Applications are open for the Next 36 Program 2027 by NEXT Canada. Every year, NEXT Canada selects 36 of the most entrepreneurial undergraduates and recent graduates from coast to coast who have what it takes to build Canada’s next unicorn.
Next 36 is a high-touch entrepreneurship programme with academic lectures, mentorship, and workshops from alumni and partners. The first four months (January - April 2027) run virtually; the remaining four months (May - August 2027) are delivered in person in Toronto. Deadline: 14 October 2026 at 11:59 p.m.
This Opportunity Station guide is original copy based on the official NEXT Canada / Next 36 pages. It is not a reprint of any third-party blog.
Quick Facts - Next 36 Program 2027
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | Next 36 Program 2027 (NEXT Canada) |
| Organiser | NEXT Canada |
| Cohort size | 36 entrepreneurs |
| Duration | ~8 months (part-time Jan - Apr; full-time May - Aug 2027) |
| Format | Virtual (Jan - Apr) + in-person Toronto (May - Aug) |
| Who | Undergrads, master’s students, and recent grads (Canada-focused eligibility) |
| Programme fee | No fee to participate (participants cover summer living & travel to Toronto) |
| Equity | As of September 2025, the former 2.5% equity requirement has been removed |
| Deadline | 14 October 2026, 11:59 p.m. |
| Applications opened | 13 August 2026 |
| Official page | nextcanada.com/next-36 |
| Apply | NEXT Canada Entrepreneur Portal |
What You’ll Gain
- World-class curriculum - learn to build, launch, and scale from successful entrepreneurs and award-winning faculty
- Alumni community of 1,000+ with coaching, resources, and high-impact ventures
- Access to NEXT Canada’s investor network
- Mentorship from founders who have successfully launched ventures
- Productive workspace among like-minded entrepreneurs (summer intensive)
- In-kind products and services (e.g. cloud hosting, legal support) from partners
What You’ll Learn
Next 36 focuses on founder growth and core skills for building a business - from competing with incumbents to reading term sheets. Faculty and partners have included educators and leaders connected with Rotman School of Management, Imperial College London, Harvard Business School, University of Toronto, Georgetown University, and MIT Sloan School of Management (see the official site for the current teaching lineup).
Eligibility
- Undergraduates, master’s students, or recent graduates from schools across Canada (any academic discipline)
- Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or those with student/working visas (notarized PR-intent statements may be considered - contact NEXT Canada before applying)
- Canadian citizens studying abroad may apply if they can attend the full summer programme in person in Toronto
- Must commit full time to the summer intensive (May - August 2027) in Toronto - no other classes, jobs, or side hustles during that period
- Must participate in all mandatory activities and abide by NEXT Canada’s code of conduct
- Strong fit: problem solvers, social champions, community leaders, academic leaders with an entrepreneurial track record
You may apply with a brand-new idea or an existing early-stage venture. Applications are individual - eligible co-founders should each apply.
Programme Timeline
| Phase | When |
|---|---|
| Applications open | 13 August 2026 |
| Application deadline | 14 October 2026, 11:59 p.m. |
| Part-time / remote phase | January - April 2027 |
| Full-time Toronto intensive | May - August 2027 |
How to Apply
- Review eligibility and programme details on nextcanada.com/next-36.
- Prepare:
- Education experience
- Short-answer questions
- A short video answering an interview question (max 60 seconds)
- Submit via the NEXT Canada Entrepreneur Portal. You can save and return before the deadline.
- Submit by 14 October 2026 at 11:59 p.m.
Official Links
Related Opportunities on Opportunity Station
- HIP Impact Accelerator Program 2026
- Commonwealth Startup Fellowship 2026
- Intuit IDEAS Program 2026
- Browse all fellowships
FAQs - Next 36 Program 2027
When is the deadline?
14 October 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Confirm on the official portal before submitting.
Is there a programme fee?
There is no fee to participate. You cover summer living costs in Toronto and travel to the in-person phase. The previous 2.5% equity requirement has been removed.
Who can apply?
Entrepreneurial undergrads, master’s students, and recent grads who meet NEXT Canada’s citizenship/visa rules and can commit full time to the Toronto summer intensive.
Is the programme fully in person?
No. January - April 2027 is remote/part-time; May - August 2027 is full-time in Toronto.
Can I apply with an existing startup?
Yes - early-stage ventures are welcome. Co-founders should apply individually.
Where do I apply?
Through the official NEXT Canada Entrepreneur Portal.
