Creative Destruction Lab (CDL) is a non-profit organization that delivers an objectives-based program for massively scalable, seed-stage, science- and technology-based companies. Its nine-month program pairs founders with experienced entrepreneurs and investors (CDL Mentors) to sharpen objectives, raise capital, and engage with experts working on the frontiers of research. CDL operates out of multiple locations, typically hosted at leading business schools, and offers specialized streams focusing on areas like AI, Health, Climate, Space, and more.
Serves as the founding site, global administrative hub, and a primary node for program delivery, mentor network coordination, and curriculum development. It sets the standard for CDL sites worldwide.
Located within a world-renowned business school at a leading research university, facilitating access to academic expertise, a strong talent pool, and a vibrant innovation ecosystem.
Characterized by a fast-paced, entrepreneurial, and intellectually stimulating environment. Emphasis on rigorous goal-setting, mentorship, and fostering a collaborative community of founders, mentors, scientists, and students.
As the original CDL site, it established the model and philosophy that has been replicated globally. It remains a central point for the CDL network and a beacon for deep-tech venture creation.
Creative Destruction Lab supports massively scalable, science- and technology-based companies globally through its network of university-anchored sites. Key functions supported across its international locations include: intensive mentorship from successful entrepreneurs and investors, guidance on technology roadmaps, support for capital raising, business development connections, and specialized programming tailored to industry verticals like AI, Climate, Health, Space, Oceans, and Quantum. This distributed model allows CDL to tap into regional innovation ecosystems while providing startups with a global perspective and network.
105 St George St
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Address: Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, Park End St, Oxford OX1 1HP, UK
To foster the growth of science-based ventures in Europe, providing a bridge to North American markets and expertise.
Address: HEC Paris, 1 Rue de la Libération, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
Supports the development of high-impact technology companies in continental Europe, particularly in sustainability and frontier tech.
Address: Scheller College of Business, Georgia Institute of Technology, 800 W Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30308, USA
To catalyze the tech startup ecosystem in the Southeastern United States, connecting local innovation with global opportunities.
Address: Sauder School of Business, University of British Columbia, 2053 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z2, Canada
Supports science and tech-based startups in Western Canada, with a focus on health innovation and advanced computing applications.
Address: Wisconsin School of Business, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 975 University Ave, Madison, WI 53706, USA
To nurture innovation in risk management and healthcare technologies in the US Midwest.
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As of April 2025, Creative Destruction Lab' leadership includes:
Creative Destruction Lab has been backed by several prominent investors over the years, including:
CDL's core global leadership tends to be stable. Most personnel changes occur at the site director level or within program management roles as the network expands or programs evolve. No major C-level global executive changes have been publicly announced recently.
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Creative Destruction Lab staff primarily use email addresses associated with their host university or the central CDL domain. Common formats include first name and last name combinations.
[first].[last]@creativedestructionlab.com or [firstinitial][lastname]@creativedestructionlab.com. For site-specific staff, university domain emails like [alias]@[university_domain].ca/edu/ac.uk are also common.
Format
firstname.lastname@creativedestructionlab.com
Example
80%
Success rate
BetaKit • October 4, 2023
Creative Destruction Lab (CDL) has opened applications for its 2024-2025 program, inviting early-stage, science- and tech-focused startups from around the world to apply for its objectives-based mentorship program across its various sites and specialized streams....more
Georgia Tech News Center • May 8, 2023
CDL-Atlanta at Georgia Tech Scheller College of Business celebrated the graduation of 16 startups from its 2022-23 cohort, with a notable emphasis on supporting ventures led by diverse founders. The program highlighted successes in areas like supply chain and financial technology....more
University of Oxford Saïd Business School • November 21, 2023
CDL-Oxford announced its focus for the upcoming cohort on Digital Society and Health Tech, building on its strengths in AI and life sciences to support ventures addressing critical societal challenges and advancing healthcare innovation....more
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