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Source verified September 21, 2026
Lab2Market Validate
Research idea validation for commercialization
Latest source updateLast Update: October 6, 2026Latest change: The Validate page now shows only the Atlantic 2027 cohort; the Pacific, Ontario, and Quantum cohort details, deadlines, and Apply Now links were removed.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: October 6, 2026
Latest change: The Validate page now shows only the Atlantic 2027 cohort; the Pacific, Ontario, and Quantum cohort details, deadlines, and Apply Now links were removed.
Validate cohort lineup updated
The Validate program page no longer lists the Pacific, Ontario, and Quantum 2027 cohorts. Their eligibility details, application deadlines, start dates, and cohort-specific Apply Now links were removed, leaving the Atlantic Winter 2027 cohort visible with its program dates and application deadline. This changes the program's cohort coverage and application pathway by narrowing the visible target audience and reducing the number of active cohort options on the page.
Funding available
$ 10,000
Deadline
November 24, 2026
Location
Canada
Who can apply
Researchers (Masters, Ph.D., and Postdocs) from all disciplines, in Canada, who are interested in exploring research commercialization and entrepreneurship.
See full eligibility
Overview
Lab2Market Validate supports graduate researchers, PhD students, postdocs, and other eligible participants through a 4-month program focused on validating research ideas and commercial potential in Canada. The program includes market research, product-market fit assessment, workshops, mentorship, customer discovery, and entrepreneurial training.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop a new product or service
- Conduct research and development activities
- Access new markets
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 10,000 $
- Minimum amount : 10,000 $
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Women
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 2
Activities funded
- Critically test and evaluate a research idea in the entrepreneurial landscape.
- Validate hypotheses through market research.
- Meet customers and build a network.
- Analyze, adjust, and iterate on market research data.
Documents Needed
- A link to a video of yourself giving a 2-min non-technical summary of your project/idea followed by a 3-min explanation of what discoveries you hope to make during the program
- Supporting documentation, for example your resume
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Researchers (Masters, Ph.D., and Postdocs) from all disciplines, in Canada, who are interested in exploring research commercialization and entrepreneurship.
- Graduate researchers (Masters, PhD and Postdoc) from universities and colleges in the Atlantic region who are interested in exploring research commercialization and entrepreneurship.
- Graduate researchers (Masters, PhD and Postdoc) and recent graduates from universities and colleges in Ontario who are interested in exploring research commercialization and entrepreneurship.
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
- British Columbia and Yukon
- Quebec
- Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta
- Ontario and the Atlantic region
Selection criteria
- Novelty of the technology.
- Significance of the problem or opportunity.
- Understanding of the market size and potential.
- Goals and objectives at this stage.
How to apply
- Complete the online Airtable application form.
- Provide the required video link in the form.
- Upload any supporting documentation, if desired.
- Submit the application online.
Processing and Agreement
- By submitting the application, you consent to the collection, use, and processing of personal data for assessing eligibility and participation in Lab2Market.
- The information provided will be used solely for the purpose of assessing eligibility and participation in Lab2Market.
- Data will be kept confidential and shared only with authorized personnel involved in the selection process, except as required by law or with explicit consent.
- All teams and companies participating in Lab2Market retain complete ownership of their Intellectual Property in accordance with host institution IP policies during program activities.
- If invited to participate in a future evaluation, that participation is completely voluntary, and once the form has been submitted, no changes can be made.
Additional information
- Lab2Market Validate has been operating since 2019.
- It is a Canadian adaptation of the NSF I-Crops program in the United States and ICURe program in the United Kingdom.
- The program is offered nationally and runs various cohorts throughout the year.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Lab2Market Validate Program
What is the Lab2Market Validate?
Lab2Market Validate supports graduate researchers, PhD students, postdocs, and other eligible participants through a 4-month program focused on validating research ideas and commercial potential in Canada. The program includes market research, product-market fit assessment, workshops, mentorship, customer discovery, and entrepreneurial training.
How much funding can be received?
Lab2Market Validate Funds up to $10,000 of admissible expenses.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program is November 24, 2026.
Who is eligible for the Lab2Market Validate program?
To be eligible for the Lab2Market Validate program, you must:
The project or venture must be based on research originating at the academic institution listed above.
For the Quantum cohort, the technology must be related to Quantum computing, communications, sensing, algorithms or Quantum enabling technologies.
For the Oceans / Validate cohort, the project must involve ocean-related technologies.
What expenses are eligible under Lab2Market Validate?
Critically test and evaluate a research idea in the entrepreneurial landscape.
Validate hypotheses through market research.
Meet customers and build a network.
Analyze, adjust, and iterate on market research data.
Who can I contact for more information about the Lab2Market Validate?
You can contact Lab2Market by email at validate@lab2market.ca.
Where is the Lab2Market Validate available?
The Lab2Market Validate program is available across Canada.