Applications Open
Have an innovation or applied research project you want to take to market?
Technology Readiness Level – Up (TRL UP) is a 4-month national entrepreneurship program for students and recent graduates from across BC and the Yukon.
$10,000 in funding, Mentorship and industry connections, Hands-on venture training
Expression of Interest deadline: April 6 Apply now
Full program details, eligibility criteria, and application information are available on the Labs4 TRL UP program page
Technology Readiness LevelUp (TRL) Program
What is TRL?
TRL is a four-month commercialization accelerator offered through polytechnic and college applied research facilities. Participants receive a $10,000 funding, research placements, mentorship, hands-on prototype development, and business training. It is designed to help innovators validate their technology, strengthen prototypes, and align their solutions with market needs.
Who Is TRL For?
- Student innovators
- Early-stage researcher entrepreneurs
- Inventors preparing technologies for commercialization
Participants gain structured development sprints, mentor support, and entrepreneurship training to overcome the “research to market” gap.
Learn more about TRL
Market-to-Lab (MtL) Program
What is MtL?
MtL is a two-month program designed to simulate a real-world team-lead experience, where the student-founder leads a group of students to help address a commercialization barrier faced by her/his startup. Participants receive a $3,000 funding, management and business mentorship, and business training. It is designed to help innovators solve a commercialization challenge while developing business and leadership skill.
Who Is MtL For?
Innovators who have a commercialization challenge and are ready to lead a student team in tackling it through creative problem‑solving and innovation methods, all while strengthening their leadership and team‑management skills.
Learn more about MtL
Contact
Max Cimenti
Labs4 BC & Yukon Hub, Project Leader
max_cimenti@bcit.ca