As part of a national innovation strategy to increase entrepreneurship and research commercialization across Canada, the Government of Canada has awarded $24.1 million dollars in federal funding over five years to create the College-University Network for Entrepreneurship and Research Commercialization (the Network). BCIT is proud to be one of 38 post-secondary institutes from across Canada, alongside other collaborators, who will join to bring more academic research ideas to reality, support Indigenous business, and drive economic growth.
The Network, led by Red River Polytechnic, will provide training and mentorship to teach the process of turning research ideas into successful products and businesses ready for market, helping the economy grow and fostering innovation. It challenges the traditional concept of entrepreneurship by emphasizing inclusivity, Indigenous entrepreneurship, and enabling equity of access for a more diverse range of people to benefit from across the country.
BCIT to establish the BC and Yukon Regional Hub
BCIT will receive $1.65 million dollars over five years to establish the BC and Yukon Regional Hub that will support and fit the unique needs of the participants, communities, ecosystems, and markets throughout the region ensuring they have the research expertise, skills, and knowledge needed to successfully enter and thrive in the market.
A fundamental element to this Lab to Market proposal is the integration of Indigenous perspectives and support for Indigenous entrepreneurs across the country. The Network will include three Indigenous Hubs that will offer tailored mentorship and resources, with 20% of project funds benefiting Indigenous students and businesses.
The Network is administered by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) in collaboration with the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC).
Quotes
Dr. Jeff Zabudsky, President, BCIT
“BCIT has long been at the forefront of connecting industry, education, and government to build an agile and resilient workforce. Our involvement with the Network extends the interdisciplinary collaboration of BCIT researchers, faculty, students, and industry partners, ensuring the Institute delivers on its vision of empowering people, shaping BC, and inspiring global progress.”
Jonathan Bassan, Interim Dean, Applied Research and Centre for Applied Research and Innovation, BCIT
“Applied research is a critical step on the way to commercialization. By joining this network of post-secondary institutions, BCIT is sharing over 35 years of leadership in applied research and expertise working directly with industry to solve real-world problems and commercialize new products and services. BCIT will bridge the gap between academic discoveries and real-world innovations, helping to turn groundbreaking ideas into products and processes that drive economic growth and benefit communities.”
The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry
“Canada is home to world-class researchers, who generate ground-breaking technologies and innovations, and they need support to successfully commercialize their work. Through these networks, researchers will receive the support they need to bring their innovations to market, benefiting communities from coast to coast to coast.”
The Honourable Terry Duguid, Minister of Sports and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada
“This investment is a significant step in supporting Canadian researchers by giving them the tools, resources, and support they need to turn their ideas into real-world solutions. By connecting academic research with industry, we are helping to create new opportunities for innovation and economic growth across Canada.”
Prof. Alejandro Adem, FRSC, President, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada
“Lab to Market grants bridge the gap between research ideas and their translation into economic and social innovation. The four impressive networks will collectively offer tools and resources for researchers at all levels across the country to develop the skills they need to translate their great ideas into innovations for the benefit of Canadians. I can’t wait to see the results that will emerge from this new initiative!”
Dr. Jolen Galaugher, Director, Research Partnerships and Innovation, RRC Polytech
“Ramping up productivity through commercialization of Canadian research and IP, enhancing our global competitiveness – these are opportunities that can positively affect all aspects of life for Canadians – economic, social or environmental. I’m excited to see the Government of Canada invest significantly in this nationwide network initiative and entrust RRC Polytech to play a leadership role in its development and delivery. The college, university, community, and industry partners in this project are links in a chain of innovation and entrepreneurialism. Working together, we will bring industry into closer connection with Canadian research, which will positively impact Canadian business investment in R&D in the long term.”
Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech
“For over 20 years, RRC Polytech has been solving industry problems and training tomorrow’s future leaders through applied research, and today we are honoured to continue to build on our strengths as a polytechnic and lead this collaborative nationwide network through the largest ever tri-council investment in a college,” said Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech. “Our shared goal is to find solutions for the challenges that all Canadians are facing. This network combines the unique abilities of researchers at colleges and universities and connects them directly with industry and community to accelerate innovation.”
Co-applicant institutions
British Columbia Institute of Technology, Cégep de Sherbrooke, Cégep de Thetford, College of the North Atlantic, Humber Polytechnic, Lethbridge College, Loyalist College of Applied Arts and Technology, MacEwan University, Mohawk College of Applied Arts and Technology, Mount Saint Vincent University, New Brunswick Community College, NorQuest College, Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, Northwestern Polytechnic, Nova Scotia Community College, Olds College, Red Deer Polytechnic, Saint Mary’s University, Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Selkirk College, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, University College of the North, University of Alberta, University of Lethbridge, University of Manitoba, University of Regina, University of Saskatchewan, University of Waterloo, Western University, Yukon University
Collaborating partners
MTA, NorthForge, Mitacs, Polytechnics Canada, Tech Access Canada, C2R2, Applied Pharmaceuticals Innovation, Edmonton Regional Innovation Network, CARIN, Calgary Innovation Coalition, Innovation Saskatchewan, Cultivate by Conexus, Synchronex, Axelys, Springboard Atlantic, Atlantic Colleges Atlantique