For UBC researchers and scientists focusing on innovations that will advance the future of our world.
Lab2Launch supports UBC researchers and scientists who plan to build, or are building, a deep tech venture based on a proprietary and novel scientific or technological innovation. Participants in this stream will dive deep into the DNA of their venture opportunity, articulating the problem they are solving, identifying who experiences this problem, and why the proposed solution is the preferred market opportunity.
Applications are open for Venture Founder: Lab2Launch until June 30. Apply now
Program Overview
In Venture Founder: Lab2Launch, we provide researcher-based, venture teams with industry expertise, practical business training and deep mentorship to develop research discoveries into transformational venture opportunities. The Lab2Launch series of mentor-enabled workshops helps teams identify a viable and valuable start-up opportunity, guiding the Venture Founder team through venture creation with a focus on team building, technology development, market traction, and financing through the 4T’s Venture Playbook.
Eligibility
Preference is given to Lab2Launch applicants who can demonstrate the following:
Team
- The venture team comprises at least two motivated individuals who are receptive and open to coaching and are able to receive advice which may be contrary to the teams’ thinking or opinions. Preference may be given to teams with a diversity of knowledge and skills (eg. a business person and a technical person) at the discretion of entrepreneurship@UBC.
- At least one member of the team must be a UBC student, faculty member or staff member, or a recent UBC alumni (within 5 years of graduation). At the time of application, student team members should be within twelve months of graduating.
- Applicant must be driven, motivated and have the bandwidth to pursue a startup venture with entrepreneurship@UBC.
- Applicant can articulate a vision for the venture whereby, the venture success can be articulated as being investible and/or scalable (vs a lifestyle business).
Tech
- A proof-of-concept in a model or setting validated by peers, partners or potential customers. Teams that have not progressed beyond the raw idea stage may apply, and will be considered on a case by case basis.
- Ability to clearly articulate a unique and proprietary solution, and identify IP that protects your venture opportunity.
- See TRL definitions here to estimate the level of development of your innovation. A TRL of Level 3 or 4 is recommended.
Traction
- Applicant has an understanding of their competitive landscape.
- Applicant has an understanding of the elements of their business model based on comparables and some market sizing.
Treasury
- Team should have a basic idea for revenue generation. There is no expectation for revenue generation in the Venture Founder stage.