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SFU launches i2I Research and Innovation Institute to strengthen Canada’s innovation ecosystem
A new research institute at Simon Fraser University (SFU) aims to address global challenges by unlocking the underutilized potential of Canada’s top research talent.
SFU’s i2I (Invention to Innovation) Research and Innovation Institute (i2IRII) will serve as the national centre of excellence dedicated to strengthening Canada’s innovation ecosystem. The Institute aims to grow Canadian entrepreneurial capacity by helping researchers translate their discoveries into practical applications, and support innovation by bridging the gap between scientific invention and real-world impact.
“A major milestone in the evolution of the i2I program, the i2I Research and Innovation Institute will better mobilize Canada’s world-class research into impactful innovation,” says Elicia Maine, director of the institute and associate vice-president, knowledge mobilization & innovation. “The institute will advance science innovation research and mobilization, while offering tailored training programs to equip STEM and Healthcare researchers with entrepreneurial and innovation skills, enhancing both regional and national innovation performance.”
The i2IRII was established following a $22.9 million funding announcement to expand SFU’s award-winning i2I program across Canada. As the operational hub of the National i2I Network, the institute will oversee curriculum delivery and development, while guiding strategic direction through the National Leadership Team, with input from regional i2I leads. The network now includes 13 leading Canadian research universities and health research institutes, along with 57 partner organizations.
To date, i2I has trained over 500 graduates from more than 30 universities. Program alumni are making a significant impact in B.C. and beyond, serving as founders of science-based ventures, translational scientists, mentors in research labs and innovation leaders in science-driven industries.
Expanded programing to support faculty
The Intensive i2I Faculty Innovation Fellows Program (FIFP) launched this spring as the first offering from the institute and the latest addition to the i2I program suite. Led by i2I associate academic director Jim McLellan of Queen’s University, and taught by i2I faculty from across Canada, 22 faculty from SFU and network institutions including UBC, UVic, UNBC, UFV, UManitoba, Queens, Polytechnique Montreal and Dalhousie University participated in the week-long science innovation program. Additional highly qualified personnel from network partners Conestoga College, Providence Health, Fraser Health, and Australian university ASU participated.
The FIFP is designed to empower faculty to become better translational researchers and trusted boundary spanners within the national i2I network, while fostering a deeper innovation culture change at their own institutions. Over the course of the week, participants explored innovation management and entrepreneurship concepts, applying and tailoring them to advance their own research.
"The i2I Faculty Innovation Fellows program was a transformative learning experience,” says SFU sustainable energy engineering professor Sami Khan. “The program challenged me to look beyond the traditional lenses of feasibility and profitability in the lab-to-market journey, shifting my focus to recognize and create shared value for all parties involved.”
“i2I also emphasized that setbacks are a natural part of the innovation journey, and I learned to see them as opportunities to return to the drawing board and iterate. This adaptive mindset was reinforced by the program’s strong mentorship. i2I instructors were receptive to my learning style and provided constructive feedback that sharpened my business pitch.”
Applications for the next cohort of the i2I Skills Training Program are now open. This eight-month part-time program is designed to help participants build a compelling plan to take their own research to impact while building a national network of peer-learning and expert mentoring.
Committed to Canadian Innovation
With the launch of i2IRII, SFU is deepening its commitment to advancing Canada’s innovation ecosystem. Equipping researchers with the skills and tools they need to mobilize their discoveries, the i2IRII will create meaningful change across sectors unlocking Canada’s innovation capacity to help address some of our most pressing challenges.
Learn more about the i2I Research and Innovation Institute: www.sfu.ca/i2i-research-innovation-institute