What is MSL?
Markham Startup Lab is a free, student-led, community-built nonprofit program that educates and empowers Markham high school students in Grades 8 to 12. Over six weeks, we give students access to mentorships from entrepreneurs and career specialists, alongside practical, hands-on training in turning a real problem into a pitch-ready solution.
Students learn how to use free AI tools to research, design, and build their own MVP, while also learning to use AI responsibly through a dedicated session on AI ethics. The program runs through the full startup process, from finding the problem to pitching it on Demo Day. No experience needed, just curiosity and ambition.
Why Markham?
MSL was built by and for the Markham community. We operate entirely within the City of Markham and York Region, hosting all sessions and our public Demo Day at local venues. Our mentors are recruited from the Greater Toronto Area tech and business community; they are people who live and work here and are invested in the next generation of local talent.
Six Sessions, Two Goals.
Each week builds on the last, guiding participants through the full early-stage startup lifecycle.
Problem Hunting
Students identify a real, personal problem worth solving; the foundation of every great startup.
Understanding the Customer
Build a detailed customer profile and craft interview questions to test assumptions in the real world.
Ideation & AI
Turn interview insights into a concrete concept and explore which AI tools can help bring it to life.
MVP Sprint & AI Ethics
Build the first tangible product artifact (MVP) responsibly, balancing speed with ethical considerations.
Business Model & Pitch Prep
Complete a Business Model Canvas and draft a compelling pitch outline ready for Demo Day.
Dress Rehearsal
Practice pitches twice with live mentor feedback to sharpen delivery and confidence before Demo Day.
Demo Day: The Grand Finale
The program concludes with a public Demo Day where participants pitch their startups to a panel of judges from the Markham and GTA tech and business community.
A merit-based monetary scholarship is awarded to the winner(s).
Built with the Community
MSL is entirely community-powered. Every session, scholarship, and connection is made possible by our partners across Markham and the GTA.
Venue Partners
Venue Partners provide free space for MSL sessions and our public Demo Day. Your location becomes the launchpad for the next generation of Markham entrepreneurs.
Sponsor Partners
Sponsor Partners provide funding that keeps the program free for all participants, covering materials, the Demo Day scholarship, and program operations.
Credibility Partners
Credibility Partners contribute mentors and judges from their networks and help amplify MSL's reach by sharing the program with their communities.
Our Partners
Interested in supporting MSL as a venue, sponsor, or community partner?
Become a PartnerCommon Questions
Everything you need to know about MSL.