Market to Lab Program Turn Your Research into a Real-World Venture The Market to Lab (MtL) Program equips researcher-entrepreneurs with the skills, tools, and mentorship to turn research into real-world impact. Over two intensive months, you’ll lead a team of college students through a hands-on project that addresses a specific commercialization barrier, such as market validation, business model development, or technical refinement. MtL simulates the experience of managing a startup and helps you develop practical leadership skills, build your network, and accelerate your path to market. Whether you’re incorporating a new venture or scaling one in its early stages, MtL offers the structured support, talent, and training to move you forward with confidence in Canada’s innovation economy. Participants receive a stipend to support their work during the program. Who Should Apply The MtL Program is ideal for: Researcher-entrepreneurs at a Canadian post-secondary institution, including college, undergraduate, master’s, and PhD students, postdoctoral researchers (within five years of graduation), and recent graduates (within two years of graduation) Individuals with a validated research-based product, service, technology, or social innovation Founders who have recently incorporated or have plans to incorporate, and are looking to overcome early-stage barriers to growth Applicants must not have participated in a prior MtL cohort. Labs4 is committed to building a more inclusive innovation ecosystem across Canada. We welcome applicants from all fields and backgrounds and strongly encourage applications from equity-deserving groups. What to Expect MtL is a cohort-based learning experience delivered online, in-person, or in hybrid formats, depending on your region. You’ll work alongside a group of peer participants and be matched with a multidisciplinary team of students with business and technical skills. Team-based commercialization projects Lead a student team in a simulated or real business setting Tackle specific barriers to commercialization using “just in time” solutions Develop real-world leadership and management experience Focus areas may include market validation, IP strategy, business modelling, and customer development Expert guidance and mentorship Receive personalized support from business, innovation, and industry mentors Access Canada’s largest applied innovation ecosystem, including 600+ mentors from 22 colleges Learn delegation, team dynamics, and project management in a startup context Structured learning and peer collaboration Participate in workshops that address common commercialization challenges Build skills alongside a national cohort of peer researcher-entrepreneurs Share insights and get feedback through a collaborative learning model Solution implementation and network development Apply business principles directly to your venture Build actionable strategies and implementation plans Make lasting connections with customers, collaborators, and ecosystem partners What You’ll Learn By the end of the program, you’ll have developed and applied skills across six key areas: Strategic problem solving Overcome barriers to commercialization using research-backed strategies Identify and prioritize high-impact actions for your venture Leadership and team management Manage diverse teams and delegate effectively Integrate equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (EDIA) into your leadership approach Integrate sustainability into your business model Innovation methods Apply entrepreneurial thinking and innovation frameworks to real-world challenges Translate research insights into actionable business strategies AI Integrate artificial intelligence into your technology, product, service, social innovation, and/or business Collaboration and networking Build meaningful connections within Canada’s innovation ecosystem Strengthen your ability to navigate industry relationships Strategic planning Develop clear implementation plans for advancing your venture Map pathways for growth, scale, and market entry Communication and durable skills Strengthen emotional intelligence, adaptability, and critical thinking Improve your responsiveness to feedback and capacity to lead under uncertainty Benefits of Participation Indigenous MentorshipWork with Indigenous entrepreneurs and Elders who understand your journey and goals. Culturally Grounded CurriculumLearn in a format that integrates Indigenous values, oral teachings, and holistic business models. Peer Learning CirclesConnect with other Indigenous entrepreneurs in virtual and land-based settings. Financial and Business SupportEligible participants can access microgrants, business planning services, and one-on-one coaching. How It Works 1 Apply to Join the CohortComplete a brief intake form outlining your research innovation and goals. 2 Attend Bootcamp-Style WorkshopsParticipate in live, online workshops and self-guided assignments to refine your market alignment. 3 Receive Personalized MentorshipEach participant is matched with a mentor based on sector expertise and commercialization stage. 4 Final Pitch EventCulminate the program by pitching your solution to external partners, industry reps, or early-stage funders. How to Apply Please submit an Application Form via the links below. Applications will be reviewed and selected applicants will be invited to submit proposals. We will work with these applicants at every stage to support proposal development. Applications are now open for the Winter 2027 and Spring 2027 cohorts APPLY NOW How to Participate Apply online by filling out the Expression of Interest form. Shortlisted applicants will be contacted for a brief intake call. Cohorts launch twice annually, with virtual programming and flexible scheduling. Deadline:November 6, 2026 Contact:Labs4@rrc.ca Program Format Duration: 2 months (intensive format) Delivery: In-person, online, or hybrid (depending on your regional Hub) Learning model: Cohort-based workshops, team projects, and one-on-one mentorship Key Dates Next Cohort: Winter 2027 Application Window: August 14 to November 6, 2026 Fall applications are now CLOSED Program Features A $4,000 stipend to support your work during the program Practical experience managing a company or team in a real-world or simulated setting Access to experienced mentors and Canada’s largest college-based commercialization network Hands-on, challenge-driven learning with measurable impact Peer learning and a professional cohort of emerging research leaders Guidance on venture creation, scaling, and post-program pathways Success Pathway After completing MtL, you’ll be ready to: Address critical commercialization barriers in your venture Access follow-on supports within Labs4 or other regional accelerators Secure new partnerships, customers, or funding Move confidently toward company formation or early-stage scale-up Build long-term value with enhanced leadership, planning, and market strategy skills Connect with Us Receive updates on upcoming opportunities, success stories, and events. Join our mailing list. Email(Required) Funding Acknowledgement: We acknowledge the support of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC).Nous remercions le Conseil de recherches en sciences naturelles et en génie du Canada (CRSNG) de son soutien.
