College-University Lab to Market Network
The College-University Lab to Market Network for Entrepreneurship and Research Commercialization is a strategic alliance of 38 leading Colleges, Polytechnics, and Universities in Canada. Squarely focused on supporting researcher-entrepreneurs in their journey to commercial markets, these institutions offer unparalleled access to specialized expertise, technical facilities, mentorship, and business know-how.
Note: The College-University Lab to Market Network website will be coming soon.
“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 Galaugher, Executive Director, Research Partnerships and Innovation, RRC Polytech
Our Programs
The Network is national in scope, delivering its programs regionally through a Hub and Spoke model across five geographic regions.
Our signature programs include Technology Readiness Level-Up, Market to Lab, and Indigenous Entrepreneurship.
Technology Readiness Level-Up
Technology Readiness Level-Up (TRL) provides experiential placement in College and Polytechnic applied research environments, including Technology Access Centres (TACs) and les centres collégiaux de transfert de technologies (CCTTs). The goal of the program is to provide a new understanding/mindset shift regarding the ‘how to’ of product development, scale up, and advancing technology readiness level toward commercialization.
The program offers training in commercialization and innovation, helping students and researchers take their work to market.
Key Dates for Pilot Cohort
Important: As spaces are limited and applications will be considered on a first come first served basis, we strongly encourage interested parties to submit as soon as they are able.
Expressions of Interest (EOIs) 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.
EOI Process Opens: April 11
Submissions will be phased into Round 1 and Round 2 to streamline review.
Round 1 Applications
EOI opens: April 11
EOI closes: May 9
Final application due: June 13
Round 2 Applications
EOI opens: May 9
EOI closes: June 6
Final application due: June 23
Award Decisions
Ongoing awards with a final date for all award decisions by August 23.
Program Start: September 2025
Who are the ideal participants for Technology Readiness Level-Up?
College and university students at all levels or recent graduates, who:
- have a research-based venture at any stage
- have an idea for a research-based venture and interest in forming a startup
- are seeking to advance the technology readiness of their invention, technology, product or service
How do I know if I am eligible?
- In Sept. 2025, you will be a current College, Undergrad, Master’s, 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
Length: Four-month intensive program
Delivery Format
- In-person, hands-on learning in specialized research facilities complemented by in-person and/or virtual cohort-based group training sessions
- Personalized mentorship with technology transfer and industry experts
Stipend: $10,000 per research participant
What to expect
1. Hands-On Applied Research in Specialized Facilities
- Access to advanced equipment and technical expertise across 10+ key industry sectors including aerospace, clean technologies, digital innovations, manufacturing, agriculture, health, and energy
- Technical support from research professionals at TACs, CCTTs, and similar applied research facilitates and labs
- Training on how to approach prototype development, testing, and validation in real-world settings (note: participants should be exploring other avenues for support of substantial prototyping and product development projects, and we can assist with exploring options)
- Training around how to approach and strategize developing a functioning prototype or product with market validation data
2. Expert Mentorship and Connections
- Each participant will be paired with a technology transfer professional and/ or an industry mentor
- Regular 1:1 sessions with mentors will focus on IP strategy, regulatory pathways, technology and market validation, scale up, and commercialization depending on the unique needs and field of the project
- Connect with a network of 2,100+ technology transfer professionals and 600+ industry mentors
- Personalized guidance on overcoming specific technical and business challenges
3. Collaborative Learning and Professional Connections
- Connect with a cohort of 20+ fellow researcher-entrepreneurs facing similar commercialization challenges
- Participants will learn about product development, prototyping, testing, and validation methodologies
- Group sessions will provide training on regulatory frameworks and market entry strategies
- Develop your professional network across multiple disciplines and sectors
4. Applied Commercialization Experience
- Engage directly with industry partners and potential customers
- Practical application opportunities for business and technology development principles
- Develop of a comprehensive commercialization roadmap
- Gain exposure to regulatory compliance requirements relevant to your innovation
What will participants learn and gain?
Technical competencies
- Develop strategies for overcoming technological and business challenges in commercialization
- Navigate product design, prototype manufacturing, field testing, and data collection methods
- Understand and address regulatory frameworks relevant to their 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 the 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.
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.
RRC Polytech campuses are located on the lands of the Anishinaabeg, Ininiwak, Anishininwak, Dakota Oyate, and Denésuline, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis.
We recognize and honour Treaty 3 Territory Shoal Lake 40 First Nation, the source of Winnipeg’s clean drinking water. In addition, we acknowledge Treaty Territories which provide us with access to electricity we use in both our personal and professional lives.