Deadline: September 26, 2025
Are you a student or recent graduate in Canada with an entrepreneurial spirit and a research-based innovation ready to be developed into a business? The Lab2Market Launch Program 2026 is now open for applications, providing research teams and graduate students the opportunity to transform ideas into impactful ventures.
This four-month accelerator is designed to equip research-driven students with mentorship, funding, and a Canada-wide support network to help them validate, refine, and scale their ideas. With a generous $10,000 stipend and access to seasoned experts, participants gain the resources they need to make their entrepreneurial journey successful.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the Lab2Market Launch Program 2026 is September 26, 2025. Interested applicants should ensure their teams meet all eligibility criteria before submitting.
What the Lab2Market Launch Program 2026 Offers
This unique programme focuses on building strong, viable ventures from research innovations. Benefits include:
- Financial Support: Participants receive a $10,000 stipend at no cost.
- Tailored Guidance: Direct access to expert mentors, workshops, and a simulated board of directors.
- Business Model Refinement: Practical tools to validate business ideas and strengthen the value proposition.
- Pitching Opportunities: Exposure to potential investors, funders, and industry stakeholders.
- Networking: Connection to a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem across Canada.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the Lab2Market Launch Program 2026, applicants must:
- Have a team that includes at least one of the following:
- A current graduate student (Master’s or PhD).
- A postdoctoral fellow (within 5 years of graduation).
- A recent graduate (within 2 years of finishing their academic programme).
- College students are also eligible.
- Include a faculty supervisor as part of the team.
- Demonstrate market validation by completing at least 50 customer discovery interviews.
- Commit full-time (30+ hours per week) to the programme to qualify for the stipend.
- Meet the Mitacs Business Strategy Internship (BSI) eligibility criteria.
Programme Duration
The Lab2Market Launch Program 2026 runs over four months and is delivered through seven regional and national hubs across Canada. This ensures participants benefit from both national resources and localised support.
How It Compares to Other Lab2Market Streams
Lab2Market offers several streams to support entrepreneurial journeys at different stages:
- Validate: A 16-week programme designed to test ideas and build foundational business models. It also provides a $10,000 stipend along with mentorship and workshops. Upcoming Winter 2026 cohorts, such as the Prairies stream, have separate deadlines (e.g., October 17, 2025).
- Discover: For early exploration of research ideas with market potential.
- Launch (the focus of this article): Specifically tailored for teams who have already validated customer discovery and are ready to build a sustainable venture with strong business foundations.
Next Steps to Apply
If you and your team are ready to turn research into real-world impact, follow these steps:
- Mark Your Calendar: Submit your application before September 26, 2025.
- Confirm Eligibility: Ensure your team includes the required members and customer discovery interviews.
- Prepare for Commitment: Be ready to dedicate 30+ hours weekly to the programme.
- Submit Your Application: Complete your application through the official Lab2Market portal.
Summary Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Deadline | September 26, 2025 |
| Programme Duration | 4 months |
| Funding | $10,000 stipend |
| Eligibility | Graduate, postdoc, or recent graduate + faculty supervisor |
| Requirements | ≥50 customer discovery interviews; 30+ hours/week commitment |
| Focus | Business validation, mentorship, funding readiness |
Final Thoughts
The Lab2Market Launch Program 2026 offers Canadian students and researchers a rare chance to transform research-driven ideas into thriving businesses. With full funding, national mentorship, and a supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem, this programme is a launchpad for building impactful ventures.
If you are serious about innovation and entrepreneurship, this is your opportunity to step into the future of research commercialisation.
👉 Click here to apply
👉 Read more about the programme
📌 For professional support in proposal drafting, refining, and review, contact grantsdatabase.org.
