Want to Take Your Research to Market? Enter the Gryphon’s LAAIR
February 03, 2014 - News Release
Fostering innovation in Ontario agri-food by rapid commercialization of research and technologies is the aim of the new Gryphon’s Leading to Accelerated Adoption of Innovative Research (LAAIR) program at the University of Guelph.
Based on popular “innovation pitch” television shows, the Gryphon’s LAAIR program will see researchers pitch ideas for commercializing their inventions and discoveries to a panel of industry stakeholders.
Winners will receive up to $125,000 to support their proposals.
The program is funded through the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food and the Ministry of Rural Affairs-U of G Partnership and Growing Forward 2, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative.
Gryphon’s LAAIR is intended to help identify and assess opportunities and risks in speeding up development of University of Guelph-based technologies, said Rich Moccia, associate vice-president (strategic partnerships).
“It will encourage our researchers to think about ways to commercialize their innovations,” he said.
“By presenting to industry experts in a friendly but competitive environment, our faculty and researchers will enhance their skills in moving products to market, and the University will benefit from enhanced linkages to industry.”
The program will help researchers work with industry collaborators in Ontario’s agri-food and rural sectors, Moccia said.
“Improved sector competitiveness and expanded commercial and societal impact of U of G research is the ultimate goal.”
Selected applicants will receive training and guidance on how to make a successful pitch.
More information about Gryphon’s LAAIR is available online or by contacting John Kelly, program facilitator, jkelly01@uoguelph.ca, or 519 546-5722.
For media questions, contact Communications and Public Affairs: Lori Bona Hunt, 519-824-4120, Ext. 53338, or lhunt@uoguelph.ca; or Kevin Gonsalves, Ext. 56982, or kgonsalves@uoguelph.ca.
