University of Windsor Innovation Fellowship

This Fellowship is open to both individual applicants and teams.

Eligible applicants include:

• Current University of Windsor students
• Recent graduates (within the past 3 years; graduates from Spring 2023 or later are eligible)
• Faculty members
• University-affiliated researchers

Teams are welcome and may be interdisciplinary. Teams are considered a single enrollee within the cohort and share access to program funding.

We welcome participants from all disciplines and backgrounds. You do not need to be in a STEM or technology-based field to apply. Innovation happens across every sector, from health and science to business, social innovation, education, and the creative industries.

The Fellowship is rooted in the University of Windsor community, with a program structure that allows for broader participation through flexible and hybrid delivery. As such, current students and recent graduates from other Ontario universities and colleges may also be eligible to participate.

We are looking for individuals and teams who are actively working on and testing their concept.

Strong applicants will typically:

• Be developing an innovative product, service, process, or solution with real-world potential
• Have taken steps to explore or build their concept, such as conducting research, engaging potential users, testing assumptions, or developing a prototype
• Be actively exploring how their work could be commercialized, implemented, or scaled
• Be motivated to learn, open to feedback, and committed to advancing their work

This Fellowship is not intended for individuals who are only at the initial idea stage. Applicants should be able to demonstrate meaningful progress beyond ideation.

Through the Fellowship, participants will:

• Develop a clearer understanding of how to move an idea or early-stage venture toward real-world application
• Receive guidance on intellectual property protection strategies, including how to assess what should be protected and the options available (e.g., patents, trademarks, and other forms of protection)
• Strengthen their approach to customer validation and market understanding
• Build a business model and define next steps
• Receive direct feedback from mentors, advisors, and experienced founders

Participants will leave the Fellowship with tangible progress on their venture, evidence to support key decisions, and a clearer direction for next steps.

All participants in the Innovation Fellowship are eligible to receive up to $12,000 in non-dilutive funding to support validation, development, and early growth.

Funding is contingent upon meeting all program requirements and milestones throughout the Fellowship.

The Fellowship is a structured hands-on program.

Participants will be required engage in:

• Weekly workshops focused on key areas of venture development
• Applied working sessions to advance their own ideas
• Opportunities to test concepts with customers, mentors, and industry experts
• A final pitch experience to share progress and next steps

This Fellowship is a strong fit if:

• You are already advancing a defined concept or early-stage venture, with evidence of development such as user research, testing, or a prototype
• You want to validate your work and explore pathways to implementation, commercialization, or scaling

• Applications Open: Wednesday, April 1, 2026
• Applications Close: Monday, May 4, 2026, at 4:00 PM
• Interviews: Thursday, May 7 & Friday, May 8, 2026
• Candidates Notified: Monday, May 11, 2026
• Fellowship Start: Friday, May 22, 2026
• Final Pitch Competition: Friday, August 21, 2026
• Fellowship End: Friday, August 28, 2026

Participants are expected to attend weekly sessions:

• Fridays, 1:00 – 4:00 PM
• May 22 – August 28, 2026
• In-person participation required

In addition to weekly sessions, participants should expect to spend time outside of sessions advancing their work, including customer discovery, validation, and preparation for program milestones.

Given the cohort-based nature of the Fellowship, consistent attendance and active participation are essential.

Limited accommodations may be available for scheduling conflicts. Please indicate any conflicts in your application.

• Round 1: Complete and submit your application. The application can be found here: https://uwindsor.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_elE0gW5Ysn8yFP8
• Round 2: Selected applicants will be invited to a short interview with the Innovation, Partnerships, and Entrepreneurship team.

Applications are competitive and space is limited. If you’re ready to take your idea further, we encourage you to apply.

Where will sessions be held?

All sessions will take place at the University of Windsor. Specific location details will be shared prior to the start of the Fellowship.

Can I apply as an individual?

Yes. You are welcome to apply on your own.

Can I apply as part of a team?

Yes. Teams are welcome and may be interdisciplinary. Teams are considered a single enrollee within the cohort and share access to program funding.

Can my team include members from different faculties or roles?

Yes. We encourage interdisciplinary teams that bring together different perspectives and areas of expertise.

Can I apply individually and form a team later?

Yes. Participants may begin as individuals and collaborate with others as their ideas develop throughout the program.

Can students from other institutions apply?

The Fellowship is primarily designed for the University of Windsor community. Current students and recent graduates from other Ontario universities and colleges may also be eligible to apply, with program delivery designed to support broader participation.

How will my idea be protected?

You will continue to own your idea throughout the Fellowship.

This program is designed to support you in developing your work, not to take ownership of it. As you move through the program, you’ll learn how to think about protecting your idea and explore the different options available to you.

If your situation involves other commitments or relationships with the University, we can help you understand how that fits alongside your work in the Fellowship.

How many spots are available?

The Fellowship supports up to 10 fellows. For teams, the group is considered a single enrollee and shares access to the funding.

For program related inquires, please contact: Sydney.Thompson@uwindsor.ca