Mila Ventures Studio

Building moonshot companies by mobilizing Mila’s inhouse artificial intelligence (AI) research and breakthroughs. 

Mila Ventures Studio transforms breakthrough AI research into moonshot ventures. Operating within the Mila AI research community, the Studio provides the resources our founders need to go from lab to market. 

Working alongside Mila’s researchers from inception, the Studio provides everything a Venture Scientist needs to go from lab to rapid adoption: a dedicated Entrepreneur-in-Residence, product guidance, first-customer introductions, capital access, legal and IP support, and a global talent network. The Studio doesn’t just support startups, it builds them from the ground up.

Picture of Glen Berseth on stage pitching his startups

Who Should Apply

Mila Venture Studio targets founding teams who are ready to build moonshot ventures, specifically:

  • Technical Founders: Mila PhD and Postdoc researchers become the technical founding team for the AI-powered technology
  • Chief Science Officers: Mila professors become serial entrepreneurs engaging as Chief Science Officers to oversee the technical credibility of the venture
  • Experienced Founders: senior operators or repeat founders at high-growth companies who are ready to launch their next venture lead the operational side

All founders must be willing to build in Canada, and have a regular presence in Montreal.

Program Pillars 

Founders who officially sign on as a Studio Venture commit to launching a fast-scaling company. Mila Ventures Studio acts as the operational co-founder.

1.Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) 

A dedicated EIR embedded with your venture from day zero, providing hands-on operational leadership.

2. Connection to First Customer 

The Studio actively works to find first paying customers using 100+ industry partners for design-partner pilots, before your product is market-ready. 

3. Product to MVP 

Product leadership that translates your algorithms into scalable software, so you can stay focused on the science.

4. Co-Founder Matching & Talent 

Access to Mila’s global talent network and a vetted pool of technical and commercial co-founders.

5. IP & Legal Support 

Preferred deep-tech legal counsel and standardized IP transfer frameworks across universities.

6. Investor Network & Fundraising 

Introductions to top-tier VCs, pitch coaching, and access to the Mila Ventures Fund pipeline.

7. Mentor & Operator Network 

Hands-on support from serial entrepreneurs, AI pioneers, and domain experts who have built in your space before.

8. Mila Brand & Credibility 

Association with the world’s leading AI research institute for easier access to credibility with investors, press, and enterprise buyers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly does the Studio do for a venture?

The Studio derisks your business, providing founders with everything needed to set up sound foundations and to scale. We match you with a dedicated EIR, help you find your first customer, guide your product to MVP, support incorporation and IP, and connect you with investors.

Does the Studio take equity?

Yes. Mila takes a small, founder-friendly equity stake in return for the Studio's co-founding role and resources provided.

What does the Studio expect from founders?

Founders commit to working full-time on their venture attending weekly check-ins with their EIR, being physically present at Mila at least one day per week, and presenting at relevant community events.

Do I need to already have a co-founder or a team?

No. Co-founder matching and team assembly is one of the core things the Studio does for you.

Have questions about the program?

Contact us