For scientific research translation and commercialization
The eight-month, part-time Mitacs i2I Skills Training program helps scientists and engineers understand how to take their ideas from lab to market. This academic-style program opens up new career pathways for graduate level researchers.
Program structure
The i2I program is delivered by Simon Fraser University’s Beedie School of Business. Now offered across Canada, i2I is highly accessible with a hybrid format that allows you the flexibility to participate online with the opportunity to build a meaningful network with like-minded innovators. It has a synchronous opening, mid-point and closing session, regular short check-in sessions, and in-depth course concepts, assignments and feedback delivered asynchronously online. The program kicks off in September and wraps up in April.
Why i2I?
Throughout the i2I program you will be equipped with the theory, frameworks and skills to commercialize your inventions, become an innovation champion in industry, or increase knowledge mobilization through translational science. Topics covered and competencies developed include:
- Define and iterate on an innovation idea
- Validate your business model – test and retest assumptions/hypotheses
- Gain proficiency in frameworks and skills relevant to science technology commercialization
- Increase chances of success in your commercialization of a novel product or service
- Make a real-world impact with your scientific invention
- Develop an entrepreneurial pitch
Eligibility
The Mitacs i2I Skills Training adds the most value 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.
Students generally come from areas in Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Chemical Engineering, Bio-medical Engineering, Material Science, Electrical Engineering, Nano-tech, Quantum, Mechatronics, Medicine, Pharma, etc.
There are 10 seats for Atlantic researchers in the 2022/23 academic year. The program is offered free of charge.
Admission to the Mitacs i2I Skills Training is based on the following criteria:
- Current graduate student or alumni of an advanced technical STEM degree program within the last 5 years
- Minimum degree level requested: 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
- Prospective, current, or completed Mitacs internship. If you are currently in a Mitacs program, please include a written acknowledgement that your industry partner is aware you are applying
Key Dates
Recruitment opens: May 4th
Recruitment closes: July 4th (extended to July 14th)
Program will begin in the Fall of 2023 (exact dates TBD).
Applications for the 2023/2024 invention2Innovation Atlantic program close July 14th 2023.
Questions about applying? Contact Emily Neil, Project Manager at emily.neil@dal.ca
The i2I Skills Training program is made possible by the support of Mitacs, and delivered by Simon Fraser University
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