Labs4
Labs4 is a national applied research and commercialization initiative that helps entrepreneurs and innovators turn ideas and research into real-world solutions. Through a network of Regional and Indigenous Entrepreneurship Hubs across Canada, Labs4 provides entrepreneurship training, mentorship, applied research expertise, and prototype development support.
BCIT is the Labs4 Regional Hub for BC and the Yukon and connects participants with the programs below, expertise, facilities, and commercialization support designed to help move innovations from idea to impact.
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