Beyond Grants for Startups: Strategy, Funding, and Innovation Panel

​Campus Innovation Consulting Group (CICG)(https://campusinnovation.ca/), in partnership with Uproot Food Collective(https://uprootcollective.ca/), NRC-IRAP, Mitacs, Alberta Innovates, and ISED, will conduct a 2-hour event for Edmonton Startup Week 2026 designed to support and inspire early-stage founders, researchers, and innovators. ​This panel discussion, followed by time to network, will be chaired by Chris Lerohl, CICG Director, and feature representatives from NRC-IRAP (Ernest Siu), Mitacs (Eric Loo), Alberta Innovates (Lorena Forster), ISED (Stephanie Stefura), and R&D Entrepreneur Flexxaire (Jon McCallum). This session will explore how startups can navigate non-dilutive funding, build commercialization strategies, and align innovation activities with long-term business goals. Topics will include understanding non-dilutive funding options; identifying programs that support commercialization; tips for crafting successful applications and partnerships; developing a funding strategy that supports go-to-market readiness; includes audience Q&A.

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