Victoria-based foundation opens incubator program to start-ups across Canada
Published 7:30 am Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Synergy Foundation is seeking “ecopreneurs” from across Canada for its expanded 2026 Project Zero Incubator Program.
Project Zero is an initiative of the Victoria-based Synergy Foundation, focused on advancing the circular economy through business incubation, acceleration, innovation and education.
The incubator program supports early-stage start-ups operating in the circular economy – a model that eliminates pollution and waste by retaining resources and manufactured goods within the system through innovation, reuse and repair, redistribution, recondition and recycling processes.
It’s open nationwide for the first time after seven years of supporting early-stage ventures in B.C. Since its launch, the incubator has supported more than 107 ventures, generated $24 million in revenue and helped create more than 175 green jobs.
From July to December, selected participants refine their business models, strengthen core entrepreneurial skills, receive one-on-one mentorship and connect with a national network of industry experts and peers. The program culminates in a final pitch event where founders present their ventures to an audience of investors, industry experts and media.
Alumni include Victoria’s Shellter, a biomaterials upcycling company that turns oyster shells into compost – trash into a regenerative source for agriculture and coastal ecosystems.
“Shellter would simply not have come to be without the Project Zero Incubator Program,” said founder Raj Behari.
“The pace and resources helped turn an early idea into a viable venture, and the diversity of mentors and professionals involved supported our growth at a critical early stage.”
Applications close June 19.
Visit project-zero.ca for details.
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