In spring 2019, Simon Fraser University’s 4D LABS presented a series of interactive workshops called Beyond the Bench Bootcamp. The workshops equipped students and members from the entrepreneur and innovation community with practical skills and knowledge in a variety of topics that made them more job-ready, and provided insight into what it takes to start a company.
Simon Fraser University's VentureLabs® congratulates the BC technology innovators recognized by Rocket Builders in 5 industry sectors: Agri-Food, Cleantech, Digital Health, ICT and Life Sciences. SFU VentureLabs hosts many of the recognized companies on the recognition lists as the leading accelerator bringing Canadian science and deep tech from lab to the global market.
Meet Nicky Dhaliwal. Dhaliwal joined Simon Fraser University in early 2018 and since then, has made significant strides in her role as the Strategic Initiatives Coordinator within the Office of the Vice-President, Research (VPR). As the project lead for the VPR Office’s strategic initiatives, she works to ensure the university is fulfilling its commitment to university-wide initiatives, specifically in innovation, entrepreneurship and community-engaged research.
It was the most diverse group of experts that Simon Fraser University has ever assembled for the #BCTECH Summit. Leaders in their fields and SFU experts in artificial intelligence, big data, materials research, computational linguistics, sustainable engineering and entrepreneurship engaged with summit attendees to share their knowledge and initiate partnerships. These connections led the way in making the 2019 #BCTECH Summit a resounding success for SFU as an academic innovation partner.
To help solve science and technology challenges posed by Canada’s Department of Defence, Simon Fraser University researchers submitted 10 projects to the IDEaS program and an astounding five were accepted. These funded projects—awarded over $900,000 in total—reinforce SFU’s national impact and commitment to research that benefits society.
From big data to mechatronics and health sciences, criminology and political science to interactive technology, the amount of innovative research happening at Simon Fraser University is staggering. Instead of keeping research locked behind doors for only a privileged few, the university is continually creating new ways to share this information with you, the public.
Looking back on 2018, SFU Innovates celebrates another year of innovation, research and changemaking across the university. We saw how a PhD student used virtual reality (VR) to help people increase mindfulness. We celebrated the installation of a $4.5 million electron beam lithography system in 4D LABS, Simon Fraser University’s state-of-the-art materials science and engineering facility. And SFU’s Director of Entrepreneurship was selected as a leader of Canada’s Innovation Agenda.
Here are just some of the many highlights from SFU Innovates in 2018.
Five student projects created through CityStudio Vancouver this term were recognized at HUBBUB #11 on Friday, November 30. CityStudio Vancouver launched in 2011 in collaboration with partners City of Vancouver and Simon Fraser University.
Twelve of India’s top new entrepreneurs are visiting SFU VentureLabs® after winning the Next BIG Idea contest sponsored by Zone Startups India. The visit is part of a two-week, all-expenses paid “Market Access Program” prize that includes visits to Toronto and Calgary as they explore Canada’s startup and innovation ecosystem with a view to expanding their businesses into North America.
