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

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To celebrate our 20th anniversary, Springboard has compiled this collection of our most impactful stories of research commercialization and industry collaborations over the past two decades

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Our Stories

  • Agriculture in Transition: January 21-22, 2025 Fredericton, NB.

    Agriculture in Transition: January 21-22, 2025 Fredericton, NB.

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    Agriculture in Transition is a collaborative summit designed to tackle New Brunswick’s most pressing agricultural challenges while supporting interdisciplinary connections. This foundational event aims to bring together farmers, producers, industry leaders, community partners, policymakers, and researchers to build partnerships and identify actionable solutions to advance the province’s agri-food sector.

  • Springboard-sponsored PEI Cleantech event raised awareness of the industry

    Springboard-sponsored PEI Cleantech event raised awareness of the industry

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    The PEI Cleantech Academy recently hosted its second conference event in partnership with the Government of PEI, Holland College, UPEI, and Springboard Atlantic Inc. “Thanks to Springboard Atlantic this was a free event for the 160 attendees representing post-secondary institutions, communities, industry, organizations, and government,” says Sandra Moore, Director of PEI Cleantech Academy and PEI’s Cleantech Innovation Centre.

  • CBU professor collaborates with industry to create charcoal alternative

    CBU professor collaborates with industry to create charcoal alternative

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    A chemistry professor at Cape Breton University has been working on a sustainable alternative to charcoal called biochar for years. Biochar, produced by pyrolysis—the process of heating organic waste materials in the absence of oxygen—can be made from a variety of waste streams and has the capability to be used in soil fertilizing, remediating contaminated water sources, and so many other applications.

  • Empowering seniors: Navigating Life’s Later Years in New Brunswick

    Empowering seniors: Navigating Life’s Later Years in New Brunswick

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    “Aging in New Brunswick: A User’s Guide,” is a comprehensive resource designed to assist older adults and their caregivers in navigating the intricate healthcare system of New Brunswick.   Led by Lafrance in conjunction with collaborators at Universite de Moncton (UdM) and University of New Brunswick (UNB), the guide addresses the province’s aging population’s needs by providing clear and accessible information on services, forms, and resources.

  • Mount Allison company helps websites get discovered

    Mount Allison company helps websites get discovered

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    The Internet is a big, crowded place, but if your website can’t be found, it can be a lonely place too, especially for an e-commerce business selling products and services online.  Metafy, a company founded by Mount Allison University professors Dr. Lauren Beck and Dr. Michael Cormier, is boosting the online presence of websites and improving the experience of users.

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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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