About Labs4 What We Do Labs4 was created to solve a national challenge: Canada produces world-class research but lags in commercializing and productizing that research, and in productivity growth and venture investment. Our mission is to close Canada’s research-to-commercialization gap by equipping researcher-entrepreneurs with the experience, tools, and networks to turn ideas into impact. We build on research excellence by prioritizing productization and real-world outcomes. Through Labs4, innovations gain traction, ventures gain momentum, and Canada gains economic and social value. We do this by connecting 38 colleges, polytechnics, and universities to support researcher-entrepreneurs with hands-on commercialization training, applied research environments, and mentorship grounded in real-world outcomes. Building a bridge between research and market helps keep Canadian ideas, talent, and intellectual property working for the public good. Our approach We prioritize accelerated outcomes: Our programs give participants the tools to commercialize research and innovation with market potential and remove barriers to launching successful startups. We are nationally standardized and regionally relevant: Delivered through a hub and spoke model, our Regional Hubs meet national program standards while tailoring programming to local sectors, industries, and communities and connecting our programs to strong market ‘pull’. Indigenous Entrepreneurship Hubs lead culturally grounded programming for First Nations, Métis and Inuit entrepreneur-researchers. These Hubs are guided by traditional knowledge, community priorities, and Indigenous leadership. We embed equity, diversity, inclusion and access (EDIA) across everything we do. Our programs are designed to reduce systemic barriers and expand access for underrepresented groups in innovation and entrepreneurship. We are powered by Canada’s applied research expertise and infrastructure. Our people are applied research and commercialization experts, mentors and leaders. Our facilities are state-of-the-art and built for impact. Our Delivery Model Labs4 uses a hub-and-spoke delivery model to bring national coordination and regional strength together. 11 Hubs (8 Regional and 3 Indigenous Entrepreneurship Hubs) deliver our programs locally, tailored to community needs and sector opportunities. 38 institutions share curriculum, resources, and training assets to build a connected innovation pipeline across Canada. 24 Technology Access Centres (TACs) and College Centres for Technology Transfer (CCTTs) offer infrastructure and expertise to support commercialization. 610 mentors support researcher-entrepreneurs through hands-on guidance, sector expertise, and commercialization coaching. 2,100+ applied research and commercialization experts deliver real-world technical support and help bring innovations to market. leads national coordination and serves as the initiative’s lead institution. What We Offer Labs4 delivers three nationally standardized, regionally adapted programs designed for researcher-entrepreneurs at any level of postsecondary study or up to five years post-graduation. Technology Readiness Level-Up (TRL) Advance your innovation through a four-month placement in applied research labs. Develop and validate prototypes with guidance from technical and industry mentors. Learn More Market to Lab (MtL) Lead a student team to solve commercializatoin barriers in a simulated staratup environment. Gain leadership experience, refine your go-to-market strategy, and build a business case for your research. Learn More Indigenous Entrepreneurship Programs Led by Indigenous incubators, this stream provides culturally grounded mentorship, training, and wraparound supports for First Nations, Métis and Inuit entrepreneur-researchers. Learn More Supplementary Programs Sprint2Innovate is a fast-paced, hands-on event offered annually in each region that helps participants tackle real-world challenges, build entrepreneurial skills, and connect with mentors, peers, and ecosystem partners. Our program are delivered by applied institutions that reflect the full diversity of Canada’s people and sectors, ensuring that every participant can succeed in a real-world innovation context. Interested in Partnering? Become a Partner? Contact Our Team Built on Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Access Inclusive innovation is not a side goal – it is foundatoinal to Labs4. We embed equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility (EDIA) into every aspect of our work. What that looks like: Programming led by Indigenous Hubs, grounded in community priorities and traditional knowledge Targeted recruitment of equity-deserving participants and mentors Wraparound supports that address systematic barriers to commercialization Regional EDIA assessments and responsive program adaptations We believe Canada’s innovation system is stronger when it reflects all of Canada. Learn More Governance Labs4 governed by a structure that reflects our pan-Canadian scope and inclusive values. ExecutiveCommittee Provides strategic leadership and vision, oversees national governance, and sets direction KnowledgeKeepers Council Provides guidance to the Executive Committee and Network with Indigenous knowledge and cultural insight. Advisory Councils Support excellence in training metrics and impacts, Indigenous entrepreneurship, EDIA, and inclusion of Canada’s francophone innovation ecosystem. SteeringCommittee Institutional leaders from across the Network help shape program design and delivery and Network goals. National & HubOperations Teams Manages day-today coordination, delivery, and communications across all Hubs and Spokes.
