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.
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Springboard Network
Industry Engagement Professionals from 14 universities and 5 colleges in Atlantic Canada
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Springboard AI Strategy & Action Plan
for Atlantic Canada
To celebrate our 20th anniversary, Springboard compiled this collection of our most impactful stories of research commercialization and industry collaborations
Our Stories
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UPEI launches parasitology residency to combat animal heartworm in Atlantic Canada
CategoriesresearchThe University of Prince Edward Island’s Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC) has launched a Veterinary Parasitology Residency Program to tackle the growing threat of heartworm—an emerging disease now being detected in dogs and wildlife across the region. Backed by partnerships with Mitacs and Boehringer Ingelheim Canada, the program is an example of industry-academic collaboration driving regional innovation.
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McKenna family donates $20M to St. FX for scholarships
CategoriesSt.FXSt. Francis Xavier University (StFX) has received the largest single private philanthropic gift in its 173-year history. The $20-million contribution came from alumni Frank McKenna and Julie McKenna and their family. It will be used to create the McKenna Scholars Program, designed to attract high-achieving students from across Canada with undergraduate scholarships.
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Woodward family invests $500K to expand innovation at Memorial
CategoriesMemorial UniversityA new $500,000 investment is accelerating the next generation of entrepreneurs at Springboard member Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador. The funding is provided by the Woodward family and will expand the Mel Woodward Cup, which is the university’s flagship student startup competition.
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MedTech NB Summit 2026: advancing health innovation through collaboration
CategoriesmedtechSpringboard is proud to sponsor the MedTech NB Summit 2026 which brings together healthcare leaders, researchers, innovators, policymakers, and industry partners to accelerate the adoption of innovation solutions in our healthcare system. Organized by Springboard Network member Université de Moncton, the MedTech event will take place May 19–20 in Moncton.
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Dal agriculture faculty partners with Royal Veterinary College
CategoriesDalhousie UniversitySpringboard Network member Dalhousie University Faculty of Agriculture has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Royal Veterinary College, forming a partnership that will open new doors for students, researchers and the future of animal health innovation in Atlantic Canada.
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Women in defence and tech: Building leadership and opportunity in Atlantic Canada
CategoriesDefence and Dual use technologiesA growing network of women-led initiatives across Atlantic Canada is reshaping traditionally male-dominated sectors such as defence and security to artificial intelligence. Organizations such as Women in Defence and Security (WiDS) in New Brunswick and Women in Machine Learning and Data Science are building leadership, talent pipelines, and inclusive innovation.
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Nova Scotia’s space industry is taking off
CategoriesDefence and Dual use technologiesNova Scotia is emerging as a hub in Canada’s space economy. Backed by a federal investment in cutting-edge research and a developing commercial launch ecosystem, the province entering a new era of space innovation. From satellite innovation to launch infrastructure, the region is building the foundations of a new high-growth sector—one that intersects aerospace, defence, ocean technology, and data analytics.
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ST.FX professor Risk appointed to energy research initiative
CategoriesSt.FXCongratulations to Springboard collaborator and St. Francis Xavier University professor Dr. David Risk on being named the Scientific Director for the Nova Scotia Subsurface Energy Research and Development Investment Program.
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UNB to host 2026 AI Summit in Fredericton June 3-5
CategoriesUniversity of New BrunswickThe 2026 Atlantic AI Summit, hosted by Springboard member University of New Brunswick, will take place June 3–5 in Fredericton. This event brings together AI leaders in industry, academia, government, and the innovation ecosystem. The Summit is Atlantic Canada’s flagship gathering on artificial intelligence. This year’s theme is advancing applied AI and accelerating real-world adoption across the region.
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Memorial Centre for Entrepreneurship launches the Problem Identification Lab
CategoriesNewsThe Problem Identification Lab has been launched by Memorial University Centre for Entrepreneurship (MCE). The Lab helps engineering co-op students capture high-quality, industry-focused problem statements and then transform them into guidance.
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