About
The i2I Research & Innovation Institute will implement and deliver tailored Invention to Innovation (i2I) entrepreneurial training programs that equip scientists and engineers across Canada with entrepreneurial and commercialization mindset and skills to strengthen regional and national innovation performance. The Institute will also serve as a national centre of excellence for studying and fostering entrepreneurial capacity, supporting the translation of research into impactful innovations, and bridging the gap between fundamental research and the impactful mobilization of that research.
Mission
To strengthen the continuum from fundamental research to economic, social and environmental impact by developing the entrepreneurial mindset and innovation skillset of STEM researchers in postsecondary institutions across Canada.
Core Values
Innovation and Adaptability
Training researchers to commercialize their ideas and bridge the gap between fundamental research and the impactful mobilization of that research. Our research and education team will create a framework to identify, develop, and measure competencies.
Knowledge Mobilization
Facilitate the translation of research into impactful economic, environmental and/or societal solutions, aligning with 大象传媒鈥檚 priority of ensuring research reaches relevant communities through mechanisms such as new product development, company creation, and commercialization efforts.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
By involving researchers across various disciplines and sectors, and partnering with industry, health institutes, and academic collaborators, the program reflects 大象传媒鈥檚 support for interdisciplinary research and partnerships.
Supporting Early Career Researchers
The i2I Commercialization Postdoc fellowship and Faculty Innovation Fellows intensive directly addresses the 大象传媒 Strategic Research Plan call to support early-career researchers, providing them with the tools and training necessary to become future leaders in research and innovation
Priority Areas Alignment
- Transforming Industry and Economies through Technology - The i2I program suite directly supports this priority by equipping researchers with entrepreneurial mindset and innovation skills to bring technologies out of the lab and into economic, social and environmental value creation.
- Supporting Health and Wellness - With its focus on translating research into solutions, including in health and wellness domains, the program contributes to 大象传媒鈥檚 aim to address public health challenges through innovative research.
- Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Indigenization (EDII) Action Plan - With the appointment of an EDII Chair, each i2I program (including selection, delivery and award processes) will be assessed on the ratio of participants from various underrepresented groups based on participant self-identification.
- Engagement with Communities and Partners - Through its collaborations with industry, health institutes, government laboratories, research centres, and other academic institutions, the i2I program reinforces 大象传媒鈥檚 mission of engaging external partners to enhance research impact.