Springboard is a member-based organization that helps grow the innovative economy by bringing industry and researchers together to solve real-world problems. It also provides early-stage support to commercialize research IP with significant market potential. Springboard is supported by ACOA and our network members.

FAQs for Springboard Atlantic

1. What is Springboard Atlantic?

Springboard Atlantic is a unique network of 19 colleges and universities in Atlantic Canada. We support promising research within our network with funding to commercialize. We also connect industry with researchers to solve real-world problems and drive economic growth in the innovation sector.

2. How does Springboard Atlantic support innovation?

Springboard Atlantic supports innovation by providing early-stage commercialization funding to researchers working within our network institutions.  We also link companies to research expertise and provide  intellectual property (IP) guidance and funding to accelerate commercialization and product development.

3. Who can partner with Springboard Atlantic?

Businesses, startups, entrepreneurs, and researchers across Atlantic Canada can partner with colleges and universities within the Springboard Network to access support for innovation and commercialization. These relationships are managed by the Industry Engagement Professionals working in offices of commercialization and industry engagement in our member institutions.

4. What programs does Springboard Atlantic offer?

Springboard’s Innovation Mobilization fund offers early-stage commercialization support to researchers working in the colleges and universities within our network. Our  IP Advantage program help businesses commercialize and scale innovation with intellectual property.

5. Why is research commercialization important in Atlantic Canada?

Research commercialization transforms academic discoveries into market-ready solutions, boosting economic growth, competitiveness, and job creation in Atlantic Canada.

6. Who is part of the Springboard Network?

Springboard is made up of 40+ Industry Engagement Professionals (IEPs) located in our 19 colleges and universities in Atlantic Canada. These IEPs are experts on the funding landscape in the region. They also provide guidance, support and training to researchers who are commercializing their ideas and intellectual property.  If you are currently enrolled or employed by one of our member institutions and would like to turn your research into a startup, reach out to Springboard IEP in your institution.