Startups often face challenges in developing and scaling their ideas beyond the prototype phase and turning them into successful business models. Through the CGI Unicorn Academy, we help startups develop innovative capabilities that meet specific use cases to our clients across industries, supplementing our own portfolio of business solutions and strategic alliances.

Our clients appreciate innovative thinking and creative partnerships but may avoid taking risks on startup technologies and solutions. Our Unicorn Academy model gives clients the opportunity to be at the forefront of innovation with CGI as the trusted basis. For example, if a client has a use case (e.g., pain point or new regulatory requirement), or desire to try a new technology, we identify startups with potential solutions to fill the need, and then use our due diligence process to form a partnership, mitigating risk for clients.

consultants brainstorming

We support startups in their expansion through a ‘Share-Connect-Strategize’ approach:

 

Share

Sharing our knowledge across industries, providing access to experts and creating opportunities to participate in informational events, workshops, meetups and more

 

Connect

Using the CGI network to build connections between startups, clients and other interested parties, helping startups gain exposure for their ideas and giving them new platforms for growth

 

Strategize

Studying startups’ ideas and helping them develop a long-term business strategy, evaluating potential next steps and milestones.

The CGI Unicorn Academy is a win-win-win partnership

Larger organizations often face barriers to experimenting with emerging technologies, and startups often don't have the resources to deliver a full-scale project. CGI acts as a safeguard for our clients and as an extended resource for our partners in the network. In this way, the CGI Unicorn Academy is based on a win-win-win strategy where we help startups and scaleups to grow, giving our clients access to cutting-edge solutions, allowing CGI to build new capabilities based on the latest technologies.

 

 

A win-win-win approach

What we offer our clients

  • Access to a portfolio of innovative startup products and ideas
  • Potential competitive advantage by partnering with innovative and fast-moving companies
  • Implementation of professional solutions by experienced consultants

What we offer our startups

  • Support in developing a business plan and sales strategies
  • Direct contact with UCA's team of experts
  • Access to technical know-how
  • Opportunity for an effective launch and/or expansion through matchmaking with our clients
  • Potential to expand your market share through our local and global business units

FAQ for Startups

 

How does the UCA differ from other accelerator programs?  

We are a non-financial program. This means that we don't provide financial support to our partner companies, but rather technical and market expertise, enabling them to scale their ideas locally and globally through our innovation ecosystem. 

How can the CGI Unicorn Academy support startups? 
  • Establishing partnerships with our clients based on technological innovation and sector analysis 
  • Assessing needs and developing realistic, customer-focused business plans 
  • Formulating sales strategies and ensure ongoing training in sales techniques 
  • Calculating and preparing value proposals and budgets for large companies 
  • Helping you expand your business through our portfolio of offers and clients 
  • Accessing a global network of IT experts who can support you in optimizing IT systems, source codes or architecture. 
  • Implementing the plan on a large scale, using our wide range of consulting services and contacts in large organizations. 
What are the basic criteria for CGI to evaluate a startup? 

To join the CGI Unicorn Academy, startups should be in an advanced stage - legally registered, with a market-ready product, paying customers. Simply put, you should have demonstrated experience in implementing business ideas. You should also have a stable financial outlook for at least the next year. 

Is there a focus on specific sectors? 

The CGI Unicorn Academy supports startups across a wide range of industries, with a clear focus on B2B solutions. Our clients span sectors such as Financial Services, Government, Health, Manufacturing, Oil & Gas, Retail, Transportation, and Utilities. 

If you have a B2C concept and are wondering whether it could be adapted for B2B, we would be happy to explore the potential with you. 

Are startups supported across Canada? 

Yes. We are currently also located in Germany, Sweden and Portugal but have access to our global network. CGI is represented in over 400 local markets around the world. As a member of the CGI Unicorn Academy, you have the opportunity to expand your business idea to an international market. 

What is the step-by-step process?  

Step 1: First contact between the startup and our UCA team 

Step 2: Exchange of information about the startup and the solution 

Step 3: Evaluation of the solution to develop a personalized approach and business idea 

Step 4: Planning the next steps and exchanging relevant information to prepare for the first contact with the client. 

Step 5: Looking for suitable clients for your business idea 

Step 6: Continuous cooperation between the startup and CGI