IBZ Open Access

ibz Open-Access

Dive into the world of entrepreneurship by growing you skills, connect with like-minded professionals in the IBZ network — all in a commitment-free manner.

IBZ Challenges

HOUSED UNDER innovation boost zone

Unlock your potential and tackle challenging problems with IBZ Challenges. Our program offers unique, hands-on opportunities to collaborate with like-minded peers. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a tech enthusiast, or a problem-solver, IBZ Challenges is your gateway to innovation and impact.

Join us and be part of a community dedicated to creating solutions that make a difference. Explore the current challenges and find your perfect fit below.

ABOUT l2m

Lab2Market is a nationwide program dedicated to fostering STEM innovation and commercial success in Canada.

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.
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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.

1) Discover

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.

Apply Here

2) Validate

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.

Apply Here

3) Launch

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.

Apply Here

FAQs
(Frequently Asked Questions)

Does the program cost money?

No, all three programs are offered free of cost.
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Who can participate in Lab2Market?

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.
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Where is Lab2Market available?

The program is run nationally and is currently hosted in Atlantic Canada, Ontario, and Quebec.

When can I apply to Lab2Market?

The application window for Lab2Market varies depending on the program.

Current Challenges

IBZ PREMIER LEAGUE

Get ready for an exciting lineup of activities, workshops, and competitions designed to challenge your robotics skills and teamwork.

The IBZ Premier League features a series of robotics boot camps and hands-on workshops, ending in a thrilling Soccerbot competition. Whether you’re a seasoned robotics enthusiast or a curious beginner, the IBZ Premier League has something for everyone. Join us for an unforgettable journey of innovation, collaboration, and friendly competition.

learn more

Past Challenges

D+R Quickathon

The IBZ D+R Quickathon was a full day hackathon designed for students to come up with solutions in four project verticals — cancer detection, glucose monitoring, combat robotics and green tech. This provided students the opportunity to unpackage complex problems, and cultivate their ability to consider tech-based solutions.

Infobesity Challenge

IBZ partnered with Readocracy to offer a challenge for students to unlock solutions that solve information overload. Students worked cross-functional teams to identify policies, technologies and innovations that can help our world consume the vast world of information, smarter.

IBZ MAKERSPACE

HOUSED UNDER innovation boost zone

Gain the technical skills needed to bring your solutions and ideas to life through IBZ’s Makerspace. This is your chance to familiarize yourself into cutting-edge tools like 3D printing, Arduino, and other hardware platforms.

All skill levels are welcome! Discover the opportunities available to you below.

ABOUT l2m

Lab2Market is a nationwide program dedicated to fostering STEM innovation and commercial success in Canada.

1) Discover

Apply Here

2) Validate

Apply Here

3) Launch

Apply Here

FAQs
(Frequently Asked Questions)

Does the program cost money?

No, all three programs are offered free of cost.
‍‍

Who can participate in Lab2Market?

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.
‍

Where is Lab2Market available?

The program is run nationally and is currently hosted in Atlantic Canada, Ontario, and Quebec.

When can I apply to Lab2Market?

The application window for Lab2Market varies depending on the program.

Automate Anything

Register now

IBZ's Automate Anything is your opportunity to master the fundamentals of Arduino. Whether you're interested in robotics, lighting, gaming, or gardening, this bootcamp will guide you through the very tool that does it all.

Join our comprehensive series that will teach you the basics, step by step.

3D Printing Workshops

Learn how to 3d print

Looking to develop a new skill?

Dive into the realm of 3D printing with our hands-on workshop at the IBZ, designed specifically for students eager to learn and create. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to refine your skills, our workshop offers a comprehensive introduction to the entire 3D printing process.

Tech Support office hours

Get Tech Guidance

Looking for Tech Support?

Dive into the realm of technology with our hands-on office hours at the IBZ, designed specifically for founders, students, and tech enthusiasts eager to learn and create. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to refine your skills, our sessions offer comprehensive support in various tech fields.

If you’re a founder or individual in the idea stage, or working on a course project, and looking for tech support in any of the following areas, feel free to book a time.

Book Now

IBZ HIRING PORTAL

HOUSED UNDER innovation boost zone

Are you interested in a paid opportunity to work with a startup? Introducing the IBZ Job Board! Showcase your skills to our startups, get notified of all new job positions, and apply directly to the startups. Get ready to kickstart your dream career today!

Apply for a job