CDL Year
in Review
2021/22
Creative Destruction Lab’s mission is to enhance the commercialization of science for the betterment of humankind.
In a decade, CDL has brought together more than 15,000 founders with nearly 1,500 mentors across 19 streams in 10 locations, including five sites across Canada, two in Europe, and three in the US. In fall 2022, CDL will launch its 11th location in Tartu, Estonia.
At a Glance
Our impact
in numbers
210
graduates across 16 streams
587
ventures admitted into the program in 2021/22
At a Glance
Our impact
in numbers
11
locations globally across 5 countries
$20B
equity value created since 2012, as priced by third party investors (CAD)
40
sessions hosted by CDL Sites
822
CDL mentors engaged during program year
Reflections
From Our
CDL Mentors
I know first hand the transformational impact that the mentors at CDL can have since I participated in the program as a founder. I participate in CDL as a mentor to pay-it-forward by helping the next generation of founders succeed the way we have.
Michael Helander • Associate, CDL-Toronto Founder and CEO, OTI Lumionics
CDL adds significant value to the startups in its Ocean cohort through a rigorous objective-based approach. With short time-lines between objective sprints, the startups are accountable to the CDL mentors and staff to reach and report on the milestones they set. This discipline can super-charge the important steps for the startup which are outlined in the objectives.
Millicent Pitts • Associate, CDL-Atlantic Executive Director, Ocean Exchange
Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) and Creative Destruction Lab (CDL) partner to launch a unique program for seed-stage companies commercializing cancer research results.
Launch of global CDL Space stream will unlock new worlds of possibility for founders. CDL’s global stream will build a bridge between space industries in North America and Europe.
Creative Destruction Lab and Material Change Institute partner to accelerate investors onboarding for professionals seeking to break into the investment industry.
In the midst of a digital transformation precipitated by a global pandemic, CDL is launching a specialized stream to advance core enabling technologies.
Amid global demand, supply chain issues as well as shifting political and regulatory landscapes, CDL-Seattle is recruiting startups in the field of advanced manufacturing.