Call for Applicants: Lab2Market Oceans / Validate, Exploring Commercial viability of their research
The Ocean Startup Project has opened applications for the next cohort of Lab2Market Oceans / Validate, a national program helping graduate students and postdoctoral researchers test the market potential of ocean-related research and explore pathways to commercialization.
The 10-week, full-time program provides researchers with $15,000 in Mitacs funding, expert mentorship and an intensive customer discovery experience, equipping teams with the entrepreneurial skills, industry connections and practical experience needed to determine where their innovations can create the greatest real-world value.
Hosted by the Research and Innovation Office at Memorial University and supported by Springboard Atlantic, the program takes researchers outside the lab and onto a customer discovery journey where they engage directly with potential users, partners and industry decision-makers. Through these conversations, teams test assumptions, refine value propositions and gather evidence needed to make informed commercialization decisions.
“Canada’s researchers are developing technologies with the potential to transform how we understand, leverage and protect the ocean, but discovery alone does not create impact,” said Dr. Paula Mendonça, Executive Director of the Ocean Startup Project. “Lab2Market Oceans / Validate helps researchers take the critical next step by connecting scientific excellence with real-world needs. When we give researchers the tools, confidence and connections to move their ideas beyond the lab, we are not only supporting the creation of new companies. We are building Canada’s capacity to solve global challenges, strengthen our ocean economy and shape a more sustainable future.”
The program combines structured exercises, workshops, coaching and mentorship with an intensive customer discovery journey. Participants explore stakeholder engagement, market assessment, intellectual property, regulatory pathways, revenue models and cost structures.
Eligible participants receive a $15,000 stipend through the Mitacs Business Strategy Internship program, supporting full participation in the intensive 10-week experience.
Since its launch in 2020, Lab2Market Oceans / Validate has supported researchers from universities and research institutions across Canada working in areas including marine transportation, clean energy, aquaculture, ocean observation, environmental monitoring, advanced materials, robotics and other sectors of the ocean economy.
Across all cohorts to date, Lab2Market Oceans / Validate has supported more than 90 research teams across Canada, who have collectively secured over $1.02 million in non-dilutive funding. More than 33 teams have advanced into entrepreneurship, commercialization pathways, or additional accelerator and incubator programs following their participation.
Key Dates
Information sessions: June 17, June 30, July 15 and July 29, 2026
Application deadline: August 11, 2026
Program concludes: March 27, 2027
The program is open to eligible graduate students and postdoctoral fellows conducting ocean research, ocean-related research, or research with a potential ocean application.
Applicants participate as part of a research team. The graduate student or postdoctoral fellow serves as the Entrepreneurial Lead, while a faculty member participates as the Technical Lead.
For complete eligibility requirements, program information and applications, visit oceanstartupproject.ca/l2m-validate.