Lab2Market Validate
Canada
Funding for technology-enabled innovations
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateJune 20, 2023
- grant_single|closingDateOctober 06, 2023
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Educational services
- Health care and social assistance
grant_single|grantors
- Lab2Market
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
Get a grant of up to $15,000 in this 16-week program, with access to mentors and advisors, with opportunities for networking and partnerships as you look to develop, test and commercialize or license your science and technology-enabled innovation.
grant_single_labels|projects
Lab2Market Validate is open to researchers across various regions in Canada and offers specific cohort opportunities. Eligible locations are designated based on host universities and regional focus for specific industry sectors.
- National program with cohorts run by Dalhousie University (Atlantic Canada).
- University of Toronto (Ontario) involvement for central Canadian researchers.
- University of British Columbia and Simon Fraser University (Western Canada) for western Canadian researchers.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$15,000
Developing a mobile app for sustainable agriculture
$15,000
Exploring a smart home system for energy efficiency
$15,000
Developing a new type of biodegradable plastic packaging
$15,000
Launching a telemedicine platform for rural communities
$15,000
Testing a new software for non-invasive medical diagnostics
$15,000
Creating an AI-based learning tool for high school students
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Lab2Market Validate eligibility requires applicants to meet specific criteria related to their educational background and project focus.
- Applicants must be researchers with a Master's, Ph.D., or Postdoctoral position.
- Applicants must be based in Canada.
- Lab2Market Health Cohort is specifically for those with projects in Pharmaceutical, Medical Device, Med-Tech, Human and Animal Health, and Health IT.
- Lab2Market Oceans cohort targets researchers and recent graduates conducting ocean-related research.
- Applicants must be eligible for the Mitacs Business Strategy Internship (BSI) program when applying for oceans-related funding.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Lab2Market Validate is open to researchers (Masters, Ph.D., and Postdocs) from all disciplines, within Canada, who wish to explore the entrepreneurial potential of their research ideas. In Alberta, participants must be affiliated with Alberta post-secondary institutions and eligible for Mitacs. For ocean-related research projects conducted at any Canadian university, eligibility for the Mitacs Business Strategy Internship program is required. Specific health-related projects are encouraged to apply to the National Lab2Market Health Cohort. Different regional programs are hosted by universities such as Dalhousie, the University of Toronto, the University of British Columbia, and Simon Fraser University.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The eligible projects focus on evaluating and developing research ideas within the entrepreneurial landscape. This includes diverse research disciplines and specific industry sectors.
- Validation of research ideas from all disciplines by graduate students and postdoctoral researchers in Alberta.
- Projects in Pharmaceutical, Medical Device, Med-Tech, Human and Animal Health, and Health IT sectors for the National Lab2Market Health Cohort.
- Marine and ocean-related research by students and recent graduates across Canadian universities for the Lab2Market Oceans cohort.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The grant provides $15,000 in funding, but specific eligible expenses are not detailed in the provided context.
grant_single_labels|criteria
Lab2Market Validate has specific evaluation and selection criteria for applicants:
- Eligibility based on being a researcher (Masters, Ph.D., or Postdoc) in Canada
- National Lab2Market Health Cohort open to projects in health-related fields
- Demonstrated interest in entrepreneurship and business potential of research
- Participation in the 16-week program
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Determine Eligibility
- Ensure you are a researcher (Masters, Ph.D., or Postdoc) from a Canadian university.
- Check that your research aligns with the program's criteria, such as being in the pharmaceutical, medical device, or ocean research sectors, if applicable.
- Step 2: Prepare Your Application
- Gather necessary documents and information for your research project proposal.
- Ensure eligibility for funding through the Mitacs Business Strategy Internship (BSI) or other specified programs.
- Step 3: Attend Information Sessions
- Participate in upcoming information sessions to gather more detailed insights and guidance.
- Prepare any questions you might have for these sessions.
- Step 4: Submit Application
- Visit the Lab2Market website or the specific program link provided to access the application form.
- Complete the application form with accurate and detailed information.
- Submit your application before the specified deadline.
- Step 5: Follow Up
- Wait for confirmation and further instructions from the program coordinators.
- Be prepared to provide additional information if requested after submission.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- The program is recognized as a way to bridge the gap for researchers with no prior entrepreneurial experience.
- Participants will join a community of like-minded individuals from diverse research backgrounds.
- The program includes mentorship from industry experts as a core component.
- The experience is designed to develop entrepreneurial resilience, known as "grit."
Apply to this program
Realizing Business Potential Through Lab2Market Validate
The Lab2Market Validate program creates an innovative pathway for researchers in Canada to explore the entrepreneurial viability of their ideas through a structured 16-week course. This grant-facilitated framework provides critical support, including funding, mentorship, and practical experience to transition from idea to impactful business innovation.
In-Depth Analysis of Lab2Market Validate Grant and Its Role in Entrepreneurial Development
Lab2Market Validate offers a comprehensive platform designed to empower Canadian researchers by transforming their academic ideas into viable business ventures. This innovative initiative is strategically structured into three distinct phases spanning 16 weeks, effectively guiding participants through the entrepreneurial journey. The program's structured approach begins with a Pre-Program phase, inspiring researchers through exposure to market research methodologies and motivational exchanges with successful entrepreneurs. This foundational stage sets the tone for participants, equipping them with the necessary mindset and preliminary skills required to navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship.
The Core-Program phase is the crux of Lab2Market Validate, encouraging participants to engage directly with potential customers and industry mentors. This phase is characterized by its dynamic "get out of the building" mentality, pushing researchers to apply theoretical knowledge practically and validate their ideas within real-world market settings. The intense program period is fortified by a wide-ranging support network of industry experts providing insights on entrepreneurial topics, thus building the participants' entrepreneurial acumen and resilience—qualities essential for business leaders.
In the final Post-Program phase, participants critically analyze their outcomes, identifying actionable insights and strategizing the next steps toward business incorporation or pivoting. This reflective period not only consolidates the learning experience but also celebrates achievements, fostering a sense of community and continued collaboration among participants and mentors. By the end of the program, researchers are well-positioned to either proceed with establishing their business or re-evaluate their ideas based on comprehensive market feedback.
Lab2Market Validate's impact extends beyond individual participants by contributing to Canada's broader innovation ecosystem. By nurturing entrepreneurial capabilities among researchers across various fields, the program stimulates innovative developments that can address societal and economic challenges. Furthermore, strategic partnerships with Canadian universities ensure accessibility and regional representation, enhancing the program's reach and inclusivity.
The unique aspect of the Lab2Market Validate program lies in its strong interconnection with existing academic pursuits while bridging gaps to industry needs—a critical link often missing in traditional academic environments. The focus on areas such as health, medical technology, and ocean industries signifies the program's alignment with national economic priorities, further enhancing its relevance and appeal among researchers eager to make an impact.
Researchers participating in the Lab2Market Validate program gain not only financial support but also invaluable insight through networking opportunities and exposure to the entrepreneurial landscape, which is crucial for fostering sustainable business models. Through continued engagement with the Lab2Market community, alumni are poised to contribute significantly to Canada’s knowledge-based economy, driving innovations that are both economically and socially beneficial.
In conclusion, the Lab2Market Validate grant initiative is an exemplary model of fostering entrepreneurship from within academic settings, empowering researchers to transition groundbreaking ideas from laboratory to market successfully. This strategic program not only supports individual innovation but contributes to Canada's overall competitiveness in the global technological and economic arenas.
