Growing innovation in Atlantic Canada

The Springboard Network moves knowledge and technologies from universities and colleges to the economy. We connect industry with researchers to solve real-world problems and help entrepreneurs protect their IP.

Our Network
360 series
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Springboard by the numbers

957

Startups spun out of institutions

5925

Technology & knowledge transfers

$6.8B

Research generated

19

Universities & Colleges

40+

Industry engagement professionals

10,000+

Researchers

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Who are we?

Springboard Network

Industry Engagement Professionals from 14 universities and 5 colleges in Atlantic Canada

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IP Advantage

Providing support and information on protecting your start-up or SME with intellectual property

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Central Office

Meet our logistics and programming team in Springboard’s headquarters

Springboard team

To celebrate our 20th anniversary, Springboard compiled this collection of our most impactful stories of research commercialization and industry collaborations

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Our Stories

  • NovaResp: Breathing Easier, Thanks to Springboard and Nova Scotia’s Deep Tech Ecosystem

    NovaResp: Breathing Easier, Thanks to Springboard and Nova Scotia’s Deep Tech Ecosystem

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    What started as a prototype quickly gained traction — thanks in large part to Nova Scotia’s rich network of academic, government, and innovation support. Today, NovaResp’s team consists entirely of local graduates, many of whom started with the company as interns or researchers. And the company continues to give back — offering co-op placements and hands-on experience to students looking to explore innovative careers.

  • Springboard’s Fevens to speak at AI Summit

    Springboard’s Fevens to speak at AI Summit

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    Springboard is pleased to announce that Chris Fevens, Manager of Partnerships and Member Support will be a speaker at the Atlantic AI Summit to introduce AI researchers. He will take the stage on May 1 at 10:30 am. The Summit, to be held at Saint Mary’s University, May 1-3. Springboard is a Trailblazer Sponsor of the AI Summit.

  • Springboard sponsors Atlantic Canada AI Summit May 1-3, 2025

    Springboard sponsors Atlantic Canada AI Summit May 1-3, 2025

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    Springboard Atlantic is pleased to announce that it will sponsor the Atlantic Canada AI Summit 2025  May 1-3, at Saint Mary’s University, Halifax, Nova Scotia.  The Summit will showcase groundbreaking AI research, promote industry-academia partnerships, and highlight the exceptional AI talent within the region.

  • Springboard welcomes Hana to its Network

    Springboard welcomes Hana to its Network

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    Springboard is pleased to announce that Hana Nelson has joined its network of Industry Engagement Professionals. Hana joined St. FX University’s Office of Industry Liaison & Technology Transfer in February 2025. She is working as Industry Liaison Officer.

  • Bioinnovation centre positions NS as leader in life sciences

    Bioinnovation centre positions NS as leader in life sciences

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    Nova Scotia will soon be a major player in the bioinnovation space thanks to the newly opened Neptune BioInnovation Centre in Dartmouth. The centre will transform Nova Scotia’s bioindustrial landscape and will be a world-leading biofermentation centre, allowing Nova Scotia to compete globally, strengthen domestic supply chains and foster biotechnology advancements across critical sectors, including life sciences, pharmaceuticals, forestry and agriculture.

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Testimonials

  • The value proposition of Springboard is in learning, and encouragement, and developing new awarenesses and capabilities. It’s ACOA’s best work.

    Dr. David RiskSt. F.X. researcher and entrepreneur

  • Springboard is “backbone” of Atlantic Canada tech ecosystem. Springboard is a trusted source of expertise and support in region. 

    Jeff LarsenAssistant Vice-President, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Dalhousie University

  • Springboard was the only organization that combined proof of concept funding with patent and legal. That is what we needed at that time: Industry engagement funding to license the tech. It’s like they considered the whole lifecycle from ideation to commercialization. They don’t just provide funding, they guide the research through the whole process.   

    Dr. James RobarCo-founder Adaptiiv

  • Springboard provides a single point of contact for industry to tap the research capabilities of an entire region, and amplifies the R&D capacity of Atlantic Canada. At a time when Canadian business needs to improve productivity, Springboard is a working model that should be replicated in many other markets. 

    Peter MorieraFounder, Entrevestor

  • The world-class research taking place at Atlantic Canada’s post-secondary institutions is fueling innovation in every sector of the economy and giving our businesses a real leg up against the competition. And Springboard is right at the heart of it – bringing together the right partners to tackle some of the biggest challenges facing industry today and helping lay the groundwork for the success stories of tomorrow.

    The Honourable Gudie HutchingsMinister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA

  • Having the support of a Springboard ILO at Holland College was key to helping us to navigate the many different funding channels and to identify the correct path forward to support a collaborative R&D project.

    Chef Allan WilliamsCanada’s Smartest Kitchen

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