John Whelen Family Innovation Advancement Fellowship 2026–2027

About

A McMaster University fellowship administered by MILO that places graduate students, postdocs and recent graduates with McMaster-affiliated startups for four to twelve months while providing up to $45,000 in funding and tailored entrepreneurship training.

Benefits

• 💰Funding
  Up to $45,000 over 12 months, comprising a $15,000 base award, matching funds from the participating startup, and up to $15,000 via Mitacs Accelerate or BSI Fellowship
• 🎓Entrepreneurship Training
  Fellows complete a tailored entrepreneurship training program during the work term, which may include workshops, modules or mentorship through partners such as the Forge, Innovation Factory, The Clinic or Lab2Market; training components are customized and agreed by the Fellow’s supervisor, the startup and the accelerator partner
• 🤝Startup Placement and Mentorship
  A four-to-twelve-month fellowship placement with a participating McMaster-affiliated startup, with participating startups expected to assign a dedicated supervisor, provide exposure to senior leadership and strategic decision-making, and support the Fellow’s training and mentorship activities

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicant Status
• Mandatory requirement of being a current McMaster Master’s or PhD student or Postdoctoral Fellow, or a recent Master’s or PhD graduate within the past 12 months, and applicants may be from any academic discipline
• Startup Eligibility
• Mandatory requirement that the proposed startup has received investment from the McMaster Seed Fund, or uses McMaster-based research or ideas and has secured early-stage seed funding from other sources, or has been vetted and approved by the Office of the Vice-President, Research
• Application Package
• Mandatory requirement of a completed application form, curriculum vitae, and a letter from the proposed startup CEO and/or supervisor(s) confirming willingness and ability to supervise and financially support the applicant for the duration of the award
• Ideal Candidate
• Preferred strong communication, teamwork and organizational skills, a clear interest in innovation and entrepreneurship, motivation to explore commercialization opportunities, willingness to participate in training workshops and mentorship, ability to thrive in fast-paced, dynamic environments, and relevant technical skills valued by the participating startup

Participation Commitments

• Selected Fellows are to complete a tailored entrepreneurship training program during the work term, which may include workshops, modules or mentorship through partners such as the Forge, Innovation Factory, The Clinic or Lab2Market; training components are customized and agreed by the Fellow’s supervisor, the startup and the accelerator partner.

Target Region

Eligibility is tied to McMaster University affiliation: current McMaster Master’s or PhD students, postdoctoral fellows, or recent McMaster Master’s/PhD graduates within the past 12 months. The program is based at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; no broader country or nationality restriction is stated.

Target Sector

Agriculture & Food, Defense & Security, Education, Energy & Utilities, Financial Services, Government & Public Sector, Healthcare & Life Sciences, Manufacturing, Media & Entertainment, Real Estate & Construction, Retail & Consumer, Semiconductors & Electronics, Sports & Fitness, Telecommunications, Transportation & Logistics, Travel & Hospitality, Other