Originally published in 2021. Updated July 2025 for context.
North Forge has partnered with MaRS Discovery District to deliver the first two stages of its Founders Program — Base Camp and Pathfinder. As one of North America’s largest innovation hubs, MaRS supports Canada’s most promising startups by helping them grow, create jobs, and tackle global challenges.
This collaboration brings a national layer of support to the North Forge experience, expanding capacity, accelerating early-stage progress, and giving founders access to more tools and networks than ever before.
Why MaRS?
MaRS has a long-standing track record of helping Canadian companies succeed in the tech and innovation space. For North Forge, their founder-first philosophy and commitment to building companies that solve real-world problems made them an ideal partner.
“MaRS is incredibly focused on creating impact companies,” said Elaine Greer, Director of Programming at North Forge. “Their values align with ours. They want to help build companies that matter, and so do we.”
What Founders Can Expect
While Base Camp and Pathfinder will be delivered through the MaRS platform, the North Forge experience remains firmly in place. Founders will still be supported by local coaches and have direct access to North Forge’s community of mentors, advisors, and investors.
“Founders come to us for guidance, community, and connections,” said Greer. “That will never change. We are simply adding another layer of strength by working with MaRS.”
North Forge will continue to offer tools for virtual engagement, including Slack and regular team check-ins, to ensure founders stay connected and supported throughout their journey.
Stronger Together
This partnership is a powerful step forward for startups in Manitoba and across Canada. By combining North Forge’s Prairie-rooted expertise with MaRS’ national programming, founders will experience a smoother, faster path to market validation and business growth.
Are you ready to start your founder journey with the strength of two powerhouse organizations behind you?
