Impact & Events
Since 2015, i2I has helped researchers across Canada turn world-class discoveries into real-world impact. Through research, training, mentorship, and national partnerships, our community is advancing innovation across industry, academia, government, and the broader innovation ecosystem.
Explore participant success stories, research insights, program outcomes, upcoming events, and National i2I Network activities that showcase the growing impact of Canada’s research-to-innovation ecosystem.
Your i2I Highlight
INNOVATION PITCH IS A WRAP!
A hallmark event for our SFU the i2I Innovation Pitch Competition put some of Canada’s brightest graduate-level researchers in front of a panel of top commercialization experts. After six sharp pitches, Q&A and a tough deliberation, the First Place prize was awarded to Maria Cleveland of Nylzyme.
Congratulations to all of this year’s finalists for showcasing their amazing work (in just 5 minutes!). Read all about Innovation Pitch, the finalists and your 2026 winners.
10 Nov 2026
Discover i2I Skills Training: Virtual Info Session | Dec. 1, 2026, 10:00AM (PCT)
10 Nov 2026
Become an i2I Faculty Innovation Fellow: Virtual Info Session | Dec 8, 2026, 11:00AM (PCT)
30 Oct 2026
2026 i2I Innovation Impact Awards Recognize Exceptional Contributions to Canada’s Innovation Ecosystem
Collaborative Learning Experiences
Collaborative Learning Experiences are developed in partnership with the i2I team and regional partners and can be delivered in person or online. These short, intensive experiences are designed to help researchers explore commercialization and move toward a “decision to engage.” They focus on building an innovation mindset, assessing the potential value and impact of research, understanding commercialization pathways, and building confidence to take next steps. By 2030, i2I aims to reach 16,000 highly qualified personnel (HQP) through these experiences, significantly expanding the reach and impact of commercialization training across Canada. View a selection of recorded Collaborative Learning Experiences below.
Oct 2026
Quantum Innovation: A Fireside Chat | SFU Innovation Week 2026
Dr. Stephanie Simmons & Dr. Dugan O’Neil
Oct 2026
The Next Era of Healthcare | Panel Discussion | SFU Innovation Week 2026
Dr. David Vocadlo, Dr. David Price, Dr. Carolyn Sparrey, Dr. Max Donelan
Oct 2026
Collaborative Innovation for Sustainable Communities | Panel Discussion | SFU Innovation Week 2026
Dr. Tammara Soma, Dr. Mohamed Imam, Tracey Tobin, Alia Sunderji
Oct 2026
Partners in Innovation: Building Canada’s Future | Panel Discussion | SFU Innovation Week 2026
Thomas Park, Jason Owen, Steven Holdcroft, Christian Hansen, Dr. Elicia Maine
May 2024
Effectively Communicating the Impact of your Research
Braziller, Singh & Kan
May 2024
Choosing a commercialization pathway for your innovation idea
Jon Thomas
Stats & Impact Data
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Are industry Champions — advancing science and their careers in science-based industries
Are Translational Scientists — changing research trajectories and culture in labs
Are Scientist-Entrepreneurs — having launched ventures to take their research forward
Are charting multiple paths at once
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