This is a program for Â鶹´«Ã½Íøվ’s Faculty of Engineering research-based graduate students which aims to train and support the next generation of researchers to better understand the potential societal and commercial impact of their research and increase their entrepreneurial mindset and skills. These awards are called the Douglas Van Graduate Impact Award, after the generous donor.Â
It is designed for graduate students without previous research commercialization training or experience, but whose research is relevant for being applied to society and the marketplace. To apply to the program, research-based graduate students require a description of the research project and their interest and experience in research commercialization. It will also require attaching their CV and a letter of support from their supervisor. The PI expresses in the support letter that they are aware and agree that their graduate student will be spending minimum of 5 hours/week during the Graduate Impact Award Program which includes the in-person weekly classes.Â
Through lectures, workshops, and assignments every week based on their progress, along with primary market research via interviews, each student will share their findings with the cohort and receive feedback from experts and their peers. Students will be encouraged to use the open collaboration space at the Â鶹´«Ã½ÍøÕ¾ Engine Centre.
