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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

 

  • Program dates: Starts May 3. 2027
  • Application deadline: November 24, 2027
  • Application process: Applications now open. Click here to start your application.

More to come.

  • Program dates: To be announced.
  • Application deadline: To be announced.
  • Application process: To be announced.

Upcoming Cohorts from the L2M Ecosystem

Discover upcoming cohorts delivered by L2M ecosystem partners across Canada.

Expandable List

Eligibility: Undergraduates, Graduate researchers (Masters, PhD and Postdoc) from universities and colleges in Ontario who are interested in exploring research commercialization and entrepreneurship. This program will be delivered by Brock University.

Info session: September 16, 2026. Register here.

Program dates: October 13, 14, 15, 2026

Application deadline: October 9, 2026 at 11:59 PM EST

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

All information sessions are virtual:

From Lab to Pilot: Panel & Social 

Celebrate McMaster Entrepreneurship Week with Lab2Market! Join founders, alumni, and ecosystem partners for an engaging panel discussion on landing your first pilot, followed by an afternoon of networking and community building. Connect with fellow innovators, gain practical insights, and celebrate entrepreneurship with us.

Wednesday November 18, 2026 | 1 PM

RSVP HERE

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