Impulse Program by Mila
Empowering the next generation of AI ventures across the country
Impulse by Mila is a new Mila-led initiative that provides Canadian startups with subsidized access to top-tier AI talent.
Over 15 weeks, selected teams will work closely with Mila’s AI experts and PhD students on a focused R&D sprint, designed to accelerate innovation and enhance your research project with cutting-edge machine learning expertise.
How does it work?
For the first cohort, running from September 8 to December 19, 2025, five selected startups will benefit from the expertise of Mila researchers to advance one of their research projects. Specifically, participants will receive:
- A dedicated contribution of 20 hours per week from a Mila PhD student.
- Scientific oversight from a member of Mila’s Applied Machine Learning Research Team, ensuring the project runs smoothly and maintains high research standards.
Who can apply?
To be eligible, a company must:
- Be a Mila partner or intend to become one
- Be a startup with 50 employees or less
- Be incorporated in Canada
- Present an innovative AI project
Cost and funding support
The initiative is driven by the ambition to spark innovation and accelerate growth across Canada’s vibrant AI ecosystem.
Thanks to public funding, Mila covers nearly 67% of the project costs for all selected startups, reducing each company’s contribution to $9,800 CAD plus taxes.
Key dates
Call for Projects
July 2 to 25, 2025
To submit a project:
- If you are a Mila partner, please complete the project proposal form.
- Otherwise, please write to us with the title: Application to the Impulse Program by Mila
Announcement of Selected Projects
August 8, 2025
Project evaluations will take place from July 25 to August 8. The selected projects will be announced on August 8.
Student Recruitment
August 11 to 29, 2025
Student recruitment will take place on the B2B2GO platform, providing access to a pool of interested candidates.
Project Span and Demo Day
September 8 to December 19, 2025
Participating organizations will have the opportunity to work on their project over 15 weeks and showcase their work and connect with key industry leaders at the Demo Day.
Call for applications
Applications for the inaugural cohort of the Impulse by Mila program are open to Mila partners until July 25, 2025 - Apply now
If you are not a partner, please contact us at partnerships@mila.quebec.
Have questions?
For any inquiries regarding the program, feel free to reach out to our team.