Technology Commercialization Internship Program

Western Canada continues to experience a shortage of individuals who understand early-stage technology development and business expertise.

The solution? WestLink’s Technology Commercialization Internship Program that trains individuals on the job to become key contributors to the Canadian innovation system.

Since 2001 when WestLink accepted its first round of interns, the Internship Program has flourished into a highly regarded initiative in Western Canada, excelling at moulding tomorrow’s technology commercialization leaders.

Part of bridging the gap between academia and industry is training individuals to understand each aspect of the technology commercialization process. WestLink’s Internship Program provides the opportunity for individuals to expand their skills and gain an understanding of this field from business leaders in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

The Internship Program aims to:

WestLink is changing the face of commercialization in Canada one intern at a time.

- James Murray, WestLink Founder

• Provide interns with the opportunity to develop and learn on the job about the business side of science
• Build a foundation of skills to contribute to the technology commercialization sector in Western Canada
• Develop the leadership skills needed to assist the transition of innovations to the market place
• Expand the technology commercialization network in Western Canada by training individuals to deliver high-calibre technology commercialization expertise and experience

Program Structure

Over a two-year period, successful applicants will engage in three consecutive eight-month placements. The order of placements may vary.

Technology Transfer Placement
Interns will learn about technology transfer in a university, college, hospital or government institution. Focus is placed on technology transfer operations, sponsored research, technology evaluation, intellectual property protection and licensing and spin-off company formation.

Company Placement
Interns will understand how a technology is developed into a business opportunity in a corporate environment. Focus is placed on business planning, financing operations, product, service and business development, project management, marketing and operational issues.

Finance Placement
Interns will experience the world of technology finance and venture capital. Focus is placed on business opportunity evaluation, management capability, technology assessment, financial statements, risk assessment, market opportunity and business modeling.