The Translational R&D Program supports graduate students in exploring the commercial potential of their research through an innovation and entrepreneurship lens. Participants will evaluate commercialization opportunities, develop entrepreneurial skills through coursework and programming, engage in monthly discussions and guest speaker sessions, and receive ongoing mentorship and support.

This 100-hour program takes place over three semesters, running from June to April. Graduate students participating in the program will receive a $4,500 fellowship.

Applications are currently being accepted; deadline to apply is Wednesday May 28th, 2025 at 2 p.m.  

Translational R&D Application form

 Program Details

• Monthly Discussions: Every month, students will read selected articles on entrepreneurship and engage in virtual discussions with peers and program leads to explore key insights and ideas.
• Coursework: In the fall semester, participants will complete BUSI 3630: New Venture Creation, a course designed to strengthen innovation and entrepreneurial skill sets.
• Entrepreneurial Programming: In the winter semester, students will participate in an entrepreneurial program offered through Memorial University’s innovation ecosystem. This may include initiatives like the Memorial Centre for Entrepreneurship (MCE) LearnLaunch Program, the Entrepreneurial Training Program (ETP), or incubator programs such as Genesis or Lab2Market.
• Guest Speakers: Two times during the regular monthly meeting timeslot, a founder of a recent startup will host a Q&A session and share their entrepreneurial experiences.

The Translational R&D Program is part of the project Supporting the Local Innovation & Entrepreneurial Ecosystem, generously supported by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador - The Department of Innovation, Energy and Technology (IET), and Mr. Mark Dobbin.