Lab2Market

Lab2Market is Canada’s national research commercialization program supported by Mitacs and NSERC.

McMaster University is a proud delivery partner for the Lab2Market Ontario Hub and Health Hub, providing students and researchers with the opportunity to explore entrepreneurship and bring their innovations to life. Lab2Market is fully virtual, connecting participants with a Canada-wide network of expert mentors, industry leaders, and seasoned entrepreneurs.

Whether you’re just starting to explore entrepreneurship or ready to take your research to market, Lab2Market’s suite of programs can support you on your entrepreneurship journey.  With tailored programming and national connections, McMaster entrepreneurs gain the skills, resources, and support needed to turn bold ideas into real-world impact.

Lab2Market Programs Suite

L2M Discover Learn More

Program Goal: Explore entrepreneurship and assess your research’s commercial potential
Eligibility: undergraduate students, graduate students, postdocs, or recent grads in Canada
Time Commitment: 3 hrs/week for 10 weeks
Funding Support: None
Cost: Free

L2M Validate Learn More

Program Goal: Validate your research’s market potential through customer discovery
Eligibility: Team with Entrepreneurial Lead (undergrad/grad student/postdoc/recent grad) + Technical Lead (faculty)
Time Commitment: Full-time for 4 months
Funding Support: $10,000 stipend
Cost: Free

L2M Launch Learn More

Program Goal: Turn validated ideas into scalable ventures with expert mentorship
Eligibility: Teams with undergrad/grad student/postdoc/recent grad + faculty; must have completed market validation
Time Commitment: Full-time for 4 months
Funding Support: $10,000 stipend
Cost: Free

L2M Build Learn More

Program Goal: Develop a market-ready product and build partnerships
Eligibility: Canadian research teams in Natural Sciences and Engineering
Time Commitment: 12 months (phased approach)
Funding support: Up to $155,000 in support
Cost: Free

Upcoming Cohorts Delivered By McMaster

Listed are upcoming cohorts delivered by McMaster University. Check the Lab2Market website for other programs delivered nationally.

Expandable List

In collaboration with the Centre for Probe Development and Commercialization (CPDC), the Discover Radiopharma Fall 2025 cohort is designed for those interested in advancing ideas within the radiopharmaceutical field.

  • Program dates: Tuesday September 16, 2025 to November 18, 2025
  • Application deadline: Apply by September 3, 2025, 11:59 pm.
  • Application process: Applications can be accessed here.

The Launch Health cohort is designed for Canadian research teams building ventures in the health sector, including medical devices, health tech, therapeutics, and other health-focused innovations.

  • Program dates: February 3, 2026 to June 3, 2026
  • Application deadline: Apply by September 26, 2025 11:59 pm.
  • Application process: Applications can be accessed here.

FAQs

Expandable List

Follow these simple steps to join any of the Lab2Market programs:

  1. Choose your program: review the program options above (Discover, Validate, Launch, Build) and select the one that fits your goals.
  2. Check upcoming cohorts: look at the upcoming McMaster-led cohorts for dates, deadlines, and focus areas.
  3. Complete the application form: click Apply Now on your chosen cohort and fill out the online application.
  4. Submit and wait for confirmation: after applying, you’ll receive an email with next steps and timelines.
  1. Follow Lab2Market and McMaster Industry Liaison Office on LinkedIn.
  2. Sign up for the Made at Mac Newsletter

For any additional questions, please contact Sydney Valentino (valens@mcmaster.ca), Lab2Market Program Manager