Opus serves as the dedicated startup incubator for the University of Saskatchewan (USask), designed to transform academic research and innovative ideas into tangible, impactful solutions. The initiative provides a structured environment where students, faculty, and staff can apply entrepreneurial thinking to their discoveries. By offering a combination of skill-building, expert mentorship, and ecosystem connectivity, the program facilitates the creation of new ventures while fostering a community of like-minded innovators on campus.
Program Infrastructure and Levels
- i2Explore (Idea2Explore): This entry-level phase is designed for discovery and pathfinding. It offers Discovery Chats, Exploration Hours, and educational workshops to help USask members evaluate the potential of their ideas and begin building fundamental business acumen.
- i2Build (Innovate2Build): An intensive eight-month pre-accelerator cohort program focused on the validation phase. It targets ventures with a proof-of-concept (typically TRL 3 or higher) and guides them through business model development, customer discovery, and market testing.
- i2Market (Impact2Market): A post-validation support stage for ventures ready for commercialization. This level provides milestone-based coaching, long-term mentorship, and specialized infrastructure to help startups scale and enter the competitive market.
Key Participant Benefits
- Access to specialized founder-focused programming tailored to the unique challenges of research-based startups.
- Connection to a broad network of industry experts, professional mentors, and potential funders.
- Dedicated physical space at the Collider, located within the Innovation Saskatchewan Research and Tech Park in Saskatoon.
- Guidance on navigating intellectual property (IP) and university-linked commercialization processes.
- Support in preparing for external provincial accelerators and venture capital opportunities.
- Participation in the Opus Innovation Expo, a showcase event for presenting ventures to the broader ecosystem.
Facilitation and Community Support
The program is managed through the USask Research Excellence and Innovation (REI) office and is supported by a network of experienced coaches and mentors. Since its launch in 2022, the initiative has supported over 100 founders. The ecosystem is built on inclusive collaboration, encouraging interdisciplinary teams to work together and share insights across various scientific and technical domains.
Application Timeline and Requirements
- Eligibility: Participation is restricted to current University of Saskatchewan students, staff, faculty, and recent alumni.
- i2Build Application Window: Applications for the 2026 cohort are currently open.
- Deadline: The application period concludes on February 8, 2026, at 11:59 pm. "09 February 2026, 06:59 GMT+1"
- Program Commencement: The next i2Build cohort is scheduled to begin on March 3, 2026.
- Selection Process: The application involves a two-step digital process, requiring applicants to first become community members via their university credentials before submitting a formal program application.
Opus plays a critical role in the Saskatchewan innovation landscape by bridging the gap between university laboratories and the commercial marketplace. By providing a clear, tiered pathway for development, the incubator ensures that high-potential research is equipped with the business framework necessary for real-world application. As a central hub for university-led entrepreneurship, it remains a primary resource for founders seeking to transition from scientific discovery to sustainable business operations.