Creative Destruction Lab Fellows Program 2025

The Creative Destruction Lab (CDL) Fellows Program at the Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto, is a prestigious scholarship initiative designed to unlock the entrepreneurial ambitions of up to 20 incoming Full-Time MBA students committed to careers in entrepreneurship and startups. Launched in 2012 by Professor Ajay Agrawal, the CDL is a nonprofit, seed-stage program focused on accelerating massively scalable, science- and technology-based companies. The Fellows Program provides financial awards of up to CAD $27,000, guaranteed placement in CDL strategy courses (RSM 2013Y/RSM 498Y1), and sponsored access to key events, fostering hands-on experience with high-growth ventures. Rotman, part of Canada’s top-ranked university, is a global leader in business education, with CDL ventures generating over CAD $28 billion in equity value across 13 global sites. The program immerses fellows in a dynamic ecosystem of entrepreneurs, investors, and scientists, preparing them to contribute to Canada’s startup landscape.

To be eligible for the CDL Fellows Program 2025-2026, applicants must:

• Be admitted to the Full-Time MBA program at Rotman School of Management for the Fall 2025 intake.

• Demonstrate a strong commitment to pursuing a career in entrepreneurship or startups, evidenced through:

  • Prior entrepreneurial experience (e.g., founding or working in startups).

  • Academic or professional interest in innovation, technology, or venture creation.

  • Leadership potential and strategic thinking, assessed via MBA application and interview.

• Meet Rotman MBA admission requirements, including:

  • A bachelor’s degree or equivalent with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (B average) in the final year.

  • Minimum of two years of full-time work experience (average for Class of 2025: 5 years).

  • GMAT (average 672) or GRE scores (optional for 2025, but recommended for scholarship consideration).

  • English proficiency for non-native speakers (e.g., IELTS 7.0, TOEFL iBT 100).

• Complete the prerequisite CDL Introductory Course (RSM2008H) or equivalent in the first year to qualify for the CDL Advanced Course (RSM 2013Y/RSM 498Y1).

• Be open to all nationalities (domestic and international students).

• Exclusions:

  • Not available for part-time, Executive MBA, or other Rotman programs (e.g., Master of Finance).

  • Candidates receiving employer sponsorship or forgivable loans may be ineligible for scholarship funding.

  • Fellows must commit to not working full-time during CDL strategy courses to fully engage with ventures.

• Value: Up to CAD $27,000, with a minimum award of CAD $20,000 for all recipients, disbursed as a financial award to offset tuition or living expenses.

• Additional Benefits:

  • Guaranteed placement in the CDL Advanced Course (RSM 2013Y/RSM 498Y1), where fellows work directly with early-stage technology ventures.

  • Sponsored access to key CDL events, including networking sessions with global mentors, investors, and entrepreneurs.

  • Priority for paid internships with CDL ventures (average monthly internship salary for Class of 2025: CAD $5,919).

• Disbursement: The financial award is credited to the student’s account or disbursed directly, typically in the second year when fellows engage in the CDL Advanced Course.

• Duration: Non-renewable, covering the period of engagement with the CDL program (typically the second year of the MBA).

• Note: The award offsets tuition (CAD $94,840 for domestic, CAD $141,180 for international in 2025-26) or living expenses (estimated at CAD $24,000/year). Total financial aid cannot exceed the cost of attendance, and adjustments may be made if combined with other scholarships or external funding.

The CDL Fellows Program requires a separate application submitted after MBA admission. Follow these steps:

1. Apply to the Full-Time MBA: Submit a complete application for the Rotman Full-Time MBA via the admissions portal (www.rotman.utoronto.ca) for Fall 2025 (Rounds 1–4).

2. Submit MBA Application Documents:

   • Official academic transcripts (minimum GPA 3.0 recommended).

   • GMAT (672 average) or GRE scores (optional).

   • Resume detailing professional experience (minimum 2 years).

   • Two essays (e.g., career goals, leadership experiences).

   • Two professional recommendation letters.

   • English proficiency scores for non-native speakers (e.g., IELTS 7.0, TOEFL iBT 100).

   • For international students: Financial documentation for Canadian study permit.

3. Receive MBA Admission Offer: Secure admission to the Full-Time MBA program (decisions by December 2025 for Round 1, April 2026 for Round 2).

4. Apply for CDL Fellows Program:

   • Complete the CDL Fellows Program application, available through the Rotman Student Portal or by contacting cdl@rotman.utoronto.ca.

   • Submit a statement of interest (500–700 words) outlining entrepreneurial ambitions, startup experience, and alignment with CDL’s mission.

   • Provide evidence of entrepreneurial commitment (e.g., startup involvement, innovation projects).

5. Interview (if required): Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview with the CDL selection committee to assess entrepreneurial passion and strategic fit.

6. Evaluation: The CDL selection committee reviews applications based on entrepreneurial experience, leadership potential, and MBA application strength. Up to 20 fellows are selected.

7. Notification: Recipients are notified via email, typically by July 2025, alongside financial aid decisions.

8. Enroll and Participate: Enroll in the MBA program and complete the CDL Introductory Course (RSM2008H) in the first year to access the Advanced Course and fellowship benefits.

Note: Apply by Round 2 (January 7, 2026) for international students to allow visa processing and maximize scholarship consideration. The CDL Fellows application is always open, but early submission (by July 2025) is recommended due to limited spots.

• For MBA Admission:

  • Completed Rotman Full-Time MBA application form.

  • Official academic transcripts.

  • GMAT or GRE scores (optional).

  • Resume/CV.

  • Two essays.

  • Two professional recommendation letters.

  • English proficiency scores for non-native speakers.

  • For international students: Passport copy and financial documentation.

• For CDL Fellows Program:

  • CDL Fellows Program application form (via Rotman Student Portal or cdl@rotman.utoronto.ca).

  • Statement of interest (500–700 words).

  • Evidence of entrepreneurial experience (e.g., startup documents, project descriptions).

• Note: MBA documents are accessed internally by Rotman. CDL application materials must be in English. Additional verification may be requested.

• MBA Application Deadlines (Fall 2025 Intake):

  • Round 1: September 9, 2025 (decision by December 2025).

  • Round 2: January 7, 2026 (decision by April 2026).

  • Round 3: March 10, 2026 (decision by May 2026).

  • Round 4: April 28, 2026 (decision by June 2026).

• CDL Fellows Program Application: Always open, but recommended by July 10, 2025, for 2025-2026 consideration.

• Notification: July–August 2025, alongside financial aid decisions.

• Enrollment Deadline: Enroll by September 2025 for the MBA program start.

• Note: Deadlines may vary. Verify on www.rotman.utoronto.ca or www.creativedestructionlab.com. Early MBA application (Round 1 or 2) enhances scholarship chances.

• Email: cdl@rotman.utoronto.ca (CDL Fellows Program inquiries); mba@rotman.utoronto.ca (MBA admissions).

• Phone: +1 (416) 978-3499 (MBA Admissions Office).

• Address: Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto, 105 St. George Street, Toronto, ON M5S 3E6, Canada.

• Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (EST).

• Website: www.rotman.utoronto.ca; www.creativedestructionlab.com