The Mitacs i2I Skills Training was developed to open new pathways to impact for science and engineering graduate students, Masters, PhD’s & post-docs who are lab-focused, and who currently have an articulated innovation idea in-progress. Faculty members and participants from industry who have engaged in this program have also experienced transformational impact in their labs, careers, and research trajectory.

Participants generally come from areas in Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Chemical Engineering, Bio-medical Engineering, Material Science, Electrical Engineering, Nano-tech, Quantum, Mechatronics, Medicine, Pharma, etc.

To qualify for a Mitacs funded seat, you must be a Current Program Participant, Alumni, or in the process of applying for the Mitacs Elevate or Mitacs Accelerate programs.

If you are not affiliated with Mitacs, we encourage you to apply and the Program Coordinator will contact you if your application is eligible for admission and other funding opportunities.

All applications must include:

• Current Graduate student or alumni of an advanced technical STEM degree program with a minimum degree level of a Masters (or those currently enrolled in a Masters program)
• A positive letter of reference from a current or past supervisor or professional colleague
• CV or resume
• An Innovation Statement, which includes a potential innovation idea to develop, a brief description of experience in research and development, motivation for joining the skills training and future goals
• If you are currently in a Mitacs program, please include a written acknowledgement that your industry partner is aware you are applying

Over an 8-month period, from mid-September 2022 to April 2023, participants will engage in four asynchronous online topics. While all topics are facilitated by i2I Faculty (Lab to Market, Opportunity Identification & Assessment, Business Models, and Financial Literacy for Entrepreneurs), the final two topics also utilize a peer-learning environment whereby participants work in sector-specific learning groups with mentorship from successful scientist innovators.

In addition, there will be three synchronous sessions: an opening, mid-point and closing, as well as regular 1-hour check-ins with instructors and mentors. Please hold the following synchronous session dates in your calendars:

• Opening Session: Friday, September 16th
• Mid-Point Session: Friday, January 13th
• Closing Session: Friday, April 28th

Please hold the following dates for 1-hour sessions in your calendars:

• Lab to Market: Monday, October 3rd & Wednesday, October 19th*
• Opportunity Identification and Assessment: Monday, November 14th & Monday, December 5th
• Business Models: Monday, February 6th & Monday, February 27th
• Financial Literacy: Monday, March 27th & Monday, April 17th

Schedule subject to changes

The Skills Training concludes with a live Final Pitch Event, where 5 chosen finalists will pitch their ventures to a public audience and panel of judges, and receive expert feedback.

After successfully completing the Mitacs i2I Skills Training Program, participants have the opportunity to earn university credit by laddering into a graduate program at SFU Beedie School of Business. This additional 4-month, part-time cohort program includes synchronous classes held in-person at the Beedie School of Business, Segal Graduate School. Students who successfully complete the program will convocate from SFU Beedie with a Graduate Certificate in Science & Technology Commercialization.

Program Details