Transforming invention to innovation

Who it’s for

There are three paths:  

Scientist-entrepreneur path: Found “well-endowed” science-based university spinoffs

• Enhanced chances of success
• Societal and economic value creation and capture

 
Champions of innovation: Increase science-based innovation in Industry

• Lead new product development initiatives
• Bridge to novel university inventions

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

• Increased success in winning translational grants to fund meaningful science-based research
• Well funded academic lab

What you’ll learn

In this program, you’ll:

• Create a refined business plan for 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 New Ventures BC entrepreneurship competition

 
Where it can take you

By the end of the program you will be equipped with the theory, frameworks and skills to commercialize your inventions, and contribute your talents to new product development and commercialization in industry.

You will study part-time over three semesters, with classes held one evening a week at SFU's Segal Graduate School, located in downtown Vancouver.

 
Format

• 11 months part-time
• Wednesday evening
• Venture Pitch competition
• September start date

Tuition

Domestic students (Citizens & Permanent Residents of Canada): $11,200*

*Subject to Board of Governors approval.

Funding

There are a number of funding resources available to students in the i2I program. These include research funds, grants, awards and scholarships. You do not need to submit a separate application for funding. Candidates are assessed for all funding opportunities based on the merits of your application and the strength of your innovation proposal as outlined in your Innovation Statement.

The majority of accepted applicants receive some funding. However, individual funding offers may vary in amount and criteria. To be considered for funding for the upcoming year, please submit all required documents including your innovation statement with your online application.

The following opportunities are currently available:

• 5 MITACS nominations. The MITACS Science Commercialization Scholar distinction comes with a funding package of up to $15,000.
• Up to 10 Western Diversification (WD) nomination. The WD Commercialization Strategy award comes with funding packages of either $5K or $10K for the supervised development of a business plan to commercialize a university invention.

Scholarships

There are several large entrance awards and grants available as well through the university.

For more information, visit our Funding Resources page.

At the heart of downtown Vancouver is SFU Beedie’s Segal Graduate School campus, a heritage bank reimagined as a 60,000 square-foot landmark housing classrooms, meeting rooms and study spaces.

It’s centrally located with easy access to public transit, which makes getting to and from class exceptionally convenient.

Plus, you’re surrounded by cafes, shops and restaurants. It’s a neighbourhood as vibrant as any.