i2I Skills Training Program
Overview
The i2I Skills Training Program helps Graduate Researchers, Postdocs, and Faculty in STEM & Health Sciences develop their entrepreneurial mindset to refine their innovation idea and overcome marketplace challenges. It’s the first step in the i2I suite of programs, delivered as a flexible, asynchronous, part-time pathway, combining online coursework, regional and national cohorts, and mentorship from successful innovators. Grounded in research, this program addresses the high uncertainties, costs, and timelines when commercializing science-based research.
- Applications Open Nov. 1, 2026
- 8 Months | Fully Online
- Program Starts Sep. 15, 2027
- 8 credits towards the graduate certificate in science & technology commercialization
i2I Skills Training Learning Outcomes:
Build Commercialization Foundation
Gain proficiency in frameworks and skills relevant to science and technology commercialization
Communicate Innovation Technology Effectively
Clearly communicate the technology attributes of your innovation idea
Create an Intellectual Property Strategy
Develop an IP strategy consistent with value creation and capture
Validate Your Business Model
Validate your business model, testing and retesting assumptions and hypotheses
Identify High-Potential Market Opportunities
Match your technology to prioritized market opportunities, including backup and growth options
Develop a Strong Value Proposition
Articulate a strong, evidence-based value proposition that resonates with your target audience/market
Build Financial Literacy
Develop proficiency in reading, interpreting, and creating financial statements
Develop a Funding and Growth Technology Roadmap
Create resourcing plans to make real-world positive impact with your scientific invention
Eligibility
The i2I Skills Training Program is open to current Master’s students, PhD candidates, Postdoctoral Fellows and Clinicians at Canadian universities and health institutes, as well as graduate alumni five years or less out of an advanced research degree. The program welcomes all STEM and Health Science focused graduate researchers and postdocs seeking entrepreneurial or commercialization skills.
Faculty members working within Canadian institutions are also welcome to apply. If you’re unsure whether you meet eligibility requirements, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at i2i_info@sfu.ca.
Dr. Shubha De
Associate Professor, University of Alberta, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry | Chief Operating Officer, Rise Medical Innovations
i2I Skills Training Program and GCSTC Alum
“Continuous feedback from i2I faculty, commercialization experts, investors, and industry insiders helped broaden my somewhat narrow initial explanation of product-market fit and pushed me to consider the needs of all key stakeholders. That process helped validate and refine our value propositions, giving us greater confidence in how to position our innovation for impact, market adoption, and future investment.”
Fees & Stipends
Program Stipends
A $3,000 stipend will be awarded upon successful completion of the program to eligible i2I Skills Training participants who complete all assigned work, make satisfactory progress through the learning modules, and remain in good standing.
Program Fees
There is no cost to participate in the i2I Skills Training Program for eligible graduate students and postdoctoral fellows affiliated with a Canadian post-secondary institution. Program fees are supported through the NSERC Lab to Market grant. Industry and international participants may inquire about available seats and associated fees by contacting i2I_info@sfu.ca.
FAQ
Am I eligible for the program?
You are eligible if you meet any of the following criteria:
- You are a Master’s or PhD student, a PhD candidate, or a Postdoctoral Fellow
- You are a Faculty member
- You are an industry innovator
- You are affiliated with a Canadian institution or a Canadian company
Who can write my letter of support (what should my referee include)?
Your letter of support may be provided by your current academic or professional supervisor. Alternatively, you may submit a letter from a former supervisor, provided they supervised you within the past two years. One page is enough.
Your letter of support must be submitted as a PDF document. Please note that we do not accept letters of support provided directly in the body of an email. The letter must be uploaded as part of the application or submitted as a PDF attachment.
The letter should identify the following components:
a) Their support for your initiative and provide an assessment of your research, character traits, communication and interpersonal skills, as well as your potential to create impact from your research
b) It should also indicate that you will have access to the necessary resources and/or facilities to help commercialize your innovation idea.
c) Additionally, please ask your academic supervisor to comment on any existing IP and/or commercialization strategy already underway.
Which CV format is required?
Applicants are required to submit a CV in PDF format. The CV should be no longer than two pages and provide a concise overview of your academic and professional background.
Your CV should include, as applicable:
- Educational background (degrees obtained and institutions attended)
- Professional experience and appointments
- Research experience
- Publications
- Conference presentations
- Awards, scholarships, and distinctions
- Other relevant achievements or activities
There is no mandatory template; however, the CV should be clear, concise, and submitted as a PDF document.
Will I retain ownership of my intellectual property (IP)?
Yes. We do not claim any ownership or rights over your intellectual property. All IP will be governed by the standard policies of your home academic institution or company.
Is the program full-time? Do I need to relocate or travel to Vancouver?
No. The i2I Skills Training Program is part-time and fully delivered online.
You do not need to relocate or travel to Vancouver, as there are no in-person meetings required.
What is the weekly workload?
The recommended weekly workload is approximately 5 hours.
Courses are asynchronous and self-paced; however, you must complete each module’s deliverables weekly.
In addition, there are several mandatory synchronous Zoom sessions scheduled on specific dates and times during the workweek. You will receive the full program schedule before the program begins.
Are there funding opportunities?
Yes. When you apply, you are automatically considered for a funded seat. If your application is successful, all program costs will be covered. There is no tuition or additional fee.
During the second part of the program, eligible students may receive a $3,000 stipend. This stipend is intended to give you time to focus on advancing your innovation ideas by applying the knowledge and skills developed throughout the program.
Am I eligible to participate as an SFU alumnus who is currently employed in industry?
Yes, you would be eligible for the i2I Skills Training program. In all our i2I programs, participants must work on a research or innovation idea and actively apply their course learnings throughout the duration of the program. As an industry participant, this could be a research project or product development idea. You should be mindful of any intellectual property considerations. Part of the application process includes a reference/recommendation letter, you will need to ensure the company is fully supportive (i.e. letter acknowledges you will be working on a company project or product innovation).
What are the criteria for stipend eligibility?
Eligibility is based on:
- Your grades in the first two courses (Lab to Market and Opportunity Identification & Assessment)
- Completion of evaluation surveys
- Attendance at all mandatory synchronous sessions
More details will be provided at the start of the program. Please note: the stipend is only available to participants who maintain one of the following statuses while enrolled in the i2I Skills Training program: MSc candidate, PhD candidate, or postdoctoral researcher.
Does the program provide a budget for research-related expenses (e.g., lab space, chemicals, analyses, or other project costs)?
No. Your academic institution or company is responsible for providing direct project support, securing experimental funding, and ensuring access to essential resources such as lab facilities, specialized equipment, and library materials.
Can the program be completed while continuing to work full-time?
Yes, it can be completed with full time work but please keep in mind that some of the synchronous elements are in the middle of the work day so vacation time will need to be taken or you need to discuss with your employer about an adjusted work schedule for those days when there are i2I synchronous sessions are scheduled.
I am an international student. Can I apply?
Yes, if you are currently enrolled in a Canadian institution.
Please note: We cannot accept applications from international students who are not affiliated with a Canadian institution at this time.