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.
Apply NOWOur 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
No, all three programs are offered free of cost.
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.
The program is run nationally and is currently hosted in Atlantic Canada, Ontario, and Quebec.
The application window for Lab2Market varies depending on the program.
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.
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.
Lab2Market (L2M) fosters STEM innovation nationwide, through three program streams, guiding researchers from idea to launch.
Visit WEBSITE FOR MORE INFOOur 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
No, all three programs are offered free of cost.
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.
The program is run nationally and is currently hosted in Atlantic Canada, Ontario, and Quebec.
The application window for Lab2Market varies depending on the program.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
No, all three programs are offered free of cost.
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.
The program is run nationally and is currently hosted in Atlantic Canada, Ontario, and Quebec.
The application window for Lab2Market varies depending on the program.
RAISE helps startups become investor-ready with mentorship, workshops, and grants.
At IBZ, we see startups develop game-changing ideas, but at some point, they ask “How do I take my startup to the next growth phase?”
Well, the simple answer is you need to raise money. Although money can’t guarantee success, it will help your startup take off and build credibility with stakeholders.
But fundraising preparation is no easy feat for startup founders. That’s why we created Raise.
You'll have the opportunity to network with investors and angels through events, workshops, and simulated investor meetings.
During the first 2 weeks, you will learn about fundraising fundamentals from experienced investors and entrepreneurs.
Through office hours, you will have the chance to receive personalized advice from lawyers and accountants.
Pitch to win $5K during our Raise Expo.
Your team will receive up to $150 in credits toward software licenses.
You’ll learn and grow alongside a network of like-minded people.
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.
No, this program is completely free of charge.
At IBZ, we select entrepreneurs rather than ideas. We are looking for individuals who have long-term growth potential. To be considered for the program, applicants will have to submit a written application followed by an interview with the IBZ advisors.
The program is run nationally and is currently hosted in Atlantic Canada, Ontario, and Quebec.
Yes. We evaluate on a case-by-case basis, so don’t let the criteria deter you from applying.
The short answer is yes. While having revenue is not a requirement, be prepared to answer some of the following questions during the application process: Have you identified who your paying customers are? Do you have a sustainable business model and revenue source(s)? Have you developed scalable customer acquisition channel(s)?
No, only the CEO of your startup needs to complete the application.
We select participants in teams, so everyone in your team is welcome to participate.
No. The Raise program is designed to help you check all the boxes on your personalized fundraising to-do list. Your primary objective is very simple - become investor ready, whether that’s identifying your funding needs, filing for patents, or perfecting your pitch. Although there are no required deliverables, we strongly encourage you to work with your dedicated advisor to set weekly goals and milestones.
Attendance at our workshops, clinics, and other events is not required, but we highly recommend it so you can get the most out of this program. Attendance at your one-on-one meetings with your mentors and advisors is required.
No, you can apply without having any affiliation with TMU.
At IBZ, we see startups develop game-changing ideas, but at some point, they ask “How do I take my startup to the next growth phase?”
Well, the simple answer is you need to raise money. Although money can’t guarantee success, it will help your startup take off and build credibility with stakeholders.
But fundraising preparation is no easy feat for startup founders. That’s why we created Raise.
You'll have the opportunity to network with investors and angels through events, workshops, and simulated investor meetings.
During the first 2 weeks, you will learn about fundraising fundamentals from experienced investors and entrepreneurs.
Through office hours, you will have the chance to receive personalized advice from lawyers and accountants.
Pitch to win $5K during our Raise Expo.
Your team will receive up to $150 in credits toward software licenses.
You’ll learn and grow alongside a network of like-minded people.
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.
No, this program is completely free of charge.
At IBZ, we select entrepreneurs rather than ideas. We are looking for individuals who have long-term growth potential. To be considered for the program, applicants will have to submit a written application followed by an interview with the IBZ advisors.
The program is run nationally and is currently hosted in Atlantic Canada, Ontario, and Quebec.
Yes. We evaluate on a case-by-case basis, so don’t let the criteria deter you from applying.
The short answer is yes. While having revenue is not a requirement, be prepared to answer some of the following questions during the application process: Have you identified who your paying customers are? Do you have a sustainable business model and revenue source(s)? Have you developed scalable customer acquisition channel(s)?
No, only the CEO of your startup needs to complete the application.
We select participants in teams, so everyone in your team is welcome to participate.
No. The Raise program is designed to help you check all the boxes on your personalized fundraising to-do list. Your primary objective is very simple - become investor ready, whether that’s identifying your funding needs, filing for patents, or perfecting your pitch. Although there are no required deliverables, we strongly encourage you to work with your dedicated advisor to set weekly goals and milestones.
Attendance at our workshops, clinics, and other events is not required, but we highly recommend it so you can get the most out of this program. Attendance at your one-on-one meetings with your mentors and advisors is required.
No, you can apply without having any affiliation with TMU.