Smart Landing Program Canada Inc.

What Smart Landing Program Canada Inc. does

Smart Landing Program Canada Inc. ("SLP", "SLPC") is a Canadian not-for-profit, headquartered at 374 Third Avenue South, Saskatoon, SK, that operates a global network of cross-border market access programs for innovative startups and scaleups seeking to expand into foreign markets. The company was founded in 2020 out of a collaboration between Hungarian and Canadian government players, with INPUT Program (Hungary) as a founding strategic partner, and has since extended operations to Poland, Germany, the UK, and the USA through local partner alliances. Its product portfolio is a platform-plus-programs architecture built around three repeatable cohort products — Pitch & Bridge (international pitch competition), Smart TakeOff (4–10 week market-specific preparatory workshop series ending in a Demo Day and study tour), and Get Funded! (8-week investor-readiness program with VC feedback) — layered above a global Mentor Program delivered through a partnership with UK-based Scale and Connect.

Each program is delivered in market-specific variants tailored to a narrow industry vertical: MedTech and HealthTech for Smart TakeOff USA; FinTech, InsureTech, AI/ML, Blockchain, Mobility, VR/AR, Industry 4.0, and IoT for Smart TakeOff Germany; Proptech and Security for Smart TakeOff Poland; bioscience and food for Pitch & Bridge Emergence; sustainable energy for Pitch & Bridge Summerside; and general market preparation for the Landing Programme West Midlands UK. Distribution is largely channel-led: recruitment is driven by referrals from local ecosystem partners such as INPUT Program, Berlin Partner, Wirtschaftsjunioren Berlin, Lodz Special Economic Zone, ReaktorX, Birmingham Tech, Bruntwood SciTech, Tech Nation, PEI BioAlliance, and Innovation PEI. Smart TakeOff Germany is disclosed as free of charge, with participants expected to self-finance downstream expansion costs.

The revenue model is a not-for-profit professional-services framework; programs are not priced as commercial products, and no funding rounds, revenue figures, or external investment ownership are disclosed in source material. Governance is via a four-person Board of Directors anchored to partner organizations, including Eddie Francis and Rory Francis (PEI BioAlliance), Shelley King (innovation and technology sector), and David Maasz (Summerside Xchange). The Landing Programme West Midlands framework co-designed with INPUT Program and Scale&Connect has been recognized as a United Nations Global Best Practice, providing reputational differentiation that the company leverages in partner negotiations and program positioning.

Name

Smart Landing Program Canada Inc.

Legal name

Smart Landing Program Canada Inc.

Website

https://smartlandingprogram.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2020

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Smart Landing Program Canada Inc. is a Saskatoon-based not-for-profit that runs a global network of cohort-style market access programs — Pitch & Bridge, Smart TakeOff, Get Funded!, and the Mentor Program — helping international startups prepare for and execute cross-border expansion into Canada, the USA, Germany, Poland, the UK, and Hungary via local partner ecosystems.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Startup Accelerator Programs

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

International Grantmaking & Development Foundations (BPAGAKAH)

Keywords

• Startup accelerator programs
• Market access services
• Cross-border expansion
• Investor readiness
• International pitch competitions

Headquarters

HQ city

Saskatoon

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Not-for-profit initiative: Smart Landing Program Canada Inc. operates as a not-for-profit cross-border initiative supporting international startups and tech companies seeking to expand to North America.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels3 records

Core offering

Smart Landing Program Canada Inc. operates a global network of business development and market access programs that help international startups and scaleups expand into foreign markets. The offering centers on three core programs (Pitch & Bridge, Smart TakeOff, and Get Funded!) plus a Mentor Program, delivered through local partners across Canada, Hungary, Poland, Germany, and the UK to provide workshops, mentorship, and investor connections.

