Creative Destruction Lab

Creative Destruction Lab (CDL) is a global nonprofit organization designed to accelerate seed-stage, science-based companies towards massive scalability. Founded in 2012 at the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management, CDL operates 13 locations worldwide, including Toronto, New York, and London, among others. CDL runs 20 specialized streams targeting various sectors, such as Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Computing, Health, and Space. Notable startups that have emerged from CDL include Waabi, an autonomous trucking startup founded by AI expert Raquel Urtasun, which raised $200 million in Series B funding, and OTI Lumionics, an advanced materials company that secured $55 million in funding from top investors​​. CDL’s structured program offers intensive mentorship from successful entrepreneurs, scientists, and investors. It includes objective-setting sessions and tailored support to help startups refine their strategies, prioritize resources, and raise capital. This approach has proven highly effective, with CDL graduates achieving significant milestones and contributing to advancements in their respective fields.