Evolve
Customer validation for early-stage founders. An eight-week program built for founders in Newfoundland & Labrador who understand they need to talk to real customers before building anything else.
For early-stage founders
People with an idea worth testing and the willingness to do the work.
Hands-on, customer-led
Validation that comes from customers, not from a classroom.
Each week builds on the last
The program moves you towards real data and real answers.
You won't be doing it alone
A cohort of peers doing the same work, on the same schedule.
Some sharpen, some pivot, or some step back
All three are real outcomes.
You'll gain clarity
On what you're building, who it's for, and whether they want it.
Who Evolve is for
Evolve is built for founders with an idea they want to test, whether they've already built something or not. You're a great fit for the program if you:
Have an idea you've already started exploring
It might be a problem you've seen up close, a gap you keep noticing, or something people are quietly putting up with. You think technology has a role in solving it. Maybe you've talked to a few people, sketched something out, or looked at what's already out there.
Want structure and a cohort to keep you moving forward
Evolve runs on a fixed schedule with a group of founders working alongside you. If you know you'll do better with deadlines, peers, and the discipline of a program, the cohort is built to support that.
What you’ll work on
Eight weeks of customer validation, broken into five areas. You'll move through them in order, with the cohort, week by week.
Defining the problem
Working out what the true, solvable problem actually is, before assuming your idea is the answer.
Customer discovery
Identifying who your customer actually is, then running interviews that test your assumptions about what they need.
Validating your idea
AI-powered analysis of what your customer interviews actually told you, helping you decide what comes next.
Building an MVP
Working with the Genesis AI Garage and AI coding tools to build the smallest version of your idea that real customers can try.
Showing your work
Presenting at the end of the eight weeks. What you learned, what you decided, what you need next.
Cohort begins in June. Applications close
May 28.
Apply nowProgram details
The June cohort runs virtually for eight weeks.
Applications close May 28.
Support for childcare options during sessions may be available. Please indicate on your application if support is critical to your participation.
What founders take from Evolve
Their work, their words, what changed for them along the way.
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“Incredibly Valuable”
The program was incredibly valuable—helping us strengthen our vision, refine our next steps, and connect with an inspiring group of local entrepreneurs and mentors. We’re especially grateful for the opportunity to be out in the community, meeting with birthing parents, hearing their stories, and learning more about what’s truly needed during pregnancy and postpartum. These conversations continue to shape The Harbour in the most meaningful ways.
“Thought Provoking”
The program helps you focus on the important parts of business startup. The curriculum challenged my initial assumptions. It forces you to step back from the daily grind of technical development and look at your venture through a strategic lens. Evolve provides the clarity needed to validate your market and refine your value proposition. Founders looking to transition from a compelling idea to a scalable commercial reality, this program is an essential catalyst.
“To put it simply, it was amazing.”
I applied to and got accepted in Genesis’ Evolve program as part of the Spring 2025 cohort. To put it simply, it was amazing. Mentorship can never be overemphasized and over six weeks, the teachings and mentoring from the Genesis team was perspective shifting and maybe, idea pivoting! As I continue to trudge deeper into entrepreneurship, the knowledge gained through this experience will play a key role in some of the actions and decisions I take and make!
Common Questions
What is Evolve?
Evolve is a customer validation program for early-stage founders in Newfoundland & Labrador, run by Genesis. Founders use customer discovery, lean methodology, and the support of a cohort to test whether their idea is worth building, and whether they want to build it.
Who is Evolve for?
Founders who have an idea they want to put in front of real customers before building anything else. Some are working on a hunch they haven't tested yet. Some have been building for a while and need to go back to the customer.
How long is the Evolve program?
Eight weeks. Three hours a week with the cohort, plus customer interviews and at least two one-on-one coaching sessions across the program. You'll also have access to self-guided online content and a Slack community of fellow founders and ecosystem mentors.
Is Evolve virtual or in person?
The summer cohort runs virtually. The fall cohort will be in person.
How much does Evolve cost?
$200 to join. Free for current students.
What if I need childcare to participate?
Support for childcare options during sessions may be available. Please indicate on your application if support is critical to your participation.
How do I apply?
Submit the application form on this page. After you submit, someone from the Genesis team will be in touch within a week to set up a short video call before we make any decisions.
What's the difference between Evolve and Genesis Membership?
Evolve is a structured program with a fixed start and end. It tells you whether your idea is worth building. Membership is the ongoing community for founders building Genesis-supported companies. Founders who finish Evolve and decide their idea is real often apply to Membership next.
Apply to the summer cohort
Applications close May 28. The form takes about ten minutes. After you submit, someone from the Genesis team will be in touch within a week to set up a short video call before we move forward.
What we ask for in the form:
