Lab2Market Validate Program
Validate your idea as a business
The Lab2Market Validate program is a four-month program that provides research teams, consisting of a graduate student and their faculty supervisor, with the opportunity to evaluate the commercial potential of their technology through a structured, data-driven market research process with $10,000 in funding to support the journey.
As an academic partner, YSpace will deliver the Ontario cohort of the Lab2Market Validate program in partnership with Lab2Market, a national initiative that helps brilliant minds in graduate programs and postdoctoral programs reimagine their futures.
What to expect
With Lab2Market Validate, participants will be given the opportunity and space to explore the possibilities of their work. Throughout the program, participants will discover their passion for entrepreneurship, build an entrepreneurial skillset, and connect with the network they need to turn their ideas into successful businesses.
Grant Opportunity
Receive $10,000 in funding. This financial support will support participants to work full-time and complete all program-related activities and deliverables.
Product-Market Validation
Find out if your business idea has commercial value by assessing product-market fit in a supportive, community-oriented entrepreneurial environment.
Learning Resources
Grow your skills with a world-class curriculum delivered by innovation leaders, experienced researchers, and entrepreneurs who provide valuable insights and mentorship.
Networking
Joining the program provides access to a vast entrepreneurial network and community including best-in-class advisors, industry experts, and funders.
Information Sessions
We host information sessions to help you better understand the program and the application process. Bring your questions and join us for one of the sessions below.
Virtual Info Sessions
Info Session 1
Date: July 28th, 2026
Time: 2PM - 3PM
Info Session 2
Date: August 19th, 2026
Time: 1PM - 2PM
Info Session 3
Date: September 8th, 2026
Time: 12PM - 1PM
In-person Drop-in Info Sessions
Info Session 1
Date: August 5th, 2026
Time: 2PM - 4PM (Drop-in)
Location: YSpace Lassonde - Bergeron Centre of Excellence 2nd floor
Info Session 2
Date: August 19th, 2026
Time: 2PM - 4PM (Drop-in)
Location: YSpace Lassonde - Bergeron Centre of Excellence 2nd floor
Timeline
Applications Open
July 14, 2026
Applications Close
September 11, 2026
Team Interviews
October 2026
Mitacs BSI Grant Application Guide
November 2026
Applicants will be notified of their approval for Mitacs funding and full acceptance into the program by November 2026.
Program Start
March 2027
Application process
Step 1:
Applications for the 2027 Spring cohort are now open. Apply Now!
Step 2:
Team Interviews
Selected applicants will participate in team interviews. It is mandatory that both the Entrepreneurial Lead (the student) & Technical Lead (the faculty researcher/PI) attend. The interview will assess the team’s dynamic and overall program fit.
Step 3:
Mitacs BSI Grant Application Guide
Applicants selected from team interviews will work with their respective Mitacs Business Development representatives to complete a Mitacs BSI Grant Application.
Step 4:
Selection
Applicants selected for the final cohort will be contacted in February 2027.
Program eligibility
- Applicants must apply in teams consisting of a(n)
- Entrepreneurial Lead (EL): A full-time graduate (Masters or Ph.D.) student or postdoctoral fellow (service is under 5 years). Recent graduates must be within two years of graduation at the start of their project. The EL is expected to work on the project full-time (a minimum of 25 hours/week) over the duration of the program and must represent the team in all training sessions. College students are also eligible
- Technical Lead (TL): The principal investigator of the research project. The TL is expected to participate in select training sessions and assist the EL throughout the program. The TL must be tri-council funding eligible.
- The project, which the team applies with, must be based on research conducted by the entrepreneurial lead and funded through the technical lead’s lab.
- Please note, that the academic supervisor from a college can be eligible research staff, which would be someone with the background/expertise that would be reasonable to support the student in the supervisory role.
Frequently asked
Apply now!
Applications are now open!
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Contact us
For more information, please contact us at
yspace@yorku.ca
416-736-2100 ext. 44940
