Invention to Innovation (i2I)

THE WORLD NEEDS MORE CANADIAN RESEARCH. CANADIAN RESEARCHERS NEED TO MOVE FROM INVENTION TO INNOVATION

Canada’s world class research can have transformative impact on our most pressing challenges, from clean energy transition, health systems’ change, environmental clean-up, sustainable agriculture and more, but without the right people, it will remain in labs and publications.  This requires investment in people: translational skills and mindset training for the researchers who will be able to better take research to impact and increase Canada’s innovation capacity. 

To achieve this vision, the transformational invention to Innovation (i2I) programs have been designed based on world-class research and experience specific to science-based translation and linked to national networks of academic and industrial mentors, helping researchers unleash their entrepreneurial mindset along three complementary paths: entrepreneurial researchers, innovators in industry and venture entrepreneurs.

Mitacs i2I Skills Training:  designed to help participants build a compelling plan to take their own research to impact while building a national network of peer-learning and expert mentoring. This part-time, 8-month program has been designed to help participants advance their plan and skills for impact while continuing to advance their research in the lab.

Graduate Certificate in Science and Technology Commercialization:  extends and deepens learning and commercialization planning past the Mitacs i2I, which counts toward the first four courses of the grad certificate. The next four courses augments previous learning and deliverables with leadership, finance and strategy training, as well as 1:1 business planning classes with expert faculty and mentors.

Note:  These programs are not offered by the Chang Institute, but through Beedie Executive Education.  Chang Institute works closely with its partner to deliver wrap-around supports to students enrolled in these programs.