Overview and FAQs
Information for Startups
Our team offersÌýearly advising supportÌýtoÌýfaculty members, graduate students and post-doctoral fellows with the drive to launch a start-upÌýbased on their innovative discoveries at Dal.Ìý
We're here to help you explore your commercialization goals, connect you to innovation and entrepreneurship programming at мÓÆÂÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ö±²¥ (), and join other resources who will help you to navigate the larger innovation ecosystem within Atlantic Canada.Ìý
On this page, we cover:
- A broad overview of what’s involved with starting a company.
- A brief description of мÓÆÂÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ö±²¥â€™s support for entrepreneurs through Dal Innovates, and other supports available within Atlantic Canada.
- Frequently asked questions.
Under theÌýResources & Funding section,Ìýyou’ll find:
- Relevant university policies and information on the Intellectual Property Transfer Agreement (IPTA) for startup companies.
- Funding sources to help get your startup off the ground.
You’ll also find ourÌýInformation for ResearchersÌýsection useful.
Please note: start-up companies that aren’t мÓÆÂÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ö±²¥ research spinoffs should instead visit ourÌýInformation for CompaniesÌýsection.
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ÌýOverview: starting a company
Launching a startup to commercialize your invention is a significant endeavour that requires a high-level of time, commitment, and investment.Ìý
Here’s a snapshot of what to consider if you’re thinking about starting a company.ÌýContact us if you’d like to set a meeting to discuss entrepreneurship in more detail.Ìý
Seek Guidance
Once you realize you have an idea that could turn into a business, you’ll benefit from absorbing as much insight as you can about what lies ahead. Since OCIE is the commercialization go-to on campus, we’re happy to act as a resource for those exploring entrepreneurship opportunities based on мÓÆÂÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ö±²¥ research. We can provide initial guidance on critical components of entrepreneurship, such as intellectual property, patentability, market research, financing and more.Ìý
Protect your intellectual property
Presumably, it’s your unique IP that will set your future company apart from others. Talking to multiple potential clients (i.e. customer discovery) to determine if your invention might solve a real-world problem should be your first step. If the feedback is positive, you should then explore the existing patent landscape as your next step. This will help determine whether or not your IP is patentable; that no one else already holds a patent for an invention that could be similar to yours. Best practices here would entail involving external patent agents/counsel after you have completed your initial search. Provided your IP is protectable, you’ll want to move quickly to pursue its protection by applying for a patent and avoiding any public disclosure of your invention. The process to acquire a patent is lengthy, but eveb pending patent applications are seen as valuable to potential investors.Ìý
Seek training, skill development, networking & mentorship
Working in the startup space takes many first-time entrepreneurs out of their comfort zone. Prepare yourself as much as possible, just as you did with your research career. Take advantage of training opportunities, look for ways to develop your skills, and always be open to expanding your professional network.Ìýoffers a wide range of options to help students and faculty members learn the ropes of business ownership (many of which also include mentorship from seasoned entrepreneurs and investors).Ìý
Build a team & make a plan
Surround yourself with like-minded professionals who share your vision and come equipped with the skills and talent your team needs to succeed. Together you’ll develop a strategic business plan that lays out specific milestones to keepÌýÌýgoal oriented.
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Support for мÓÆÂÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ö±²¥ entrepreneurs
Dal Innovates
- OCIE is a foundational element of Dal Innovates,Ìýthe university’s innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem. Dal Innovates offers programming that helps faculty and students gain the knowledge, skills and contacts necessary for entrepreneurship. We encourage you to learn more atÌý.
Atlantic Canada's Innovation Ecosystem
мÓÆÂÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ö±²¥ is located within theÌý,Ìýand мÓÆÂÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ö±²¥ maintains strong partnerships with other incubators and accelerators off-campus to facilitate the next stage of startup growth for Dal-based companies ready to take the leap. Partners include:
Apart from partnerships with local incubators and accelerators, мÓÆÂÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ö±²¥ also partners with the following:
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Find a glossary of subject matter terms here.
You may find the FAQs in theÌýInformation for ResearchersÌýsection helpful, too.Ìý