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Founder Matching Program

Turning breakthrough research into generation
defining companies

Commercialize cutting-edge research by pairing world-class scientists with proven entrepreneurial operators. The Founder Matching Program connects breakthrough researchers (“Ideators”) with experienced business builders (“Builders”) to co-found high-potential companies around protected IP and validated science.

Apply as an Ideator
Apply as a Builder

From lab to launch

Every year, Alberta’s post-secondary institutions generate remarkable research and IP but much of it never reaches the market.

Not because the science isn’t ready, but because the founding teams aren’t complete.

This program addresses the critical talent gap between invention and commercialization by forming strong co-founding teams built around validated science and entrepreneurial excellence.

Download Program Snapshot

Who should apply?

Ideators

Researchers, Inventors, Scientists

You’re working on a novel discovery, patent, or emerging tech and want to bring it to market. This program helps you:

  • Pair with a seasoned business co-founder
  • Stay science-focused while your builder leads the commercialization
  • Build a scalable venture based on your foundational technology

Apply as an Ideator

Builders

Entrepreneurs,
Operators, CxOs

You’re a startup founder, seasoned operator, or domain expert looking to co-find a venture backed by leading-edge science. This program offers:

  • $5,000/month CAD stipend (for 6 months)
  • A trial co-founding phase to test product-market fit and team dynamics
  • Opportunity to become the CXO or a business co-founder

Apply as a Builder

How it works

Match

We connect ideators and builders based on experience, need, and vision.

Trial Phase

Work together for 6 months under a structured co-founder framework.

Co-Found

If aligned, form a venture team and prepare for potential fundraising activities.

Know someone who should apply?

If you know a brilliant researcher or high-caliber builder, we welcome referrals. For any queries, contact the Program Manager, Arun Nair at anair@innovatecalgary.papercrane.ca

To learn more about the program, download the Program Snapshot.

Apply as an Ideator

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Apply as a Builder

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