Research Mobilization program helps international students commercialize research at Memorial
From the Springboard Content Lab
Newfoundland and Labrador is helping international students at Springboard member Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador turn research into real-world impact with a new research mobilization program.
The Research Mobilization Fellowship will train international graduate students to commercialize their research.
This project creates pathways for international graduate students to remain in the province post-graduation, contributing to workforce development and community integration. The Memorial Research Innovation Office administers the program.
The application deadline is September 15, 2025.
$299K to fund 17 fellowships for international students
Thanks to a $299,000 grant from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, 17 Research Mobilization Fellowships are available for international graduate students. It provides international graduate students with $15,000 each.
This program aims to bridge the gap between academic research and research commercialization, empowering students to translate their science and engineering research into commercially viable outcomes.
Eligible students will complete workshops on translational R&D; a course in entrepreneurship, innovation, and professional skills, one-on-one coaching with entrepreneurs; and real-world-experience workshops to align research projects with market needs.
Fellowship is a “gamechanger”
Dr. Carlos Bazan, associate professor, technology entrepreneurship, in the Faculty of Business Administration, says this program is “a game-changer” for research mobilization and entrepreneurially minded students at Memorial.
“The Research Mobilization Program is about transforming brilliant research into real-world impact. We’re empowering international graduate students to see their research not just as a thesis, but as the foundation for innovation, entrepreneurship and economic growth. This is about unlocking Canada’s full potential by supporting the next generation of globally minded technology leaders right here in Newfoundland and Labrador. Our goal is to help students move from lab bench to market — creating startups, building careers and solving pressing global challenges along the way.” – Dr. Carlos Bazan, pictured in middle.
Springboard representative Angela Avery is acting director of innovation and entrepreneurship in the Research Innovation Office, which is part of the Office of the Vice-President (Research).
“This unique program aims to bridge the gap between academic research and research commercialization, empowering students to translate their science and engineering research into commercially viable outcomes,” she said.
Memorial students with big ideas
Sanjay Dubey is an international student in the final year of the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Program in the Department of Process Engineering. His startup company, BioLabMate, aims to develop sustainable labware products made from seaweed-based bioplastics.
“Bioresearch generates two per cent of plastic waste, which means that 5.5 million tons of single-use lab plastics are discarded globally each year,” he said. “Our goal is to provide eco-friendly alternatives for research labs and medical facilities to help them reduce their environmental footprint without compromising functionality or quality.”
Dr. Nazanin Aboozari, is in her second year of a masters in kinesiology degree in the School of Human Kinetics and Recreation. She is developing a model to help diagnose muscle disorders.
“We are exploring whether we can develop a precise model to differentiate between various electrical muscle activities using machine learning,” she said. “This could be beneficial in diagnosing muscle disorders, rehabilitation and even assistive muscle devices.”
The Memorial Research Innovation Office is a member of the Springboard Network of 19 Atlantic Canadian universities and colleges. The Network promotes research commercialization and industry engagement.