SFU supports entrepreneurial research at every level.
Together, our partners and researchers are building high-impact innovations and companies that are solving pressing challenges in clean technology, computing, human health and more.
#1 Canadian Comprehensive University*
#1 in Canada for Innovation†
#1 in the world for sustainable cities & communities‡
*Maclean's University Rankings, 2024
†World University Rankings for Innovation, 2023
‡Times Higher Education Impact Ranking, 2023
Putting Research to Work
SFU's innovation ecosystem helps researchers move from lab to market, turning innovation into real impact.
Supporting innovation at every step
XoMotion is the result of a decade of SFU-led research and the product of an SFU spin-off company, Human in Motion Robotics (HMR) Inc. The company has recently garnered millions in investment, an overseas partnership and a suite of new offices in Vancouver.
Leading Innovation, Leading Innovators
By providing access to world-class research infrastructure and expertise, SFU is attracting renowned research entrepreneurs and innovators in emerging technology sectors.
Developing Canada’s quantum future
Photonic, a quantum computing company co-founded by SFU associate professor Stephanie Simmons, recently announced a partnership with Microsoft valued at $100M USD. SFU resources like 4D Labs and the Partnership Hub have helped Simmons grow the the company into a world-leader in quantum computing.
Supporting the Innovation Journey
SFU's innovation ecosystem provides flexible supports to researchers at all levels, at any stage of the innovation journey.
From student to CEO
Ionomr Innovations was co-founded by Ben Britton as a PhD candidate at SFU's Holdcroft Lab. Britton received support along the way from the Beedie School of Business i2I program, Coast Capital Venture Connection and SFU Venture Labs. Ionomr has now secured over $50M CAD in investment and was named to the Cleantech Group’s 2023 Global Cleantech 100 list.
Impactful partnerships Happen Here
Through access to shared infrastructure, expertise and talent, we are building partnerships to de-risk emerging technologies and maximize social economic impact.
Fueling clean energy innovation
Led by SFU professor and Canada Research Chair (Tier 1) in Electrochemical Materials, Steven Holdcroft, SFU's Hydrogen Hub will serve as a global centre for research and innovation to connect energy sector stakeholders to SFU research expertise. Together with our partners, we will accelerate development of hydrogen technologies for use in industries and communities in Canada and across the world.
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