Product overview

Smart Landing Program is a global network and framework that empowers entrepreneurs on their journey to build great companies globally. The offering is a platform-plus-programs architecture consisting of three core programs (Pitch & Bridge, Smart TakeOff, and Get Funded!) supported by a Mentor Program. Pitch & Bridge is an international pitch competition offering market entry packages. Smart TakeOff is a preparatory cohort-based workshop program with multiple market-specific variants (USA, Germany, Poland, UK) each focused on different industries. Get Funded! is an 8-week investor readiness program. The programs are delivered through local partners across Canada, Hungary, Poland, Germany, and the UK, with strategic partnerships like INPUT Program and Scale&Connect providing mentorship and framework support.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Pitch & Bridge An exclusive international pitch competition for startups in different industries worldwide. The globally recognized initiative aims to build bridges between ecosystems by providing hands-on support for startups in their international expansion. Startups compete for a customized market entry package at a chosen location.
• Smart TakeOff A preparatory program that aims to prepare startups for entering global markets and eventually joining the Smart Landing Program. The program consists of 4-6 workshops held by international experts, with 4-5 startups selected per cohort. Each program has industry and geographic focus and ends with a Demo Day.
• Smart TakeOff USA A 10-week exclusive preparatory program covering essential elements needed before expansion to the USA market, featuring workshops by international experts and a Demo Day event. Focus areas: MedTech, HealthTech.
• Smart TakeOff Germany A 10-week exclusive preparatory program covering essential elements needed before expansion to the German market, featuring workshops by international experts. Focus areas: FinTech, InsureTech, AI, ML, Blockchain, Mobility, VR, AR, Industry 4.0, IoT. Program is free of charge, but participants should be positioned to finance their expansion to Germany.
• Smart TakeOff Poland A preparatory program covering essential elements needed before expansion to the Polish market, featuring workshops and industry-specific focus. Focus areas: Proptech, Security.
• Smart TakeOff UK A market preparation program focused on the UK market, specifically the West Midlands/Birmingham region. Features market-entry preparation, B2B sales, branding, and access to investment opportunities in the UK.
• Get Funded! An 8-week comprehensive preparation program for startups seeking international investment. Provides validated business and financial plans, VC feedback on approach and pitch, and ongoing support to result in successful international investment.
• Mentor Program A globally recognized mentorship framework providing access to qualified mentors worldwide through the Scale&Connect partnership. The initiative includes training, access to international mentor pools, and membership in an exclusive community with access to stakeholders across the globe.
• Landing Programme West Midlands UK An international program designed to support entrepreneurs in accessing the West Midlands, one of the world's most influential markets. Combines market preparation, pitching opportunities, and mentorship from professionals worldwide, using frameworks designed by Scale&Connect and Smart Landing Program in partnership with INPUT Program.
• Pitch & Bridge Canada International pitch competition where health, med, and biotech projects from European countries pitch to investors and accelerators in North America. Winner receives a personalized market entry mentoring package.
• Pitch & Bridge Summerside International pitch competition for startups with innovative solutions in sustainable energy and waste upcycling, offering fast-track admission into the Summerside XChange accelerator program.
• Pitch & Bridge Emergence International competition for bioscience and food sector ventures offering fast-track admission into the Emergence Incubator, focused on human and animal health solutions in nutrition products.

Quantifiable outcome

• Validated business and financial plan by end of 8-week Get Funded! program
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers15 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

