Program Overview
Lab2Market is a nationwide program that helps brilliant minds in graduate programs and postdoctoral programs reimagine their futures. Throughout the program, they’ll discover their passion for entrepreneurship, build an entrepreneurial skillset, and connect with the network they need to turn their ideas into successful businesses.
McGill University is a delivery partner of the national Lab2Market programs.
Upcoming cohorts:
Applications are closed.
Lay the foundation for your entrepreneurial journey
Validate Foundations is a three-day intensive virtual training program aimed at providing participants with a comprehensive understanding of the process and best practices for research commercialization. Upon completion, graduates will possess the knowledge necessary to initiate their commercialization endeavors and strategically position their projects to capitalize on various opportunities within the ecosystem. These opportunities include Lab2Market’s Validate program, incubator and accelerator programs, and public innovation grants.
Upcoming cohort:
L2M Validate Foundations Pacific - Fall 2026
Eligibility: Undergraduates, Graduate researchers (Masters, PhD and Postdoc) from universities and colleges across Canada who are interested in exploring research commercialization and entrepreneurship. This program will be delivered by the University of British Columbia.
Program dates: September 8, 9, and 10, 2026
Application deadline: September 4, 2026
Discover if entrepreneurship is for you
Lab2Market Discover’s online exploratory program helps you explore entrepreneurship and the potential of transforming your academic research into a world-changing technologies.
Lab2Market Discover is offered to Quebec applicants and francophones across Canada through the Quebec Scientific Entrepreneurship (QcSE) Program at V1 Studio. The program's content and experience are consistent with Lab2Market Discover, offered to residents of other provinces and territories. Quebec applicants can learn more by clicking here.
Upcoming cohort:
L2M Discover National - Fall 2026
Eligibility: Graduate researchers (Masters, PhD and Postdoc) and fourth year undergraduate students from universities and colleges in Canada who are interested in exploring research commercialization and entrepreneurship. This cohort will be delivered by Lab2Market.
Program dates: September 29 - December 1, 2026, Tuesdays from 1:00 - 2:00 pm EST
Application deadline: Wednesday, September 16, 2026
Validate your idea as a business
Critically evaluate and stress test your research as a potential opportunity.
- $10,000 stipend for the entrepreneurial lead
- Product-market fit assessment
- A world-class curriculum delivered by innovation leaders
- Access to best-in-class advisors, industry experts, and funders
- Access to a vast entrepreneurial network and community
Upcoming cohort:
L2M Validate Quantum - Winter 2027
Eligibility: Graduate researchers (Masters, PhD and Postdoc) and research associates from universities and colleges across Canada who are developing technologies with Quantum related applications, and are interested in exploring research commercialization and entrepreneurship. The technology must be related to Quantum computing, communications, sensing, algorithms or Quantum enabling technologies. This program will be delivered in English by QV Studio.
Program dates: Jan 25 - May 16, 2027
Application deadline: September 25, 2026
Launch your business into the real world
Build your business case, prepare for funding rounds, and become a startup.
- $10,000 stipend for the entrepreneurial lead
- Develop leadership skills to steer your startup
- Strengthen your business and operational know-how
- Learn how to effectively manage and scale a venture
- Get expert guidance on securing venture financing
Upcoming cohorts:
L2M Launch Quebec - Winter 2027
Eligibility: Graduate researchers (Masters, PhD and Postdoc) from universities and colleges in Quebec, from all disciplines, who are looking to critically test and evaluate their idea in the entrepreneurial landscape. This cohort will be delivered in French by Laval University.
Program start dates: March 15, 2027
Application deadline: September 20, 2026, 11:59 PM EST
