Situated within UBC’s Biomedical Research Centre, SBME Innovates serves as a beacon for early-stage life sciences ventures on their journey to market success. As an incubation hub, we champion biotech innovations, transforming them from nascent ideas to societal game-changers. Ventures find a home with us for 6-24 months. As UBC’s premier Life Sciences Incubator, our mission is to fast-track biotech ideas from the conceptual stage to real-world impact. We offer a state-of-the-art wet lab space tailored for ventures that dare to think big.

Whether you’re an early-stage company with a transformative idea or a potential partner looking to collaborate, SBME Innovates is your gateway to driving life sciences innovation. Reach out to discover available spaces, understand our intake process, and explore the myriad of partnership opportunities awaiting you.

UBC’s School of Biomedical Engineering (SBME) is excited to announce the call for applications for SBME Innovates 2024 intake! SBME Innovates is an incubation hub for early-stage life sciences ventures, offering dedicated wet laboratory space, equipment, building services, and more.

• State-of-the-Art Facilities: Ventures gain access to dedicated wet lab spaces and a comprehensive range of in-house equipment. (A detailed equipment list is available on the application form.)

• Robust Network: Connect with SBME’s extensive network of mentors, investors, corporate partners, and clinical experts.

• SBME Propels Program: Engage in our specialized programming that encompasses commercialization, leadership training, professional skills enhancement, and partnership opportunities.

• Access to dedicated wet lab space & in-house equipment (full list of equipment on the application form).

• Access to SBME’s network of mentors, investors, corporate, and clinical partners.

• Participation in SBME Propels programming (covering commercialization, leadership training, professional skills, and partnerships).

• Eligibility: We welcome applications from life science ventures within the UBC community with a focus on human health impact. A referral from e@UBC, CDL/Sauder, or SBME is mandatory at the time of application.

• Submission: Submit your application through our online submission portal by April 2nd, 8am PT.

• Selection Process: Shortlisted ventures will be invited to pitch their venture and take part in a collaborative and interactive discussion with our adjudication committee (April 24th, 2024).

• Info Session: This info session will provide a comprehensive overview of the SBME Innovates program. Attendees will gain insight into the resources and opportunities available through our incubation hub. Date: March 5th at 2 PM PT. Register to join this session here.

• February 21st to April 2nd, 8 AM PT: Call for Proposals

• March 5, 2 PM PT: Virtual Information Session

• April 16: Adjudication Committee shortlist finalists

• April 17: Finalist companies notified

• April 24: Finalists present to the Adjudication Committee.

• April 26: Results announced.

• Early May: Onboarding of new venture into SBME Innovates

The application process is currently open through April 2nd, 8am PT. Submit your application for consideration here.

More information on SBME Innovates, including a detailed equipment list, can be found on the application. If you have any questions, please contact the SBME Partnerships Team at partnerships@sbme.ubc.ca.

• 3 benches sized: 200 x 85cm.

• 1 CO2 incubator.

• 3 shared biosafety cabinets.

• One dedicated shelf in -80C.

• 1/2 of a full-size -20C freezer.

• 1/2 of a full-size 4C fridge.

SBME Innovates is an incubation hub for early-stage life sciences ventures on their path to market viability. We host ventures for 6-24 months, providing access to dedicated wet laboratory space, equipment, and building services, free of charge. This residency also connects ventures with the SBME community while giving them access to SBME communications channels to help bring awareness to their work.

With the addition of our new building, Canada’s Living Laboratory, set to be operational in 2024, we are poised for significant growth and expansion. Our ever-growing partnerships portfolio further enhances our potential to drive innovation in the life sciences sector.

• Elevate your organization’s presence at the SBME.

• Participate in our significant space expansion plans.

• Secure a front-row seat to the next wave of pioneering companies.

• Guide, mentor, and potentially invest in ventures that show immense promise.

• Enable ongoing cost-free venture incubation.