Applying to Startup Survivor
The application process for Startup Survivor has multiple stages. Please read the information below carefully.
Note: Eligibility forms are closed as of March 16.
- Submit an eligibility form. Submitting early will give you a head start on your application package.
- Once we confirm your eligibility, you will be sent a link to watch an application workshop. The workshop gives you critical information you need to complete the application package and required tasks.
- Applicants will work on the first challenge submission until the application deadline on March 31.
- During the first two weeks of April, The Forge will conduct interviews with the top applicants.
- The top 10 teams will be invited to join the program from May to August.
To apply, your team must include at least one founding member who is a McMaster University student or a recent alumnus (graduated Spring 2024 or later).
Students from all faculties, programs, and levels—undergraduate and graduate—are eligible. Teams can consist of domestic students, international students, or a combination of both.
We welcome startups from all sectors, including software, hardware, healthcare, cleantech, consumer goods, medical devices, and more.
Questions and Application Support
If you’re not sure where to start, trying to decide between multiple ideas, or wondering if Startup Survivor is right for you, our team is here to assist you.
For questions and support with your application, please contact Mariya Leslie, Manager of Student Entrepreneurship.
Additional Resources:
Please note, this does not contain information regarding the application challenge.
Startup Survivor Pitch Competition
At the end of August, the top five teams with the highest scores are invited to pitch at our annual Startup Survivor Pitch Competition, where $30,000 in cash prizes is up for grabs! Held at McMaster University, this exciting one-night event features our top startups pitching to a panel of esteemed judges and a live audience. As the flagship event of McMaster Entrepreneurship Week, it is open to the public and offers a fantastic networking opportunity with student entrepreneurs, faculty, researchers, mentors, and innovation ecosystem partners. The grand prize winner will take home $15,000 in cash to grow their startup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our team is happy to help! Please book an appointment at our weekly office hours in person on campus or virtually via Zoom. Our team is available every Thursday to answer any questions you may have. Follow the booking instructions here: https://theforge.mcmaster.ca/mcmaster-student-support/#officehours
The Forge will accept TEN startups into the Startup Survivor program.
Yes! Solo founder or co-founders – all are welcome!
While running a startup can be tougher without a co-founder (or multiple), there’s nothing stopping you from applying on your own! It can be done, and it has been done for many years. In 2023, the top three Startup Survivor winners were solo-founders. It just means that you may have to be prepared to work a little bit harder than those who enter with a team of two or more.
Yes! The Forge is home to many founders who don’t have a technical background and are building something that’s… well, technical.
We have partner connections, industry experts, and a BUNCH of resources to support you and fill the gaps in your team as you build your business.
I'm not planning on staying within commuting distance of McMaster for the summer. Can I still apply?
Unfortunately, no. Each of the challenges throughout the summer have mandatory in-person commitments (such as workshops, and pitches). If there is no one on your founding team who can represent your startup at the in-person requirements, you are not eligible for the program.
No, this is an experiential learning opportunity! We help you immerse yourself in the world of entrepreneurship and fast-track your idea to market.
Startup Survivor is not approved for co-op credits.
As the founder(s), you retain 100% ownership and equity of your business. This program is entirely free and generously funded by McMaster University. We’re here to support you, not take from you!
Definitely! We’re glad you continued working on your startup.
The Forge is looking to work with dedicated individuals for the next cohort of Startup Survivor.
During the program, we expect minimum commitment of 20 hours per week to cultivate your startup. This includes attending scheduled events, such as workshops and mentor meetings, as well as dedicating time to work on your business at your own pace.
The majority of our sessions are conducted in person at The Forge, with some held virtually via Zoom. While we encourage full team participation for maximum benefit, it is mandatory for at least one co-founder to attend all events, providing flexibility for different team members. Please note that non-founding members (interns, volunteers, staff, etc.) cannot substitute for co-founders at events.
Our workshops and meetings are scheduled from Monday to Friday between 9 am and 5 pm. You can find the provisional program calendar via this link. However, please bear in mind that dates and times might shift as we finalize speakers and mentors.
Teams must maintain Good Standing throughout the program to continue accessing funding and resources. The Forge reserves the right to withhold funding or disqualify teams that fail to uphold Good Standing criteria, such as attending mandatory events, actively progressing with business development, meeting challenge deadlines, and participating in pitch-related activities, including the final Investor Pitch Day.
We are dedicated to providing comprehensive support for your team’s success, provided that you remain committed to the program’s requirements. Your commitment to this endeavor is crucial to our joint success!
Hear from Previous Participants
Ibrahim Iftikhar, founder of CrowdVision
Prize Recipient, 2023 Startup SurvivorI’ve always been passionate about concerts and live events, but recording them is always a hassle. Recording not only distracts and takes away from the overall experience, but often the videos end up being poor quality anyway. I knew that there was something that could’ve been done to address the issue, and I chose to work with the Forge to help me figure that out.
But why the Forge? What sets The Forge apart for me is their approach to nurturing early-stage entrepreneurs. They helped not only build up my business but myself as an entrepreneur. Through workshops and close mentorship, I’ve gained a level of support that is rare and invaluable.
The aspect of working with The Forge that brings me the most joy is the sense of community. The community at the Forge is like a supportive family where the mentors and fellow members genuinely care about your success. For an entrepreneur just starting, that support is crucial. The nurturing environment at the forge is focused on your success. Their role in my journey has been instrumental, and I’m truly thankful for their support.
Josh McGillivray, co-founder of Universole Fit
Winner, 2022 Startup SurvivorThe Forge Startup Survivor program was pivotal not only for Universole Fit but also in my transition from researcher to entrepreneur. We entered the competition with the goal of trying to improve the wide-spread problem of finding the right size shoe, not knowing in the span of a few months they could help turn an idea into a scalable business. The workshops on business development, access to skilled professionals for mentoring, and The Forge’s extensive network provide all the tools for a determined entrepreneur to turn their startup dream into a reality. We would recommend the competition to anyone trying their first startup venture as the mentorship paired with the funding opportunity means regardless of the competition outcome it will be invaluable to your business development. Without the constant guidance and support of The Forge, Universole Fit would not be where we are today. Continuing to work with The Forge as an incubator client, even after the competition, continues to prove to be the best decision we could have made.
Parisa Agahi, founder of Tression
Prize Recipient, 2022 Startup SurvivorTression was shaped as a startup through working with The Forge. The mentorship and support offered by this community was paramount for Tression’s growth from an early-stage startup with little validation, to an incorporated company with a large network of advisors and planned go-to-market strategies. I would highly recommend the Startup Survivor and Incubator programs to anyone with a business idea and a passion to solve a real world problem!
Christopher Juman, co-founder of Dahlia
Winners, 2021 Startup SurvivorOur experience with the Forge Startup Survivor program has been incredibly valuable. We entered the competition looking to gain guidance on our first steps in launching our business while also hoping to gain some funds along the way. We never would have imagined how many skills we would develop all the while having the opportunity to build connections with valuable mentors and other co-founders who have helped shape our business. Startup Survivor has helped catapult Dahlia forward and we are very grateful for this experience. We encourage new founders to apply if they want to gain guidance and direction on how bringing their startup to life!
Evan Ferreira co-founder of Local Reach
After going through four different accelerators, I can confidently say The Forge was as the best. In just four months, I went from not even knowing what “venture capital” meant to pitching my business to investors and securing offers. The Forge’s top-tier mentorship and supportive community didn’t just teach me the skills I needed—it completely transformed my perspective on entrepreneurship. Whether you’re a first-time founder or a seasoned entrepreneur, joining The Forge is one of the best decisions you’ll ever make.