i2I Commercialization Postdoc Program
Overview
The i2I Commercialization Postdoc Program is a national fellowship for postdoctoral researchers advancing deep technology and health innovations. Through mentorship, entrepreneurial training, and hands-on commercialization experiences, fellows develop the capabilities to evaluate opportunities, make evidence-based commercialization decisions, and advance innovations through translational science, industry champion, or venture creation. Participants gain access to a national network of innovators, mentors, commercialization experts, incubators, and accelerators, helping transform promising discoveries into real-world impact.
- Applications Open Nov. 1, 2026
- 12 Months | Fully Online
- Program Starts Sep. 07, 2027
- Successful individuals will be co-supervised in conducting de-risking experiments in their lab
i2I Commercialization Postdoc Learning Outcomes:
Intellectual Property Strategy or IP Strategy
Develop an early IP strategy consistent with value creation and capture
Entrepreneurial Leadership Development
Acquire leadership fundamentals
Funding Assessment
Identify and select early-stage sources of funding
Industry Landscape Analysis
Understand related value chains and industry
Application Discovery
Identify and prioritize current and future applications
Grant Writing Development
Develop competence in writing translational grants
Commercialization Roadmapping
Create an early-stage development and funding plan
Business Model Development
Develop an early business model and competitive/collaborative strategies
Value Proposition Validation
Identify and validate the value proposition and key stakeholders
Innovation De-Risking
Identify & conduct experiments to de-risk your innovation idea
Eligibility
The i2I Commercialization Postdoc Program welcomes applications from postdoctoral fellows working within Canada. As a competitive program with limited fellowship positions, applicants are assessed on both eligibility and the strength of their proposed innovation and commercialization opportunity. Successful participants are co-supervised by their Principal Investigator, conducting de-risking experiments in their lab, and by an i2I Co-Investigator.
If you’re unsure whether you meet eligibility requirements, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at i2i_info@sfu.ca.
i2I Commercialization Postdoc Program Eligibility Checklist:
01
Be affiliated with a Canadian post-secondary institution and eligible to hold a postdoctoral appointment at the start of the program (Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or valid work permit holder).
02
Have completed their PhD within the past five years by the start of the i2I Commercialization Postdoc Program.
03
Have access to a university lab and the support of their Principal Investigator (PI) to develop and advance their innovation.
04
Have a minimum of 9 available Mitacs internship units and not hold any concurrent Mitacs or NSERC awards.
Dr. Hila Behar
Co-founder & CTO, BryoSphere Biotechnologies
i2I Commercialization Postdoc Program Alum
“i2I was helpful in how to communicate with investors and define our financial goals…we refined our business plan, and we received foundational knowledge on startups.”
Fees & Stipends
Program Stipends
Eligible participants receive a $60,000/year stipend for full-time engagement in the program, with the possibility of renewal for continuing fellows.
Program Fees
All program fees and the above stipends are covered by NSERC and Mitacs for successful applicants.
FAQ
Am I eligible for the program?
You are eligible for the program if you will have completed your PhD by September 2027, or if you earned your PhD within the past five years and are eligible to hold a postdoctoral appointment at a Canadian institution.
You must be eligible to hold a postdoctoral appointment by the start of the program.
If you are an international applicant without a valid Canadian work permit, we strongly recommend applying to next year’s cohort, as processing times may prevent you from obtaining the necessary authorization to begin a postdoctoral position in Canada by September. International applicants are also advised to reach out to the international office at their prospective academic institution for guidance regarding postdoctoral studies.
Additionally, you must not have held more than three units of Mitacs funding as a postdoctoral fellow by the start of the program. Holding more than three units during a previous degree (e.g., Master’s or PhD) is not an issue.
Is the program full-time?
Yes, this is a full-time program. Please note: 50% of a participant’s time is spent working towards commercializing their innovation idea while the other 50% is on de-risking the technology.
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.
Do I need to relocate from my home academic institution where I conduct my research?
No, relocation is not required. You will continue working with your academic supervisor (Principal Investigator) at your home Canadian institution. In addition, you will be paired with a Commercialization Investigator who will support and oversee the development of your commercialization strategy.
What is expected of my academic supervisor?
Your academic supervisor must sign off on the Mitacs application form and agree to administer the Mitacs award once your application has been approved.
Do I need an industry partner?
No. The Mitacs partner for this program is the Innovation + Impact Network of Canada (I-INC) Foundation.
Are matching funds required?
No, this program is fully funded.
Will I retain ownership of my intellectual property?
Yes. I-INC does not claim any ownership or rights over your intellectual property. All IP will be governed by the standard policies of your home academic institution.
Can I hold other funding at the same time?
Yes. There are no restrictions on holding additional sources of funding alongside this award, as long as you fulfill the time commitment required for your commercialization strategy, as outlined in the award letter’s terms and conditions. However, you are responsible to determine if your other grants have any restrictions prior to applying to this program.