Startup Incubation at IBZ

IBZ INCUBATOR

HOUSED UNDER innovation boost zone

The Innovation Boost Zone (IBZ) is an early-stage startup incubator that strives to support ambitious technology founders. IBZ supports entrepreneurs from idea to commercialization who use their innovations to solve real-world problems.

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ABOUT l2m

Lab2Market is a nationwide program dedicated to fostering STEM innovation and commercial success in Canada.

Our mission is to help brilliant minds in STEM graduate programs and postdoctoral programs reimagine their futures as entrepreneurs. We aim to equip participants with the necessary skills, knowledge, and network to turn their research ideas into successful businesses, driving positive impact and economic growth in Canada.
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Lab2Market’s three program streams, including Discover, Validate, and Launch exist to guide you through every step of the entrepreneurial journey, from contemplation to confidence. The program is designed for ambitious entrepreneurial students and research teams who are committed to forming, building, and growing technology-based ventures. Participants benefit from local innovation hubs while also receiving access to the broader network and credibility of the national Lab2Market program.

1) Discover

Purpose: Discover if entrepreneurship is for you.

‍Program: An 8-week online exploratory program for STEM researchers in emerging technologies interested in exploring the market viability of their research. Participants learn about entrepreneurship, potential applications of their technology, and network building. Quebec applicants can learn more by clicking here.

‍Eligibility: Offered free of cost and is open to any STEM researcher (Masters, Ph.D., and Postdoc) in Canada interested in commercializing research, completing their studies full-time. Your maximum time commitment is three hours per week. Available nationwide, but hosted in Ontario, Quebec, and Atlantic Canada.

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2) Validate

Purpose: Validate your idea as a business.

‍Program: A 16-week experience for researchers to critically test and evaluate their ideas in the entrepreneurial landscape. It includes funding, exercises, workshops, and mentorship. The program is divided into three phases: Pre-Program, Core-Program, and Post-Program.

‍Eligibility: Open to any STEM researcher (Masters, Ph.D., and Postdocs) in Canada completing their studies full-time. Offered nationally, but hosted in Atlantic Canada, Ontario, and Quebec.

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3) Launch

Purpose: Launch your business into the real world.

‍Program: A 12-week summer accelerator that turns ideas into viable businesses. Participants receive tailored instruction, mentorship, and coaching, along with funding in milestone payments. Divided into June-August (workshops) and September (Pitch Day).

‍Eligibility: Open to students, researchers, and recent graduates in the STEM field with a technology-based idea. Teams must contain 2 to 5 members with at least one current student, postdoctoral student, or recent graduate. Available nationwide, but hosted in Ontario, Quebec, and Atlantic Canada.

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FAQs
(Frequently Asked Questions)

Does the program cost money?

No, all three programs are offered free of cost.
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Who can participate in Lab2Market?

Lab2Market is open to any STEM researcher (Masters, Ph.D., and Postdocs) in Canada, and is designed for researchers who are completing their studies full-time.
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Where is Lab2Market available?

The program is run nationally and is currently hosted in Atlantic Canada, Ontario, and Quebec.

When can I apply to Lab2Market?

The application window for Lab2Market varies depending on the program.

about IBZ INCUBATION

ABOUT IBZ INCUBATION

Looking to develop a venture? Commercialize a technology?

Why Join Us: Our programming and activities are focused on your development, as is our community of founders who help you overcome setbacks and meet challenges. Structurally, we provide a support system that gets you through the first phase of your venture: building your prototype, finding market validation, putting together the perfect sales pitch, navigating patents, protecting your intellectual property, and developing a business model. We’ve got your back.

eligibility

You are at least 17 years of age.
No prior Toronto Metropolitan University affiliation is required

All program applicants will go through a 2-step application process which consists of a written application and an interview.

‍Don't let the eligibility criteria deter you from applying! Feel free to reach out to us to chat about it.