Fulbright Canada Entrepreneurship Initiative – Turn Your Research into a Startup

What is The Fulbright Canada Entrepreneurship Initiative (FCEI)?

The Fulbright Canada Entrepreneurship Initiative (FCEI) is a pilot program that connects industry challenges with academic researchers in the USA and Canada. The program aims to match commercially viable products with entrepreneurial-minded students and create new ventures. 

FCEI aims to unlock the potential of the Fulbright research network of 1000+ Universities; this will implement technological innovation and commercialize research that solves some of the world’s most pressing issues, create jobs, and drive environmental and social impact.

This program supports promising professionals, students, scholars and independent researchers who are interested in bringing their ideas to market. The program is open to all areas, with a preference for projects with identifiable social impact.

The FCEI offers professionals, students, and scholars the tools, knowledge, and resources to turn their innovative ideas into market-ready solutions. This support is designed to guide their entrepreneurial journey from the classroom, the lab, and the community to the market as they launch new ventures and commercialize their ideas.

“The unprecedented partnership of traditional startup acceleration and a fully-scalable online support program will provide the best of both worlds to participants and also allow the effort to expand more quickly.”

Program Highlights

Comprehensive
Support

Participants receive hands-on experience, mentorship, and access to startup acceleration resources from Alacrity Canada and Startup Science.

Social Impact
Focus

Preference is given to projects that address pressing societal challenges, such as climate change, sustainability, and economic inequality.

Networking and
Mentorship

The program emphasizes extensive networking and mentoring to guide participants from ideation to commercialization.

Inclusive and
Open

The initiative is committed to providing opportunities on a competitive and inclusive basis, particularly for founders with socially impactful solutions.

Where academia meets entrepreneurship

FCEI leverages Fulbright Canada’s connections to top research institutions and talent, as well as Alacrity Canada’s expertise in mentorship, investment readiness, and venture building, to create a strong support system for entrepreneurial development.

In addition, participants receive access to expert guidance from industry leaders and program network experts to help them succeed through the Startup Science platform.

About Fulbright Canada

Since its inception in 1946, Fulbright Canada has stood as a hallmark of international educational exchange, promoting mutual understanding between nations through academic and cultural programs.

With the launch of the Fulbright Canada Entrepreneurship Initiative, Fulbright continues bridging borders and minds in pursuit of a more prosperous and harmonious global community.

The FCEI leverages Fulbright Canada’s connections to top research institutions and talent.

Dr. Michael Hawes
President & Chief Executive Officer
Fulbright Canada

Robin McLay
Senior Advisor, Fulbright Canada
Director, Honouring Nations Canada

Turn your research into a startup

Ready to take the next step to commercialise your academic research? Get started below and we’ll make sure the right team member gets back to you.