Our Programs
The Innovator Program
The Innovator Program is an intensive initiative offered by the Engineering Incubator, designed to commercialize research and technological innovations emerging from the University of Alberta. Each cohort is supported by an extensive mentor network of experienced founders who have navigated the entrepreneurial journey, guiding and supporting participants through the creation, growth, and scaling of their ventures. The program’s core objective is to translate university-generated intellectual property (IP) into market-ready solutions. Participants engage in patent exploration, industry analysis, and design thinking to evolve their concepts from low-fidelity to high-market-ready prototypes. As the program progresses, founders focus on defining their minimum viable product, developing pricing and go-to-market strategies, managing projects using agile methodologies, securing funding, and building high-performing teams. The Innovator Program aims not only to launch successful and impactful ventures, but also to develop resilient entrepreneurs equipped to transform innovative ideas into tangible, real-world outcomes within an ever-evolving business landscape.
Timeline
The Innovator program begins with an onboarding call with Luke Butterworth, our Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR) and primary mentor for the Innovator Program. If you can show not only an idea, but the willingness to take action you will then be admitted to our 3 month probation period. During this time, you will continue to meet with Luke to show off the outcomes of your continued actions. During this time you will be evaluated for selection into the main cohort, which will run for one year, with the possibility of extension. If your company has not been selected in the first 3 months you will roll over for another subsequent 3 month period.
Luke is an Entrepreneur in Residence at the Engineering Incubator, supporting 40 plus companies spinning out of the University.
Luke’s passion for building and innovating runs deep. While graduating from the University of Alberta Executive MBA Luke was part of and cofounded 3 startups in Telehealth, Robotics and AI/ML. In 2019 he participated in the NEXT36/NextAI incubator in Toronto. Luke is pursuing a new startup based on his experiences running an events venue, Better Venu, being built to help venues and vendors connect directly with clients.
Following a successful probationary term, teams will be fully enrolled in the program and a paired mentor who has the expertise to support the company's needs. We work in three-month time frames, with goal-setting and programming tailored to the current cohort's needs. The Engineering Incubator supports via messaging, investor intros, strategic connections, grant writing, and industry connections for sales and pilots.
Who is this program tailored for?
All University of Alberta Undergraduate / Graduate students, as well as Post-Doctoral Researchers, and Recent Alumni who have a defined problem and solution hypothesis
Prerequisites
No Prerequisites. There is a recommendation of either being in a research lab with IP or participating in the Explorer program.
Delivery
Synchronous / Asynchronous
2026-2027 Cohort Application Open
Apply to the Innovator Program
The Explorer Program
The Explorer Program is an introductory, workshop-based program designed to help members of the University understand what entrepreneurship looks like in practice and how technology-driven ideas can evolve into viable products. Delivered through a series of mentor-led sessions, the program introduces foundational concepts such as problem and idea discovery, customer and market validation, product and MVP development, intellectual property, and lean business modeling. Open to students from all faculties, the Explorer Program focuses on building transferable skills that support innovation, leadership and strategic thinking across any career path.
Who is this program tailored for?
All University of Alberta Undergraduate / Graduate students, as well as Post-Doctoral Researchers and Recent Alumni who are curious about entrepreneurship, and are interested in learning through an entrepreneurial lens.
Prerequisites
No Prerequisites.
Delivery
Synchronous / Asynchronous