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.

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.

collage of GSIS students

We Offer

GSIS graduates

  • Hands-on training in: Research Technology Review and Assessment, Market Research, Business Planning, Intellectual Property Strategy, Pitching
  • Mentorship and Networking Networking Opportunities

The Ideal Candidate

GSIS finale 2022

  • 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

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

GSIS certificate illustration

Applications are currently closed.

Winter Cohort is in session.

Applications will open up again in the summer for the fall 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.

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.

Program Content & Delivery

January - April 2024, Conducted in person

Week 1 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Meet & Greet All
Week 2 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Business Plan Workshop Colin Macaulay
Week 3 3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Commercialization Process & Tech Assessment Tristian Harrison
Week 4 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Market Research Colin Macaulay
Week 5 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. IP 101 Charles Boulakia
Week 6 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Investor Due Diligence Eric Morse
Week 7 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Go-To-Market Strategy Deniz Edwards
Week 8 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Financials Dave Simpson
Week 9 3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Pitch Workshop Eric Morse
Week 10 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Practice Pitch Sessions Eric Morse
Week 11 3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Final Pitch Event All

Course topics, speakers, and order of presentation are subject to change.

This program is brought to you by

ecommGraduate Student Innovation Scholars