Valley Ready
Accelerator Program
Ready to accelerate your business? Apply to join our Fall 2026 cohort.
About the CELS Valley Ready Accelerator Program
The CELS Valley Ready program is a curated, high-impact experience that connects founders like you with U.S. investors, seasoned mentors, and sector-specific experts and champions, all while helping you sharpen your pitch, deepen your network, and build a roadmap for market success. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all accelerator. It’s a curated growth experience built for high-potential companies ready to scale in the Unites States.
What you’ll gain
Dedicated Mentorship
One-on-one guidance from at least one senior industry mentor throughout the program.
Targeted Expert Support
Personalized introductions to domain experts and champions based on the cohort's areas of need (e.g., FDA, reimbursement, IP, fundraising).
Real-Time Feedback
Early pitch sessions with investors or mentors to help tailor your fundraising strategy.
Customized Content
Custom roundtables designed around your company’s specific challenges and growth stage.
Peer Learning Streams
Opportunities to connect with like-minded founders by subsector (e.g., therapeutics, diagnostics, devices).
In-Person Immersion
Two days in the San Francisco Bay Area including one-on-one investor meetings, workshops, and networking.
Annual Showcase
One ticket to the annual Canada in the Valley Showcase, with one to two days of speakers, executive roundtables, one-on-one investor meetings, and a networking reception.
Example Program Timeline and Workshops
Program kick-off
Founders journey
Best practices when raising capital from U.S. investors
Month 1
Human Capital: How to elevate key executive roles, advisors and outsourcing or fractional roles
Corporate Strategy: How to build value in your company on a shoestring budget
IP and patent consideration with U.S. expansion
Month 2
Setting up a business in the U.S.
Understanding cross-border taxes
Effectively managing your board
In-market two days of programming
Growing your executive presence
Wrap-up & graduation
Month 3
Testimonials
“I wasn't sure what to expect when we joined CELS, but I wasn't disappointed! The quality of companies in the cohort was excellent and the insight provided via the workshops outstanding. The program covers a lot of ground, as it accommodates startups across their journey.”
— John, StreamML“The Showcase speakers were inspiring and the connections phenomenal. We’ve participated in several accelerators and the CELS Valley Ready program truly brings meaningful connections for companies looking to raise capital and scale in the U.S.”
— Mike, AmacaThera“The network that CELS brings to the Valley Ready program, and the caliber of the experts that lead the workshops, was incredible. Our companies received a lot of value from the program and I encourage all life science companies looking to scale beyond Canada to apply.”
Ready to build a network, commercialize and scale in the U.S.?
Attend an info session to learn more, or apply now: