Lab2Market

Take the next step with Lab2Market

Lab2Market is a nationwide program that helps brilliant minds in graduate and postdoctoral programs reimagine their futures. Throughout the program, participants will discover a passion for entrepreneurship, build an entrepreneurial skill set, and connect with the network needed to help turn an idea into successful businesses. Innovation UBC in collaboration with SFU Venture Labs forms the Pacific Hub of Lab2Market serving B.C and the Yukon.

Applications are open! 

Applications are open for the Pacific Hub's Lab2Market Launch and Lab2Market Validate Foundations programs. Applications are due May 26 and May 12 respectively. 

Programs

 

What program is right for me?

Program Lab2Market Validate FoundationsLab2Market DiscoverLab2Market Validate Lab2Market Launch
Who it’s for
  • Open to all researchers (Undergrads, Masters, Ph.D., and Postdocs) and faculty from all disciplines.
  • Streams specifically tailored to researchers building in health.
  • Early-stage academic entrepreneurs and researchers.
  • Streams specifically tailored to women, non-binary, and BIPOC students.
  • Open to current students and recent graduates in Canada pursuing STEM research. 
  • Academic entrepreneurs who have already identified a market opportunity and are ready to validate their business idea.
  • Open to research teams composed of a graduate student (masters, Ph.D. or post-doc) and the principal investigator (PI).
  • Teams who have conducted substantial primary market research, including at least 50 customer discovery interviews.
  • Open to teams including current graduate students, postdoctoral fellow, or a recent graduate within two years of completing their academic program in Canada. Must include a faculty supervisor.
Focus
  • Focuses on individuals at the outset of their journeys seeking to commercialize their ideas.
  • Focuses on the initial exploration of market potential and entrepreneurial mindset. 
  • Focuses on testing and validating the viability of the innovation. 
  • Focuses on transforming technology-based ideas into viable businesses.
Program component
  • Skills development: Gain essential skills and learn how to transition research into market-ready solutions.
  • Exploration: Learn how to take the first step and explore the commercial potential of your work.
  • Networking: Engage with experts and meet successful science entrepreneurs.
  • Exploration: Helps participants understand the commercial potential of their research.
  • Training: Provides foundational knowledge in entrepreneurship, market research, and customer discovery.  
  • Networking: Offers opportunities to connect with facilitators, industry experts, and potential collaborators.  
  • Validation: Helps participants test their business model, value proposition, and market assumptions.  
  • Customer Discovery: Intensive customer discovery process to gather feedback and validate the product-market fit.
  • Mentorship: Access to experienced mentors who provide guidance and support throughout the validation process.  
  • Validation: Refine your business model and gain actionable insights.
  • Mentorship and networking: Tailored coaching from industry and ecosystem experts.
  • Development: Structured weekly sessions cultivating the skills and mindset needed for success.
Outcomes
  • Graduates will possess the knowledge to commercialize their research endeavours
  • Participants learn how to strategically position projects to capitalize on opportunities in the ecosystem.
  • Participants gain insights into whether their idea has commercial potential.  
  • Development of an initial business hypothesis and understanding of the market landscape.  
  • Foundation for deciding whether to pursue further commercialization efforts. 
  • A validated business model with a clear value proposition.  
  • Detailed understanding of the target market and customer needs.  
  • Preparation for further development, investment, or entering a more advanced commercialization program.
  • $15,000 stipend available per accepted applicant team. 
  • Participants will identify their initial target market and devleop a strategic approach for market entry and expansion.
  • Teams will determine their first product or service and gain an understanding of bringing their concept to market.
  • Participant will analyze the profitability of their product offering and assess the scalability of their business
  • $10,000 stipend available per accepted applicant team.
Cost
  • Free
  • Free
  • Free
  • Free

 
Keep up to date with our latest news and events.
Subscribe to our newsletter

Innovation UBC signature UBC Support Programs to Advance Research Capacity

Part of the VP Research & Innovation portfolio

Innovation UBC

103-6190 Agronomy Road
Vancouver, BC Canada V6T 1Z3
Tel 604 822 8580

UBC receives support for managing its research enterprise from the federal Research Support Fund.

UBC Crest The official logo of the University of British Columbia. Urgent Message An exclamation mark in a speech bubble. Caret An arrowhead indicating direction. Arrow An arrow indicating direction. Arrow in Circle An arrow indicating direction. Arrow in Circle An arrow indicating direction. Bluesky The logo for the Bluesky social media service. Chats Two speech clouds. Facebook The logo for the Facebook social media service. Information The letter 'i' in a circle. Instagram The logo for the Instagram social media service. External Link An arrow entering a square. Linkedin The logo for the LinkedIn social media service. Location Pin A map location pin. Mail An envelope. Menu Three horizontal lines indicating a menu. Minus A minus sign. Telephone An antique telephone. Plus A plus symbol indicating more or the ability to add. Search A magnifying glass. Twitter The logo for the Twitter social media service. Youtube The logo for the YouTube video sharing service.