LABS4 LAUNCHES
Canada's applied research commercialization engine will support innovation ecosystem

Sask Polytech and its post-secondary partners across the country are proud to launch the website www.labs4.ca to officially introduce and establish Labs4 - a national applied research commercialization engine designed to support entrepreneurs and accelerate Canada's innovation economy.

Labs4 brings together 38 polytechnics, colleges and universities across Canada in an aligned effort to collaborate with businesses, entrepreneurs, and communities to transform more research into real-world solutions. Initially known as the College-University Lab to Market Network for Entrepreneurship and Research Commercialization, Labs4 will develop and deliver hands-on entrepreneurship training, product development support, and mentorship through eight Regional Hubs and three Indigenous Entrepreneurship Hubs that stretch from coast to coast.

"Labs4 is built for impact. This is innovation with purpose, delivered across every region and rooted in community," says Dr. Jolen Galaugher, executive director of Research Partnerships & Innovation at RRC Polytech and chair of the Labs4 executive committee. "We operate at the intersection of academia and industry to translate applied research into practical solutions. By teaching researchers and businesses how to work with each other, building stronger relationships with Indigenous communities, and scaling innovation with intentional speed and purpose, we'll equip entrepreneurs to quickly move from insight to action to benefit all Canadians."

Funded by NSERC, Mitacs, and its institutional partners, Labs4 is a $55 million initiative created to close Canada's persistent gap between research and commercialization across all sectors, while reducing barriers faced by equity-seeking groups and strengthening Indigenous and regional innovation. Leveraging the state-of-the-art facilities and subject-matter expertise available at network institutions will expedite entrepreneurs and creators' ability to take new products and processes to the market and therefore make both economic and social impacts sooner.

Three signature pillars differentiate Labs4:

• Indigenous entrepreneurship hubs: Incubators in Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario provide culturally grounded programming, mentorship, and wraparound supports tailored to First Nations, Métis and Inuit researcher-entrepreneurs. Programming is led by Indigenous institutions and rooted in self-determined goals, ceremony, and community priorities.
• Technology readiness level-up (TRL) program: A four-month placement in polytechnic/college -based applied research facilities where researcher-entrepreneurs receive $10,000 stipends to develop, test, and validate prototypes with expert mentorship.
• Market to lab (MtL) program: A two-month simulation in which researcher-entrepreneurs lead student teams to solve real-world commercialization barriers. With mentorship from business and innovation experts, participants gain leadership experience and build go-to-market strategies.

The TRL program is already underway: applications are now open for the upcoming Fall 2025 cohort.

"Labs4 is an excellent initiative that highlights the unique ability of polytechnics to bridge innovation and industry," says Ian McWilliams, associate vice-president, Applied Research and Continuing Education. "At Sask Polytech, we're contributing our strengths in applied research and training to the Labs4 program. Through business learning modules and internships at our applied research centres, we'll offer innovators valuable training and mentorship to help them transition into entrepreneurship. This funding will also support Sask Polytech students working on capstone projects or developing innovative solutions to real-world problems by providing financial assistance and expert guidance. We are excited to support entrepreneurs in commercializing their ideas."

Saskatchewan Labs4 partners include: Cultivator powered by Conexus, Innovation Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies, Sask Polytech, University of Regina and University of Saskatchewan. Sask Polytech is the regional hub lead and SIIT is the pawâcikêwikamik, Indigenous entrepreneurship hub lead.

Labs4 is poised to drive measurable national impact and support hundreds of researcher-entrepreneurs to explore the launch of new research-based ventures. The initiative supports not only new ventures and commercial products but also economic development, job creation, and inclusive growth across all sectors and regions.

To learn more about Labs4, its programs, or upcoming events, visit www.labs4.ca.