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BACE Program

What is BACE?

The Business Acceleration & Clinical Engagement (BACE) Program is the Biomedical Zone’s keystone program that provides startups and students with the business and clinical knowledge they need to accelerate their development. The 4-month program includes access to online modules, expert-led webinars and workshops, mentorship from BMZ staff & advisors, and showcase events. The program covers topics such as: business and clinical planning, healthcare system fundamentals, finance, market research, regulatory, reimbursement, and more

BACE Program Logo 

Program Streams

BACE Program Discovery Stream Logo
  • Designed for Toronto Metropolitan University student projects and ideation-stage companies
  • 4-month program (Sept-Dec; Jan-April; May-August)
  • Support from Biomedical Zone staff
  • Access to BACE online modules, workshops, webinars & events
  • Expedited review to join the Accelerate Stream
BACE Program Accelerate Stream Logo
  • Designed for early-to mid-stage companies
  • 4-month program (Sept-Dec; Jan-April; May-August) with review at End of Term for potential continuation
  • One-on-one coaching from advisors and industry experts
  • Access to BACE online modules, workshops, webinars & events

BACE Discovery

The Discovery Stream is designed for student projects and early-stage companies in the ideation phase. Participants in this stream will be given opportunities to learn about design thinking, business planning, and the healthcare system landscape, and will receive mentorship in developing a business plan. This stream is one term. At the end of the term, companies will present their business plan and may receive expedited review to join the Accelerate Stream.  

BACE Accelerate 

The Accelerate Stream is designed for early- to mid-stage companies that are in the process of developing or finalizing an MVP. This stream offers opportunities to delve deeper into business planning and clinical validation, and to receive one-on-one coaching from a variety of advisors and experts. This stream is offered as a renewable term-based membership. After each term, companies meet with BMZ staff to review their progress and to set goals for the next term. 

BACE Discovery

  • Participate fully in the BACE program, including attending all webinars and events, reviewing resource materials ahead of time, and completing self-assessment exercises
  • Attend 4 set meetings with BMZ team throughout term: Onboarding & goal setting, Canvas development meeting, Mid-Term check in, End of Term review & pitch presentation
  • Participate in bi-weekly calls
  • Complete end-of-term reflection and submit up-to-date business plan if applicable

BACE Accelerate

  • Participate in the BACE program, including attending webinars and events, reviewing resource materials ahead of time, and completing self-assessment exercises
  • Attend 4-5 set meetings with BMZ team: Canvas meeting, Customer Value Mapping meeting, Pitch prep meeting (optional), Mid Term check in, End of Term reviews
  • Schedule ad-hoc meetings with BMZ team as needed
  • Schedule Advisor/EiR/CiR meetings as needed
  • Participate in bi-weekly Accelerate Stream founder roundtables
  • Complete monthly metrics surveys
  • Complete end-of-term reflection and review

THE BACE Program covers a variety of business and clinical topics:

  • Business & Clinical Planning
  • Canadian & US Healthcare Systems 
  • Pricing in Healthcare
  • Marketing & Branding 
  • Finance 101
  • Fundraising 101
  • Pitching & Pitch Prep
  • Healthcare Reimbursement 
  • Regulatory 101
  • The Research Process 101
  • Clinical Trials 101
  • Data Privacy & Security for Digital Health
  • Legal & IP

All topics and modules subject to change

Ready to join the Biomedical Zone and scale your startup?

  • Startups dedicated to solving a healthcare problem using innovative technology
  • Teams with at least one executive member committed to completing the BACE program
  • Innovators who are driven, collaborative, and eager for coaching