Programs
Whether you’re commercializing research, developing industry partnerships, or training the next generation of innovation leaders, i2I has a program for your journey.
Built on decades of academic research and industry expertise, the i2I Program Suite addresses the capacity, culture and connectivity needs of Canada’s innovation ecosystem, connecting a growing network of academic experts, industry mentors and translational leaders across the country.
Core Programs
i2I Skills Training Program
For graduate researchers: Build an entrepreneurial mindset and skills to commercialize your research through applied training and expert-informed learning.
i2I Commercialization Postdoc Program
For postdoctoral researchers: develop the capabilities to commercialize discoveries through mentorship and entrepreneurial training.
i2I Faculty Innovation Fellows Program
For full-time faculty and faculty clinicians: build the translational skills and entrepreneurial mindset to turn lab research into real-world impact.
Mindsets That Define Your Innovation Journey
There is no single path that will transform Canada’s innovation capacity
At the heart of i2I’s approach are three entrepreneurial pathways: Translate, Champion, and Venture. These mindsets reflect the different ways researchers create impact and provide a framework for navigating the journey from discovery to real-world application. By developing capabilities across all three, participants gain the flexibility to pursue multiple pathways throughout their careers.
VENTURE
Create science-based ventures that generate societal and economic value.
- Develop rewarding career pathways for researchers
- Connect industry with novel university research
- Increase Canada’s capacity to absorb new science and technology
CHAMPION
Advance innovation within organizations through partnerships, leadership, and capability building.
- Secure resources that enable meaningful research
- Build innovation capacity within labs
- Align research with market and societal needs
TRANSLATE
Translate discoveries into impact through research, knowledge mobilization, and strategic partnerships.
- Strengthen research translation capabilities
- Generate regional and national societal and economic value
- Connect discoveries to the broader research and innovation ecosystem
Dr. Maryam Bari
Co-Founder & CEO, PINA Creation Inc.
i2I Skills Training Program and GCSTC Alum
“i2I was a turning point for me—it helped bridge the gap between academic research and real-world commercialization. It pushed me to validate our technology with customers, build a strong business case, and ultimately turn my research into a startup that is now working with global partners. ”
Partner Programs
Offered in collaboration with leading academic and industry partners across Canada
Graduate Certificate in Science & Technology Commercialization
A graduate-level credential for researcher ready to lead at the intersection of science and industry.
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Building on the i2I Skills Training Program, the GCSTC is a part-time certificate that equips graduate researchers, postdocs, faculty and industry innovators with the skills to translate research into real-world impact. You’ll develop and validate a full business and financial plan, build leadership capabilities, and pitch to investors as part of a national cohort, delivered in partnership with SFU’s Beedie School of Business.
Who it’s for: Graduate researchers, postdocs, faculty and industry innovators (eligible i2I Skills Training participants can ladder in)
Application opens: November 18, 2026
Location: Online (asynchronous and synchronous sessions)
Format: Part-time, certificate-based
Credential: Graduate certificate | additionally eligible for advance credit towards SFU’s Management of Technology (MOT) MBA
Indigenous Technology & Entrepreneurship
A four-day workshop for Indigenous technology entrepreneurs ready to turn their ideas into ventures.
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Co-developed with Stó:lō Community Futures and in partnership with Esposito Family Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at University of the Fraser Valley, this relationship-first program supports Indigenous technology entrepreneurs through a four-day workshop, delivering commercialization and entrepreneurship training tailored to community priorities and protocols. Participants develop and pitch their own innovation ideas with support from Elders, mentors, and peer entrepreneurs.
Who it’s for: Indigenous technology entrepreneurs with an early-stage innovation, technology or venture idea
Application opens: TBD
Location: Determined in consultation with the local Indigenous partner (community-based)
Format: Four-day intensive workshop, co-delivered with a local Indigenous partner organization
Support provided: Participant stipends, mentorship, and connections to entrepreneurship and funding networks
i2I Sales Lab
A sales training cohort for STEM innovators ready to turn research into revenue.
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Sales, engineered for scientists. The i2I Sales Lab helps STEM innovators translate technical research into persuasive, data-driven sales conversations. Through a collaborative cohort model, you’ll develop frameworks to identify prospects, communicate value, build ROI cases, and lead discovery meetings, backed by one-on-one coaching from sales professionals who specialize in science-driven ventures. Delivered in partnership with the Conestoga Entrepreneurship Collective.
Who it’s for: Participants or alumni of i2I Skills Training Program, i2I Commercialization Postdoc Program, or the GCSTC
Application opens: TBD
Program dates: TBD
Location: Online (synchronous sessions)
Format: 8-week, cohort-based program with peer learning and one-on-one coaching
Cost: Fully funded
