Validate Foundations is a program designed for researchers in emerging technologies who are exploring the commercial potential of their work. It provides guidance on taking initial commercialization steps and leveraging available resources. Participants gain essential knowledge and tools to pursue commercialization opportunities, including a potential pathway to programs such as Lab2Market Validate.
Program Overview
• Format: A three-day intensive virtual training program.
• Objective: To provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the process and best practices for research commercialization.
• Structure: The program consists of six online sessions delivered over three days.
• Outcomes: Graduates will have the knowledge needed to begin their commercialization journey and strategically position their projects for opportunities within the innovation ecosystem, including Lab2Market Validate, incubator and accelerator programs, and public innovation grants.
Eligibility and Cost
• Cost: The Validate Foundations program is offered free of cost.
• General Eligibility: The program is open to researchers, including undergraduates, Masters, Ph.D. students, Postdocs, and faculty from all disciplines in Canada.
• Target Audience: It is designed for individuals seeking to commercialize their ideas, especially those who see how their technology can benefit the real world and want to understand the steps required for commercialization.
• Note: Eligibility may vary slightly depending on the cohort. Applicants should review the individual cohort description before applying.
Upcoming Cohort: Ontario Spring 2026
• L2M Validate Foundations Ontario - Spring 2026:
• Eligibility: Graduate researchers, including Masters, Ph.D., and Postdoc researchers, from universities and colleges in Ontario who are interested in exploring research commercialization and entrepreneurship.
• Delivery Partner: Toronto Metropolitan University.
• Program Dates: May 25 - May 27, 2026.
• Application Deadline: 18 May 2026, 05:59 GMT+1.
• Original Deadline Listed: May 17, 2026, 11:59 PM EST.
For individuals who have already decided to pursue entrepreneurship and commercialize their technology, Lab2Market Validate and Launch are also available. To request more information about Validate Foundations, applicants can contact validate@lab2market.ca. Applications for the Ontario Spring 2026 cohort should be submitted before the stated deadline.