--- title: "Venture Foundations: Advance Manufacturing" image: https://venturenetwork.ca/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20(10).png --- # VENTURE FOUNDATIONS # Advanced Manufacturing Build the commercial foundation to move your physical technology from concept toward commercialization. [Apply Now](https://tally.so/r/ZjBV9z) In Partnership with ![CITI-removebg-preview](https://venturenetwork.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/CITI-removebg-preview.png?width=765&height=326&name=CITI-removebg-preview.png) ![Platform Calgary](https://venturenetwork.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/Platform%20Calgary.png?width=1200&height=328&name=Platform%20Calgary.png) ![CIC-LOGO-STACKED-DARK+](https://venturenetwork.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/CIC-LOGO-STACKED-DARK+.webp?width=2500&height=1790&name=CIC-LOGO-STACKED-DARK+.webp) ![pexels-jonathanborba-37368172-1](https://venturenetwork.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/pexels-jonathanborba-37368172-1.jpeg?width=3392&height=2758&name=pexels-jonathanborba-37368172-1.jpeg) Venture Foundations: Advanced Manufacturing is an in-person program designed for early-stage founders building physical technology products. Physical products play by different rules, with slower prototyping cycles, complex manufacturing decisions, and funding needs that software-first programs do not always address. This program is built specifically to help hardtech founders navigate those challenges and move toward commercialization. No funding or advanced commercialization required, this program is built for founders just starting out. ## Program at a Glance ### Cohort 8 companies ### Format 5 applied workshops ### Timing 8 weeks, beginning October 15, 2026 ### Location Platform Calgary, SAIT, and Life Sciences Innovation Hub ## What makes the program different ### Small cohort Eight companies means more interaction, feedback, and peer learning. ### Practical outputs Every workshop is designed around something you can apply immediately to your venture. ### Operator access Program content is informed by experienced hardtech founders and operators who have navigated commercialization. ### Ecosystem pathways You will build connections to commercialization, funding, IP, prototyping, and founder support resources. ### Partners Access to partners including Platform, SAIT, Life Science Innovation Hub, ElevateIP and Uceed. ## Ready to move your technology forward? Applications are open until September 23, 2026, with rolling admission. A maximum of eight companies will be selected. [Apply Now](https://tally.so/r/ZjBV9z) ## Workshop Schedule **October 15, 2026, 1:00 - 4:00pm | Business Model Canvas** A clearer business model and the assumptions you need to test. **October 29, 2026, 1:00 - 4:00pm | Customer Discovery** A defined ICP and a practical customer interview plan. **November 12, 2026 , 1:00 - 4:00pm | Prototyping, Manufacturing** Connections with prototype and manufacturing spaces and resources. **November 26, 2026, 1:00 - 4:00pm\* | Intellectual Property** An initial IP and commercialization review. *This session may take place on December 3, 2026.* **December 10, 2026, 1:00 - 4:00pm | Funding Readiness & Growth Strategy** A funding overview of grants, loans, and investment. ![pexels-mizunokozuki-12903348-1](https://venturenetwork.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/pexels-mizunokozuki-12903348-1.jpeg?width=2000&height=2000&name=pexels-mizunokozuki-12903348-1.jpeg "pexels-mizunokozuki-12903348-1") ## Who should apply - Building a company in hardware, robotics, advanced manufacturing, or a related physical technology - Early-stage venture (approximately TRL 1–3) - Strong technical, research, industry, or domain expertise, looking to strengthen the commercial side - Ready to test assumptions with customers and clarify your commercialization path - Based in the Calgary region and able to actively participate in a small, hands-on cohort ## What you will leave with - A stronger understanding of your customer, business model, and commercialization path - A structured plan for customer discovery and product validation - Clearer decisions on prototyping, technical readiness, IP, and manufacturing - A funding roadmap and defined next steps - Meaningful relationships with founders, operators, and Calgary ecosystem organizations ![pexels-kampus-8636592-1](https://venturenetwork.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/pexels-kampus-8636592-1.jpeg?width=2000&height=2000&name=pexels-kampus-8636592-1.jpeg "pexels-kampus-8636592-1") ![Group 43867-2](https://venturenetwork.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/Group%2043867-2.png?width=1219&height=940&name=Group%2043867-2.png) ## Interested in applying? Applications are open until September 23, 2026, with rolling admission. A maximum of eight companies will be selected. [Apply Now](https://tally.so/r/ZjBV9z) [![](https://venturenetwork.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/CITI-removebg-preview.png?width=765&height=326&name=CITI-removebg-preview.png)](https://venturenetwork.ca/?hsLang=ca) © 2026. All rights reserved.