Advancing Biomanufacturing and Life Science Innovations with Strategic Funding Support

Empowering trainee entrepreneurs to drive biomanufacturing and life science innovation in human health.

Non-dilutive tiered funding to help trainee entrepreneurs move from concept validation to scale-up and market entry.

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What is EQUIP?

Tailored non-dilutive funding for market-ready momentum.

The EQUIP pillar of BioHubNet provides commercialization support to help trainee entrepreneurs advance biomanufacturing innovations toward market readiness.

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Trainee entrepreneurs reviewing a commercialization roadmap with a venture mentor
Who Should Apply?

Built for emerging trainee entrepreneurs

BioHubNet EQUIP is designed for trainee entrepreneurs who are transforming cutting-edge research into real-world health and life sciences solutions.

  • Are a graduate student, postdoctoral researcher, or research associate.
  • Are a founder or play a leadership role in an early-stage venture, such as leading product development, business development or other commercial operations.
  • Are developing an innovation in biomanufacturing or life sciences and can demonstrate a clear human health application or potential impact.
Tiered funding approach

EQUIP offers two levels of funding support dedicated to advancing your innovations

Up to$5,000

VentureConnect Grant

Designed for trainee entrepreneurs looking to build connections and expand their network through industry or investor conferences, VC engagement, workshops, and pitch competitions.

  • Monthly funding availability
  • Investor meetings and pitch competitions
  • Entrepreneurship workshops and training
  • Commercialization connection-building

Eligibility criteria

  • Graduate students (Master’s or PhD), postdoctoral fellows, Scientific associates and Research associates
  • Innovation/Commercialization fellows will be considered case-by-case basis
  • Customer demos where the customer is non-academic, reviewed case-by-case
  • Entrepreneurship workshops or training with clear justification that equivalent training is not available locally

Supporting documentation

  • Confirmed or requested investor meetings
  • Invitations to pitch competitions
  • Scheduled meetings with relevant stakeholders
  • Documentation demonstrating efforts to build connections and advance commercialization
  • See application form for submission details

Eligible institutions

  • Available to all 41 BioHubNet partner institutions across Canada until January 2027.
  • Master's/PhD/postdoctoral fellows within 1 year of thesis submission/course completion/contract end date. Accepting until Jan 2027.
  • Access for 14 Ontario partner institutions is funded through March 2028.
Check the institution list below
Application form
Application deadline Noon on August 27, 2026
Up to$25,000

VentureLift Grant

Built for trainee entrepreneurs overcoming critical development milestones and accelerating progress toward market readiness.

  • Quarterly funding availability
  • Business and strategy development
  • Product development and technical support
  • Regulatory and compliance support
  • Operational planning and sustainability

Eligibility criteria

  • Graduate students (Master’s or PhD), postdoctoral fellows, Scientific associates and Research associates
  • Innovation/Commercialization fellows will be considered case-by-case basis
  • Innovation based in Canada with intellectual property owned or licensed by a Canadian entity
  • Recognized incubator, accelerator, or entrepreneurship program participation

Company stage

  • Pre-seed or seed stage with at least a provisional patent
  • Novel concept, initial prototype, and commercialization roadmap
  • Clear human health application or impact
  • Refer to the pre-screening form for detailed submission instructions

Eligible institutions

  • Available only to 14 participating Ontario BioHubNet partner institutions through March 2028.
Check the institution list below
Support areas Pre-screening form
Pre-screening deadline Round 6 deadline - noon August 10, 2026.
Our impact

Recognizing innovators shaping biomanufacturing and life sciences

EQUIP recognizes outstanding trainee entrepreneurs who are shaping the future of biomanufacturing and life sciences. Recipients demonstrate the impact that bold ideas and collaboration can have across Canada’s health and innovation ecosystem.

View recipients
Biotech investors in business suits meeting with a GMP-clad presenter inside a modern biomanufacturing facility
Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs

Am I eligible for EQUIP funding?

EQUIP supports biomanufacturing projects that drive advancements in human health. Only projects with a direct and measurable impact on human health will be considered.

Eligible projects must demonstrate clear applications in fields such as therapeutics, diagnostics, vaccines, or related areas. Ventures developing therapeutics are eligible if they are beyond the discovery phase and involve a biomanufacturing component.

If your project meets these criteria, review the specific requirements for the VentureLift or VentureConnect grant you are applying for.

Does the lead applicant need to be the CEO?

No. The applicant should be actively involved in an early-stage company and ideally hold a leadership role.

What accelerators or incubators qualify?

There is no predefined list. Applicants must specify the recognized accelerator or incubator program they participated in on the pre-screening form.

What expenses are covered by VentureLift?

Funding supports specialized consulting and R&D services, technical validation, scale-up, regulatory pathway development, and other commercialization-related activities.

It does not cover general operational expenses, company salaries, or routine business costs. While companies may hire external experts for project-related work, EQUIP funds cannot be used to pay company employees. Proposed service providers must align with project needs and will be reviewed as part of the application process.

What expenses are covered by VentureConnect?

Eligible expenses include transportation, accommodation, and conference, workshop, or pitch registration fees. Meals are not covered.

Can I apply if I have other funding?

Yes. Applicants may receive EQUIP funding if there is no duplication of expenses with other funding sources.

Is matching funding required?

Matching funding is not required, but applicants with matching funds or in-kind contributions may strengthen their application.

What is the expected project timeline?

Proposed work should be initiated within the first month of funding approval and completed within six months.

What is BioHubNet’s IP policy?

BioHubNet does not participate in or provide advice on IP negotiations between postsecondary institutions and partner organizations.

Applicants to BioHubNet-funded programs are expected to familiarize themselves with relevant institutional policies and practices, including those related to IP and publication of research results.