Lab2Market Oceans

Sponsor

Lab2Market via Mitacs

For More Information

For more information on the Lab2Market program, visit the following links:

• Lab2Market Validate
• Lab2Market Oceans

For full details on the Mitacs Business Strategy Internship Program, please visit: 

• the Mitacs Business Strategy Internship Program webpage
• the Mitacs BSI Research Alert

For more information on research security, please visit the websites below:

• Mitacs Research Security
• UofG Safeguarding Research
  • U of G Guide to Mitacs Research Security Requirements

Description

The Lab2Market Oceans/Validate program gives ocean researchers the opportunity to critically test and evaluate their research idea in the entrepreneurial landscape. This carefully curated 16-week customer discovery experience (8 weeks full-time) is complemented by funding, exercises, workshops, and mentorship from industry experts – all with exploration at its core.

By engaging in this program, hosted by Memorial University and supported by Springboard Atlantic, participants have the unique opportunity to develop professional skills that are crucial in today’s competitive market. Additionally, it serves as a platform to validate the practical applications of your technology, ensuring that what you bring to the table is not just innovative but also viable in real-world scenarios. 

Establishing product-market fit becomes more accessible, significantly improving your chances of commercial success. Beyond the technical and business aspects, this program is an excellent avenue to expand your professional network, connecting you with like-minded individuals and industry leaders who can provide invaluable insights and opportunities. Participants will also receive a $15,000 stipend, provided through the Mitacs Business Strategy Internship program. Research teams will be equipped with the tools, resources and connections necessary to navigate the challenges of the modern business landscape successfully.

Program applications are now open. The next cohort will take place in January 2026. 

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Lab2Market Validate allows researchers to test and evaluate the market potential of their innovations critically. This carefully curated 16-week experience (8 weeks full-time) is complemented by funding, exercises, workshops, and mentorship from industry experts – all with exploration at its core.

Participants in the program receive: 

• $15,000 in funding to Entrepreneurial Lead (EL).

• The opportunity to assess product-market fit.

• A world-class curriculum delivered by innovation leaders.

• Access to best-in-class advisors, industry experts, and funders.

• Access to a vast entrepreneurial network and community.

Lab2Market has been operating since 2019 and is a Canadian adaptation of the successful NSF I-Crops program in the United States and ICURe program in the United Kingdom. 

Eligibility

Entrepreneurial Lead (EL)

A full-time graduate (Master's or PhD) student, postdoctoral fellow within five years of finishing their graduate degree, or
research assistant. The EL is expected to work on the project full-time (30-40 hours/week) throughout the core program,
representing the team in all training sessions and leading all activities. 

Technical Lead (TL) 

The principal investigator of the research project. The TL is expected to participate in select training sessions and assist the
EL throughout the program. Faculty at Canadian universities must be eligible to hold Tri-Agency funds.

Intellectual Property: Lab2Market-Validate claims no rights of ownership on participants’ Intellectual property (IP), but does require that you adhere to your university's IP policies and disclosure requirements. We recommend you connect with your Technology Transfer Office prior to applying, in order to determine what steps are required.

This Lab2Market Oceans/Validate cohort will service research teams from across Canada. The program is funded in part through a Mitacs Business Strategy Internship. As a result, applicants must be Mitacs funding eligible. If you are unsure of your eligibility, please get in touch with your respective Mitacs BD or Marie Curtis, Lab2Market Oceans Lead, at mcurtis@oceanstartupproject.ca. 

Maximum Project Value

$15,000

Project Duration

16 weeks

Special Notes

Drop-in Information Sessions will be offered on Wednesdays at 12:30 EST from July 30 to August 20. 

Register here

How to Apply

Applicants are required to first complete the Lab2Market application process and obtain approval. 

Approved applicants will then be invited to submit a Mitacs Business Strategy Internship application. 

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