Transforming invention to innovation

Who it’s for

Researchers with translational skills are potent agents of impact and are needed for many roles across the innovation ecosystem. The three main paths include:

Scientist-entrepreneur: Found science-based university spinoffs that are set up for success

• Enhance chances of successful application of research in society
• Create and capture societal and economic value through impactful companies
• Create your opportunities and career trajectory

Champions of innovation: Increase science-based innovation in Industry

• Lead new product development initiatives
• A bridge between industry and the university to increase the adoption and support of meaningful scientific innovations
• Support innovation through a career in government, policy and more

Translational scientist/knowledge mobilization: Increase meaningful translational research in academia

• Increase success in winning translational grants to fund meaningful science-based research
• Create sustainable business models for labs and other academic facilities
• Better support your lab with new training and career paths for graduates

What you’ll learn

In this program, you’ll:

• Create a refined business plan for the commercialization of a unique product or service
• Validate your business model: test and retest business assumptions and hypotheses
• Develop an entrepreneurial pitch
• Gain proficiency in frameworks and skills relevant to science and technology commercialization
• Develop a network within our regional technology ecosystem
• Participate in the New Ventures BC entrepreneurship competition

Where can it take you

At the conclusion of the program, you will be equipped with the theory, frameworks, mindset and skills to transform your research into impact and create new career opportunities including industry roles in new product development, business development, leadership in science-based companies, commercialization through yours or other startups or increased ability to lead knowledge translation in academia.

Your journey begins online in the Mitacs i2I Skills Training program, where you will study part-time from September to April, with one online module per week, in learning groups with participants from across the country.

Upon successful completion of the Mitacs i2I Skills Training, you will have the opportunity to ladder into the i2I Graduate Certificate in Science and Technology Commercialization to earn University credit at SFU’s Beedie School of Business. Credit from this certificate can also be applied toward the Management of Technology (MOT).

Visit the Mitacs i2I Skills Training Program to learn more and apply online.

There are several funding resources available to students in the Mitacs i2I Skills Training and the i2I Graduate Certificate programs.

These include research funds, grants, awards, scholarships and self-funding. You do not need to submit a separate funding application. Candidates are assessed for all funding opportunities based on the merits of their application and the strength of their innovation proposal as outlined in your Innovation Statement.

For more information about funding, please contact i2i@sfu.ca to learn more.

Scholarships

There are entrance awards and grants available through the university. For more information about grants and scholarships, visit our Funding Resources page.