Commercialization Boot Camp 
STEMCELL Technologies Inc., a leading partner in the life sciences community, together with the Stem Cell Network is pleased to announce a new professional development initiative for SCN trainees. The Commercialization Boot Camp has been designed to give trainees insight into the process of commercializing their basic research ideas and projects.
Summary
- Application Deadline: November 20, 2009
- SCN provides travel funds (travel, accommodation and meals) for trainees to attend a three-day Commercialization Boot Camp at STEMCELL Technologies in Vancouver.
- STEMCELL Technologies provides three day training in commercialization.
Eligibility
- Applicants must be a trainee or a professional supervised by an SCN PI (view list of SCN PIs).
- Proposals must clearly be related to stem cells. Please note that although all stem cell proposals will be reviewed, proposals related to human embryonic or induced pluripotent stem cells will be given priority.
- Proposal must clearly demonstrate a potential for commercialization.
- Applications must be co-signed by the trainee, the supervisor and the owner of the intellectual property described in the proposal.
Specific Terms of the Award
The intent of this award is to enable SCN trainees to obtain hands-on experience in the commercialization of basic research ideas and projects. Ultimately, this program should also promote commercialization of stem cell products in Canada.
STEMCELL and SCN expect to run several competitions annually, with up to five awards granted per year. The awards include a three-day Boot Camp at STEMCELL Technologies headquarters (Vancouver) during which trainees will receive expert training on the research and development processes required to translate an idea into a commercial product. In addition, the awards include up to $2,000 in travel and accommodation funds to attend the Boot Camp. At the conclusion of the internship, the awardees will be expected to submit a short description of the experience and its impact on his/her career choice.
The Commercialization Boot camp will consist of three full days during which the trainee will be taken through a fast-tracked version of the steps required to turn a research idea into a saleable product. This is a novel opportunity for trainees to learn concepts outside of those normally experienced in academia, namely: market potential, intellectual property, licensing, and return on investment. They will also gain an understanding of R&D product design and development, quality control, marketing and sales and customer support. The training will be provided in the form of lectures, case studies, hands-on work, critique and recommendations - see the Commercialization Boot Camp schedule.
Applications will be assessed by the Commercialization Boot Camp Review Committee (CBRC) for suitability to the outlined program. The CBRC is composed of STEMCELL employees and SCN principal investigators. The CBRC will select applications that provide a mutually beneficial experience for both the trainee and STEMCELL Technologies. In cases where applications are not considered suitable, STEMCELL, through the CBRC, will give constructive feedback and recommendations to encourage re-submission of a revised application or new application. Please note that CBRC members will be requested to execute a Confidentiality and Non-disclosure agreement for the purpose of the applications review.
Application Procedure
Please note that attachments to the Application Form include:
- Letter of support from the SCN supervisor as detailed in the Application Form.
- Trainee's CV in NCE format as detailed in the Application Form.
The completed Application Form should be signed either electronically or by hand by the trainee, the supervisor and the owner of the Intellectual Property; and converted to a PDF file. All correspondence, including application submission, should be addressed to smartino@stemcellnetwork.ca.
If you are not able to submit your application by email, please courier to:
Sandy Martino
Stem Cell Network
501 Smyth Road, Room CCW-6189
Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8L6
Phone: 613 739 6684