A national research commercialization ecosystem, supporting Canada as a global leader in innovation and technology.
The Innovation + Impact Network of Canada (I-INC) accelerates and drives research commercialization outcomes across Canada’s universities through entrepreneurship and innovation training and venture-focused experiential programs designed specifically for scientific researchers. Member institutions contribute to the development and delivery of services, networks and best practices, improving the effectiveness, scale and impact of research and innovation activities within their institutions.
I-INC’s programs build on the existing incubator and accelerator ecosystem, addressing the specific needs of researchers and students developing research-based and deep-tech ventures. I-INC member institutions can access a rich ecosystem of domestic and international research partners, identify funding opportunities, connect with top program leaders and mentors, and leverage industry-leading best practices and world-class programming and services.
The programs are open to graduate students and researchers from any university in Canada, providing access to the best programming and networks across the country.
I-INC originated in 2014 when Toronto Metropolitan, Simon Fraser and Ontario Tech universities were supported by the Canada Accelerator Incubator Program (CAIP). The program was delivered by the National Research Council – Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP). Following the CAIP program, the network expanded its attention to the acceleration of Canadian university research from the lab to market with impact in Canada.
Steering Committee
Inclusive of representatives from each of I-INCs principal institutions, the steering committee provides direction and support to program development and the onboarding of new member institutions. The committee also works to identify and develop additional partnership and funding opportunities on behalf of the network, and supports the overall growth and scaling of I-INC’s programming across Canada.
Jeff Larsen
Assistant Vice-President, Innovation and Entrepreneurship and Adjunct Professor in the Faculty of Management at Dalhousie University
Sarah Lubik
Executive Director, Charles Chang Institute for Entrepreneurship at Simon Fraser University
John MacRitchie
Assistant Vice-President, Zone Learning and Strategic Initiatives at Toronto Metropolitan University
Jim McLellan
Professor of Chemical Engineering and Academic Director, Dunin-Deshpande Queen’s Innovation Centre
