Technology Readiness Level-Up Program Turn Your Innovation into a Market-Ready Product The Technology Readiness Level-Up (TRL) Program offers training in commercialization and innovation, helping researchers take their work to market. This program embeds researcher-entrepreneurs directly in applied research environments to advance the productization of innovation. Over four intensive months, you’ll receive training and mentorship in developing, testing, validating, and preparing your research for real-world application. TRL helps you navigate the complex challenges of product development, connect with mentors and industry partners, and receive training and mentorship in how to build a prototype or proof of concept backed by market evidence. Participants receive a $10,000 stipend to support their full-time work during the program Who Should Apply TRL is open to researcher-entrepreneurs at any level of postsecondary study who have a research-based venture at any stage, and/or are seeking to advance the technology readiness of your invention, technology, product or service. Eligibility requirements: You will be a current college, undergraduate, master’s or PhD student, or postdoc (within five years of graduation), at a Canadian post-secondary institution, or a recent graduate (within two-years of graduation) You have a research-based venture at any stage, or an idea for a research-based venture and interest in forming a startup You are seeking to advance the technology readiness of your invention, technology, product or service 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 Participants engage in a structured, full-time experience that blends technical development with commercialization training. Each week includes a mix of structured development sprint, mentorship sessions, and cohort-based learning. Hands-on experience in applied research environments Access to Technology Access Centres (TACs) and other specialized college research facilities Support with learning how to approach prototype development, testing, and product validation Exposure to regulatory, quality, and market readiness considerations Personalized mentorship Weekly 1:1 mentorship with technical and commercialization professionals and industry experts Guidance on IP strategy, product design, business model development, and regulatory compliance Opportunities to connect with potential customers, partners, and investors Cohort-based commercialization training Weekly workshops on commercialization challenges and innovation pathways Topics include product-market fit, technology roadmapping, and scale-up Peer collaboration and feedback sessions to refine your innovation Real-world readiness and network building Develop a roadmap for launching or licensing your innovation Connect with customers, partners, and national industry networks Exit the program with a validated prototype and commercialization plan What You’ll Learn By the end of the program, you’ll have developed and applied skills across six key areas: Technical competencies Develop strategies for Overcome technological and business challenges in commercialization Navigate product design, prototype manufacturing, field testing, and data collection methods Understand and address regulatory frameworks relevant to your technology Business acumen Integrate technology and business aspects to advance research-based ventures Engage effectively with end-users to achieve product-market fit Navigate regulatory, cost, and IP challenges through practical, hands-on experience Product development skills Receive training to help you strategize how to approach the product development process from concept to validation beyond the program Apply prototyping methodologies appropriate to your technology Implement validation processes to test market readiness Project management capabilities Learn how to plan a complex commercialization project Apply budgeting, marketing, and administrative skills to product development Develop and experiment with implementing commercial strategies for research innovations Network connections Build meaningful connections with industry experts and commercialization professionals, incubators, accelerators, and funders Develop relationships with potential partners, customers, and investors Position yourself within relevant industry and innovation ecosystems with a better understanding of end-users Why Apply By the end of the program, participants will have gained invaluable experience and a solid foundation to propel their entrepreneurial journey. Over the course of the program, you’ll gain: Financial support in the form of a stipend so you can focus on developing your ideas. A new understanding of how to think about and approach crucial areas such as product development, testing, and prototyping. Build confidence in navigating these processes effectively. A network of like-minded individuals, mentors, and industry experts, fostering relationships that can support future business ventures. Hands-on experience in developing and testing products, including a real-world understanding of these critical processes, and project management. Tools to pitch your idea beyond the program, providing a roadmap for future growth. An understanding of “How To”, from ideation to execution in the applied research environment. For more information about the TRL program, including application details and upcoming cohorts, please email TRL@rrc.ca. Features & Benefits 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 Submit Technology Summary Tell us about your innovation, its current development stage, and desired outcomes. 2 Access the TRL Toolkit Work through an interactive guide to identify your starting TRL and next logical steps. 3 Build Your TRL Roadmap With our advisors, develop a custom milestone plan with timeline and success metrics. 4 Present to Stakeholders Share your roadmap with potential funders, incubators, or pilot partners. 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 closed for the January 2026 TRL cohort. Contact us to learn more How to Participate You can join TRL at any time. Apply online, and our team will follow up for a readiness check and roadmap planning session. Rolling Intakes year-round Contact:TRL@rrc.ca Program Format Duration: 4 months January 19, 2026 to May 8 Time commitment: Full-time (30 hours/week) Location: TRL uses a hybrid model that includes in-person components delivered at regional and Indigenous program hubs, and virtual components delivered nationally online. Delivery: In-person components include one-on-one guidance and mentorship, and regional networking events. Virtual components include standardized national workshops and peer learning groups. Key Dates – Winter 2026 Cohort Application start date: August 25,2025 Applications close: September 28, 2025 Cohort begins: Monday, January 19, 2026. Program ends: Friday, May 8, 2026. Featured Quote “The college, university, community, and industry partners in this project are links in a chain of innovation and entrepreneurship. Working together, we will narrow the gap between research labs and commercial markets, spurring greater R&D investments by Canadian businesses over the long term. By driving innovation and Canadian IP strategy, we are part of the solution to Canada’s enduring productivity challenge.” Dr. Jolen GalaugherExecutive Director, Research Partnerships and Innovation, RRC PolytechFounder, Labs4Chair, Labs4 Executive Committee We acknowledge the support of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and Mitacs. Nous remercions le Conseil de recherches en sciences naturelles et en génie du Canada (CRSNG) et Mitacs de leur soutien. 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.
