Graduate Student Innovation Scholars
Elevate Your Research with Real-world Impact
Join the Western cohort of Graduate Student Innovation Scholars
and become a force of change in today’s dynamic innovation landscape.
Applications are now open for the Winter 2025 cohort. To participate, you must fill out an application form and submit your CV and a 200-250-word statement of interest. In your letter of interest, explain why you are interested in learning about entrepreneurship and technology transfer and how it fits into your career plans.
About the Program
Unlock the potential of your research and amplify its real-world application through our hands-on training program. This program is designed for graduate students interested in entrepreneurship, commercialization, and knowledge transfer. Our program guides you in creating substantial value from research technology. You’ll learn to bridge the gap between innovative technologies and market needs, craft intellectual property strategies, and navigate the complexities of commercialization. By the program’s conclusion, you will have developed a robust business plan and honed your ability to pitch transformative ideas while working on tangible technology projects effectively.
Dive into the syllabus and explore the pathway that awaits you. Each selected participant will enter into an agreement that details the program’s scope, with faculty endorsement welcomed.
Envision. Engage. Excel.
The Ideal Candidate
- Western or Ivey Graduate Student from any discipline
- Experience successfully achieving team goals
- Eager to connect and learn from industry leading professionals
- Strong writing and creative problem solving skills
We Offer
- Hands-on training in: Research Technology Review and Assessment, Market Research, Business Planning, Intellectual Property Strategy, Pitching
- Mentorship and Networking Networking Opportunities
A Graduate Student Innovation Scholars
Certification upon completion
Expertise in commercialization, entrepreneurship
and knowledge transfer
Prizes for the teams with the best
business plan and best pitch
Contact Us
To learn more about the Graduate Student Innovation Scholars program or ask any questions or request a personal info session, please email ecomm@uwo.ca.
Support
The Student Success Centre can provide help and support such as: help with your resume, CV or cover letter, interview preparation, career counselling for interest statement support. Learn more.
Apply Now for Spring 2025 Cohort
Applications are now open for the Spring 2025 cohort. To participate, you must fill out an application form and submit your CV and a 200-250-word statement of interest. In your letter of interest, explain why you are interested in learning about entrepreneurship and technology transfer and how it fits into your career plans.
Program Content & Delivery
January 2025 - April 2025, Conducted in person
| Week 1 | 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. | Meet & Greet | All |
| Week 2 | 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. | Business Plan Workshop | Colin Macaulay |
| Week 3 | 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. | Commercialization Process & Tech Assessment | Tristan Harrison |
| Week 4 | 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m | Market Research | Colin Macaulay |
| Week 5 | 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. | IP 101 | Charles Boulakia |
| Week 6 | 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. | Investor Due Diligence | Eric Morse |
| Week 7 | 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. | Go-To-Market Strategy | Deniz Edwards |
| Week 8 | 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. | Financials | Dave Simpson |
| Week 9 | 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. | Pitch Workshop | Eric Morse |
| Week 10 | 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. | Practice Pitch Sessions | Eric Morse |
| Week 11 | 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. | Final Pitch Event | All |
Course topics, speakers, and order of presentation are subject to change.
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