About the program
This sector-agnostic, six-month incubator program helps Northern Ireland businesses establish a strong presence in Canada. In partnership with Invest Northern Ireland, MaRS provides founders with expert guidance, key market insights and strategic connections to help them scale. Participants gain direct access to Canada’s investment landscape, commercialization pathways and partnership opportunities — accelerating growth and unlocking new market potential.
About the program
Program benefits
- North American market readiness: Get tailored strategies, market qualification and risk mitigation support.
- Expert guidance: Work with industry professionals, sector specialists and experienced entrepreneurs.
- Immersive market visit: Gain firsthand experience in North America through a hands-on visit, connecting with key stakeholders, potential partners and customers.
- Collaborative and networking opportunities: Build relationships with international business partners, industry professionals and Canadian entrepreneurs.
- Global scaling support: Access to the resources and guidance needed to expand into international markets.
- Capital and talent connections: Engage with venture capitalists, corporate partners and skilled talent from Canada and around the world.
- Market insights and data: Receive tailored market analysis and industry insights to navigate trends and gain a competitive advantage.
- Tools and services: Leverage webinars, peer-to-peer mentorship and marketing expertise to strengthen your brand.
- Expansion of business connections: Connect with North American customers, partners and stakeholders.
- PR and brand building: Enhance market presence with support from the MaRS PR Accelerator.
Program benefits
Meet the Cohort
Azhar Murtuza
Founder
Born Maverick is a biotechnology company revolutionizing food production by integrating advanced bioengineering with sustainable practices. They develop ethical, eco-friendly, and accessible food alternatives to address global challenges in nutrition and sustainability.
Kurtis Irwin
VP of Global Catalysis
CATAGEN provides advanced emissions testing and net-zero technologies to support cleaner automotive solutions. Their innovative approach includes green hydrogen and e-fuel technologies, driving the transition to sustainable energy.
Ryan Lafferty
Chief Executive Officer
Dia Beta Labs leverages over 30 years of groundbreaking research from Ulster University to develop next-gen therapeutics for metabolic diseases, addressing the global diabetes and obesity crisis, which affects over 537 million adults worldwide, with Type 2 Diabetes making up over 90% of cases.
Laurence Fay
Chief Operating Officer
Fortesium provides customizable software solutions for regulators, enhancing accuracy, transparency, and efficiency in digital processes. Trusted by over a million users, including one in three UK regulated professionals, its solutions support healthcare and other sectors with registration, CPD, and compliance tools.
Mark Flynn
Co-founder and director
Rubik Technologies provides cloud-based solutions for mid-sized and enterprise manufacturing, focusing on cost-effectiveness, quick implementation, and ease of use. Designed to boost sales, profitability, and decision-making, Rubik ensures . seamless integration and long-term success through close collaboration with clients.
Róisín Maguire
CEO
Seedling Education offers an HTML5 educational game authoring platform with 50+ customizable templates. Designed in collaboration with teachers and tested with students, the platform makes it easy for educators to create and publish personalized educational games. These games can be used in the classroom or accessed remotely for home learning.
Tony Woods
Co-founder
Seedling Education offers an HTML5 educational game authoring platform with 50+ customizable templates. Designed in collaboration with teachers and tested with students, the platform makes it easy for educators to create and publish personalized educational games. These games can be used in the classroom or accessed remotely for home learning.
Christine Boyle
Founder, CEO
Senergy Innovations develops sustainable energy products and systems to provide secure, affordable and clean energy globally. Focused on innovation, its low-carbon solar thermal solutions help combat fuel poverty, protect the planet, and ensure a stable energy future.
Suman Bhaskaran
Co-founder
Srotas Health is a life sciences and healthcare tech company transforming clinical trials with AI and behavioural science. It improves patient identification, recruitment, and retention, while streamlining administrative tasks for pharmaceuticals, CROs and clinical research institutions.
Vikram Parimi
Co-founder
Srotas Health is a life sciences and healthcare tech company transforming clinical trials with AI and behavioural science. It improves patient identification, recruitment, and retention, while streamlining administrative tasks for pharmaceuticals, CROs and clinical research institutions.
Thomas Conway
Founder and CEO
Validaid provides an automated Donor Advised Fund (DAF) with matching and impact measurement services for US donors, financial advisors, and wealth managers. It offers a clear dashboard on financial stability, governance, and impact, helping philanthropists make informed funding decisions.