21 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• Scale and ConnectcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUK-based leading global provider of mentorship services and training programs. Provides mentorship through Pitch & Bridge programs and custom mentoring engagements for leading startups. Co-designer of the UN-recognized Landing Programme framework.
• INPUT ProgramflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerHigh-priority government program supporting Hungarian startups with international expansion. One of the original founding strategic partners of Smart Landing Program. Brings strong network of international players. Recognized as Global Best Practice by the United Nations.
• Wirtschaftsjunioren BerlincoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVoice of young business in Berlin with around 200 members. One of the largest groups of young business people in Germany. Works closely with Berlin Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Co-organizes Smart TakeOff Germany.
• Berlin PartnercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPublic-private partnership collaborating with Berlin State Senate and over 230 companies. Offers business and technology development services. Co-organizes Smart TakeOff Germany program.
• ReaktorXcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPoland-based partner for the first Smart TakeOff Program. Assists with global recruitment for Pitch & Bridge series and provides hands-on support for international startups seeking to enter Polish market.
• Lodz Special Economic ZonecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-founded the first Smart TakeOff Program in Poland. Part of strong network of public and privately funded accelerators and ecosystem players in Poland.
• Demium PolandcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPoland-based accelerator providing hands-on support and guidance to international startups seeking to enter Polish market.
• StartupHansaminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPoland-based ecosystem player in the Smart Landing Program network.
• Cobin AngelsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPolish angel investor network part of the Smart Landing Program partner ecosystem.
• CIC WarsawminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWarsaw-based innovation hub part of the Poland partner network.
• Natural Products CanadacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic partner maximizing growth in naturally-derived products, technologies and services. Works with wide range of partners to identify and develop innovative natural solutions.
• Innovation PEIcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides support and guidance to help businesses across Prince Edward Island grow. Goal is to build a vibrant economy by providing funding and expertise to strategic sectors.
• Summerside XchangecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUnique program based on real-life test and experimentation environment in Summerside, Canada. Startups can work with community and city's infrastructure for product testing and integration.
• PEI BioAllianceflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrivate sector-led not-for-profit dedicated to building the bioscience industry on Prince Edward Island. Promotes research excellence and provides business support to companies at all stages. Board members include Eddie Francis, Rory Francis, Shelley King, and David Maasz.
• Emergence IncubatorcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVirtual incubator supporting formation and growth of innovative bioscience and food sector ventures. Provides soft landing for international ventures seeking to establish in Canada.
• Bruntwood SciTechcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorUK-based partner supporting the Landing Programme West Midlands. Provides market entry support and access to Birmingham's tech ecosystem.
• Birmingham Enterprise CommunitycoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPart of the West Midlands ecosystem partners for Landing Programme, providing access to Birmingham's enterprise community.
• Birmingham TechcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLeading ecosystem player in Birmingham, UK, supporting Landing Programme West Midlands with market preparation.
• Tech NationcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorUK-based ecosystem organization supporting the Landing Programme West Midlands.
• MTIF (Midlands Trade and Investment Forum)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorUK partner for Smart Landing Program network in the Midlands region.
• Digital ClosersminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorUK-based partner supporting the Smart Landing Program network.

Scale indicators1 record

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Antler: Antler is a global early-stage investor and accelerator with presence on multiple continents. It is comparable to SLP because both run programs designed to help founders enter new markets and access cross-border investor networks.
• Techstars: Techstars runs a globally distributed network of mentorship-driven startup accelerators across dozens of countries. It is comparable to SLP because both operate a multi-location, partner-leveraged accelerator model serving international startups - though Techstars is far larger and more commercial.
• Plug and Play Tech Center: Plug and Play runs global corporate-innovation and accelerator programs across multiple regions. It is comparable to SLP because both platforms monetize by connecting startups with corporate partners and investors across geographies.
• Wayra (Telefónica): Wayra is the corporate open-innovation and accelerator arm of Telefónica, operating hubs across Europe and Latin America. It is comparable to SLP because both serve as structured gateways for startups to enter specific geographies, supported by ecosystem partnerships.
• 500 Global: 500 Global is a venture firm and accelerator operating programs across emerging and developed markets. It is comparable to SLP because both deliver multi-market, cohort-based startup support with strong ties to local ecosystem partners and investors.

Regional players

• Station F: Station F is the world's largest startup campus, based in Paris, hosting partner-run accelerator programs. It is comparable to SLP because both monetize international founder onboarding into a single ecosystem through partner-operated program tracks.

Direct peers

• MassChallenge: MassChallenge is a global zero-equity accelerator with locations in North America, Europe, and beyond, partnering with governments and corporates to support early-stage startups. It is comparable to SLP because both operate non-equity-taking accelerator programs that rely on public and corporate sponsorship rather than direct fees from startups.
• Impact Hub: Impact Hub is a globally distributed network of innovation hubs and incubator spaces across 50+ cities. It is comparable to SLP because both operate as a network of locally adapted hubs cooperating on a shared international framework for entrepreneur support.
• Startupbootcamp: Startupbootcamp operates industry-focused accelerator programs in multiple cities with corporate and government backing. It is comparable to SLP because both deliver vertical-specific (FinTech, InsureTech, MedTech, etc.) cohort programs in distinct geographic markets through local partnerships.

Emerging players

• Highline BETA: Highline BETA is a corporate venture and innovation firm that runs accelerator and venture-builder programs connecting startups with corporates. It is comparable to SLP because both engage corporate innovators as a customer segment and structure cross-border startup-to-corporate pipelines.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Smart Landing Program Canada Inc.