The University of Windsor Innovation Fellowship is a venture development program supporting early-stage founders, creators and researchers with up to $12,000 in funding from Intellectual Property Ontario.
Students, researchers and recent graduates with an idea worth pursuing now have a new pathway to develop it.
The University of Windsor Innovation Fellowship will select 10 participants for a venture development program supporting early-stage founders, creators and researchers.
Through mentorship, advising, networking and hands-on workshops, fellows will receive structured guidance and up to $12,000 in funding from Intellectual Property Ontario (IPON).
"This Fellowship reflects a growing commitment at the University of Windsor to connect research, talent and ideas with tangible impact," said Dr. Shanthi Johnson, vice-president, research and innovation.
"With the support of Intellectual Property Ontario, we are creating opportunities for our students and researchers to better understand how their ideas can be protected, developed and brought into the world."
The inaugural cohort will include current students, recent graduates, faculty and affiliated researchers from any discipline.
The 14-week program integrates learning with action through weekly sessions and applied milestones. Fellows will explore market validation, intellectual property protection strategies and commercialization planning.
"This Fellowship is about moving ideas beyond early exploration," said Tom Schnekenburger, director of innovation, partnerships and entrepreneurship.
"As participants test and develop their work, we're strengthening the pathway from discovery to real impact across the University and our community."
The program culminates in a final pitch showcase, where participants present their progress and next steps to a panel of advisors and community leaders.
Applications are open now and close May 4, 2026. The fellowship begins May 22, 2026.
For more information or to apply, visit the University of Windsor Innovation Fellowship website or contact Sydney Thompson at sydney.thompson@uwindsor.ca.