Evolve to Innovate
Translating research into impact. Applications are now open until Dec 17, 2025.
Evolve to Innovate (e2i) has been enhanced to provide more value and incentives for participants. Please review these changes before applying:
- This program includes three required units. Participants will receive a cash award of up to $1,500 per unit completed, to a maximum of $4,500.
- PI’s will not receive a cash award or research allowance unless they enrol as participants.
- Participants can earn a micro-credential upon completion of each unit.
- In addition to the in-person, synchronous learning sessions at the Hunter Hub, participants will now have access to an online learning program developed by the Hunter Hub and designed to further help participants in their understanding of the core subjects related to research commercialization.
What is Evolve to Innovate (e2i)?
Evolve to Innovate (e2i) is an experiential training program designed to support ºÚÁÏÍø postdoctoral scholars, research associates, faculty, and graduate students from any discipline as they develop and improve the skills needed to translate their research into impact outside of academia. Evolve to Innovate offers funding, programming, and mentorship to empower participants as they navigate the innovation process.
The program is consists of three core units: Communicating Beyond Academia, Problem-Driven Innovations, and Innovation Beyond Academia. Through these units, participants will strengthen their ability to communicate research effectively, apply problem-focused innovation techniques to create relevant solutions, and gain strategic insight into next steps. Successful completion of each unit earns participants a $1,500 award per unit and a micro-credential, recognizing their readiness to apply their research for broader benefit.
e2i is supported by ºÚÁÏÍø's Office of the Vice-President (Research)
Apply now
Applications are open until December 17, 2025.
Information Session
Learn more at the information session on December 4, 2025.
What you’ll gain from e2i:
- Stronger confidence in communicating your research effectively
- Innovation tools that help you explore new directions and opportunities
- Strategic guidance to plan your next steps
- A cohort of peers and mentors who understand the research process
- Recognized credentials and cash awards for each completed unit
e2i reconfirmed my belief that you miss the opportunities you don’t take. If I had not shared my idea, I’d have missed out on invaluable feedback, new partnerships and the confidence boost that came from just taking that first step. Knowing that there’s a community rooting for my success has been a truly invaluable experience.
Uzma Ahmed Din, 2025 Evolve to Innovate Participant
PhD Candidate, Electrical and Computer Engineering
Unit 1: Communicating Beyond Academia
Unit 1 supports participants in adapting their communication skills to engage and inspire non-academic audiences. Through storytelling, public speaking, and visual techniques, researchers refine their ability to present ideas clearly and compellingly to diverse stakeholders, maximizing the impact of their work.
Unit 2: Problem-Driven Innovations
Unit 2 offers hands-on design thinking exercises that enhance participants’ skills and deepen their understanding of the challenges they address. By the end of this unit, participants will be equipped to thoroughly explore the needs of their target audience, reframe their solutions, and effectively position them to engage diverse stakeholders, including investors, funding agencies, and community partners.
Unit 3: Innovation Beyond Academia
Unit 3 provides researchers with essential knowledge and planning tools to navigate the early steps of extending their research impact beyond academia. Participants explore key topics like intellectual property, regulatory basics, go-to-market strategies, and technology roadmaps, enabling them to make informed decisions and prepare for the next steps in applying their innovations.
Application process
We have simplified the application process from previous years.
Fill out the application form
Fill out a short application form with your details, and a description of your research.
Submit a short video
Submit a video (up to 3 minutes) covering the following: problem description, solution and unique value, and your goals for the e2i program. For a detailed outline and rubric, please refer to the FAQ section.
Skip the interview process
To streamline the application process, the interview phase has been removed. Applicants will receive direct acceptance updates.
The greatest thing someone could take away from a program like e2i, beyond the immediate networking of amazing people in your cohort, would be the processes and tools that allow you to make smart decisions every step of the way. The diversity of the cohort — people from different backgrounds, cultures, and faculties — makes us all stronger.
Jeff Ryzner
Senior Manager, Programs, Hunter Hub
The e2i program helped me shift from thinking like an academic to thinking like an innovator. It made me feel empowered and seen.
Niloofar Pourjafari, 2025 Evolve to Innovate Participant
PhD student, Department of Physics and Astronomy
Key information
Did we miss your question? Email us directly at hunterhub@ucalgary.ca to let us know what you're curious about, and we'll get back to you with answers.
FAQ
e2i is open to ºÚÁÏÍø Postdocs, research associates, faculty, and graduate students from all faculties and disciplines. Faculty and Principal Investigators (PIs) are also eligible to apply but the same level of commitment is expected.
- Applications open: November 17, 2025
- Applications close: December 17, 2025
- Program start date: January 14, 2026
- Program end date: May 13, 2026
Unlike previous years, participants will not receive a cash award or research allowance upon acceptance. Instead, they will earn a $1,500 cash award for each completed unit, with a maximum of $4,500 for all three units. The completion of a unit is defined by full attendance and active participation.
Principal Investigators will not receive a cash award or research allowance unless they enroll as participants.
Micro-credentialing recognizes non-credit learning through digital badges that showcase specific skills and achievements. These badges provide a visual, shareable record with detailed metadata, supporting personalized professional development. Learn more .
Micro-credentials are earned at the end of each unit through the submission and approval upon assessment of a final activity.
Participants must attend and actively participate in a weekly two-hour in-person session to complete each unit. In addition, they are expected to dedicate approximately two hours per week to complete suggested activities, totaling a four-hour commitment each week.
This program will be in-person only, with sessions held Wednesday afternoons at the Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking. There will not be an option to attend remotely.
In addition to the in-person sessions, participants will now have access to an online learning program developed by the Hunter Hub and designed to further help participants in their understanding of the core subjects related to research commercialization.
Each module will consist of:
- An interactive, self-paced online learning module (approx. 1 - 2 hours of learning time)
- A set of suggested activities for participants to complete on their own or in small groups
These modules will then be expanded upon in the in-person sessions hosted at the Hunter Hub where participants will discuss and participate in interactive group activities designed to provide a deep dive on the program content.
There are no requirements of your supervisor, but we do recommend letting them know the time commitment you are making to the program. We also recommend ensuring they understand that the cash awards will only be available to yourself as the participant, as that is a change from previous years.
Please submit a video with your application no longer than 3 minutes addressing the points below:
- Problem Description - Describe, in simple terms, the specific problem your innovation addresses. Who stands to benefit most from this solution, and what positive impact could solving this problem have?
- Solution and Unique Value - Explain the practical applications of your work and highlight what makes your solution particularly exciting or unique. What sets it apart from existing solutions?
- Your Goals for the E2i Program - Share why you are interested in joining the E2i program. How do you envision the program contributing to your professional growth, including any specific skills or challenges you’re eager to tackle?
While you may use AI tools to enhance your video (e.g., for visuals or editing), we strongly encourage you to appear on camera and speak in your own voice. The purpose of the video is to showcase your personal passion, vision, and connection to your innovation. Videos that rely heavily on AI-generated voiceovers, avatars, or text-to-video tools may lack the authenticity and engagement we’re looking for and could be viewed less favourably during evaluation.