WE-Empower! Program
WE-Empower! brings together innovative and entrepreneurial individuals who self-identify as women
to provide free mentorship and training in entrepreneurship, research commercialization, and Intellectual Property protection.
This 8-month in-person educational program complements your research
and helps you build the skills and network to take your ideas to the next level.
Applications for 2023-2024 are now closed.
Learn the Fundamental Principles of:
1. Technology Transfer and Research Commercialization: The programming on technology transfer and research commercialization provides the tools needed to take research from bench side to bedside. In addition, researchers can receive support from the WORLDiscoveries team to explore their research programs and discuss potential projects for commercialization.
2. Intellectual Property Education and Market Assessment: Guest speakers and panel discussions provide training and education on protecting and managing intellectual property. This covers topics such as the benefits of patenting research, whether you should copyright your code, and why creating an IP strategy is important.
3. Entrepreneurship: Participants learn from professors and industry leaders on various aspects of entrepreneurship, such as market research, value proposition, pitching, business modelling, building a viable financial model for your startup, fundraising and marketing strategy.
4. Networking and Mentorship: Paired with industry leaders, seasoned entrepreneurs, and mentors, participants will build their network and gain valuable industry insight.
Program Content
This 8-month program is presented in 2 phases and runs from September to April. Check out the past syllabus as a sample of what’s to come in 2023-2024.
WE-Empower! is happy to provide programming in person.
Program Highlights
Multiple competitive funding opportunities for participants to continue their research commericalization journey.
Formal and informal opportunities to build your network within the innovation and research ecosystem.
Certificate awarded upon program completion.
WE-Empower! Offers
- Education in Business Development, Entrepreneurship, Market Research and Assessment, Business Planning, Intellectual Property Strategy, and Pitch Delivery
- Panel discussions and networking opportunities from Industry leaders
- A small, inclusive group of like-minded women researchers
- Opportunities to ask questions and receive specific feedback from Research Commercialization Professionals
The Ideal Candidate
- Graduate Student, Postdoctoral Fellow, or member of the Western University Faculty
- Excited to network with industry leaders and seasoned entrepreneurs
- Has research or an idea that they are looking to grow
How to Apply
After filling out the Expression of Interest form, a member of the WORLDiscoveries team will contact you to schedule an informal interview.
Applications for 2023-2024 are now closed.
Our Mission
WE-Empower! brings together innovative and entrepreneurial individuals who self-identify as women. The program strives to fill the gap that exists within our innovation ecosystem by providing support and training in entrepreneurship and research commercialization to promote the development of new technologies.
We are committed to empowering women to build the future of innovation for generations of leaders to come.
WORLDiscoveries strives to encourage and promote a culture of innovation and identify and facilitate the protection, development and timely transfer of research products and services.
For WE-Empower! program inquiries, please email us at ecomm@uwo.ca.