SBME Propels
Launched in partnership with e@UBC in 2021, SBME Propels is an extracurricular series of workshops, seminars and panels designed to build fluency for trainees, staff and faculty in partnerships, translation, leadership, pedagogy and to prepare graduates for careers across the BME space. Propels has been designed to help you learn the skills you need to translate innovations, build your career, become an effective leader and create lasting partnerships.
Propels Streams
Innovation & Partnerships
Learn the processes behind building and maintaining research partnerships, and master the ins and outs of knowledge translation and commercialization. Give your innovation the support it needs to make an impact.
The Commercialization Workshop Series is designed to guide researchers and trainees through the process of transforming their research into market-ready solutions. This program offers a comprehensive roadmap from initial discovery to commercialization, providing participants with the tools, knowledge, and support needed to successfully navigate the complex journey of bringing innovative discoveries and technologies to market.
The series consists of four workshops, each building on the previous one to equip participants with essential skills and insights. The workshops will cover key aspects of the commercialization process, including identifying market needs, protecting intellectual property, securing funding, and refining research solutions for market entry. The series culminates in a final showcase, where participants present their projects to a panel of industry experts, venture capitalists, and funding representatives.
Workshop 1: From Research to Market – An Introduction | Thursday, November 7 | 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
In this interactive workshop, participants will explore the critical first steps in translating research into a viable product or solution. We will focus on identifying and refining research to address unmet needs in the market, with an emphasis on medical, scientific, and technological applications. Through a combination of lectures, case studies, and practical exercises, attendees will learn how to define their problem, ideate solutions, and build a compelling value proposition.
Workshop 2: Commercializing Your Breakthrough – Protecting Ideas and Going to Market | Thursday, December 5 | 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
This workshop offers a comprehensive guide to the commercialization journey, from research discovery to market entry. A special emphasis will be placed on the invention disclosure process at UBC, a critical step for safeguarding intellectual property (IP) and exploring commercialization options. Additionally, participants will learn how to prepare non-confidential pitches for presenting their solutions to stakeholders, ensuring they protect their IP while seeking feedback and potential partnerships.
Workshop 3: Real-World Feedback – Sharpening Your Idea with Industry Insights | Thursday, January 30 | 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
In this session, participants will present their concepts in a collaborative, informal setting and receive detailed feedback from a panel of industry experts, venture capitalists, and representatives from the National Research Council’s Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP). The primary goal is to refine and enhance the participants’ solutions, ensuring they are market-ready and well-aligned with industry expectations.
Workshop 4: Securing Funding – Mastering Non-Dilutive Grants & Investor Relations | Thursday, February 13 | 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
This workshop provides an in-depth look at non-dilutive funding opportunities, such as NSERC’s Idea to Innovation (I2I) grants and GenomeBC GeneSolve, that support the translation of research into market-ready solutions. Participants will learn how to align their research and solutions with the goals of these funding programs, craft compelling narratives, and leverage funding to advance their projects towards commercialization. The session will include insights from funding experts and practical advice on navigating the application process.
The final pitch serves as the culmination of the SBME Propels Commercialization Workshop Series. It provides participants with the opportunity to present their innovative projects and research solutions to a panel of industry experts, venture capitalists, and potential investors.
As you complete the registration form, please choose from the following options:
1) Attend Individual Workshops: You can register for any of the workshops that interest you. This option is ideal if you’re looking to enhance specific skills or knowledge areas.
2) Participate in the Full Series and Final Pitch: If you’re aiming to compete in our final pitch event, which offers cash prizes, please ensure you register for Workshop 1, Workshop 2, and one Feedback Session. Participation in these sessions is required to qualify for the pitch.
BME Career Pathing & Practical Skills for Trainees
Discover how to build a fulfilling career in the BME field and the essential skills required to do it.
Creating an Impactful CV for Biomedical Engineers | Wednesday, September 18 | 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
This workshop will guide participants through the process of crafting a compelling CV that highlights their unique skills and experiences as biomedical engineers. Participants will learn how to effectively showcase their expertise, differentiate themselves from classic engineering graduates, and tailor their CVs for specific job applications in the biomedical field.
Career Paths in MedTech | Wednesday, October 2 | 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Explore the various career paths available to biomedical engineering graduates within the medical technology sector.
Career Paths in Biotech | Wednesday, October 16 | 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Explore the various career paths available to biomedical engineering graduates within the Biotech industry.
Career Paths in AI | Wednesday, October 23 | 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Explore the various career paths available to biomedical engineering graduates within AI & Medicine.
Mental Health and Well-being through Yoga and Calisthenics | Tuesday, November 21 | 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Strategies for maintaining mental health and well-being. Topics: stress management, work-life balance, resilience.
From Lab to Industry: Navigating the Transition | Wednesday, February 12 | 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Explore strategies for transitioning academia to a successful career in industry, and hear from SBME alumni who’ve made the transition.
Professional Skills
Develop new professional skills to achieve your personal and professional goals.
Tailoring Technical Messages for Different Audiences | Tuesday, October 1 | 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
Enhancing communication skills for various professional scenarios. Public speaking and presentation skills; Writing for scientific publications and grant proposals; Interpersonal communication and collaboration.
Ethics in Health Research | Wednesday, November 20 | 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Navigating the ethical considerations for health research, including AI applications. Topics: obtaining ethical approvals (REB), patient safety, data privacy, responsible AI practices, and broader ethical considerations in biomedical and pharmaceutical research.
Regulating Software as a Medical Device: Market Landscape and Practical Implications | Tuesday, February 4 | 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Understanding the regulatory landscape for AI in medical devices. Topics: compliance with FDA, EMA, Health Canada regulations, case studies.
Leadership and Pedagogy
Real leadership is a skill set that you must learn and practice. Discover how to effectively create, lead and grow a culture of innovation, collaboration and excellence. Science is a human endeavor, and great leaders learn to put their people first.
High-Performing Teams: Strategies for Success | Wednesday, November 27 | 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Explore teamwork dynamics in industry settings. Learn communication, conflict resolution, and decision-making strategies for productive cross-functional collaborations.
Mentorship for Career Development: Building Effective Mentor-Mentee Relationships | Wednesday, October 9 | 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Mentorship plays a crucial role in the career development of students and early-career researchers. Effective mentor-mentee relationships can provide valuable guidance, support, and networking opportunities, which are essential for professional growth. This workshop aims to enhance the mentoring skills of both mentors and mentees participating in the SBME Career Accelerator program, ensuring productive and fulfilling relationships that foster career advancement.
Strategic Thinking and Visionary Leadership: Guiding Scientific Innovation | Wednesday, January 22 | 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
To equip scientists and researchers with the skills needed to effectively communicate their scientific work to diverse audiences, including peers, stakeholders, policymakers, and the general public.
Communicating Scientific Impact | Wednesday, February 5 | 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
To equip scientists and engineers with the skills needed to develop long-term strategic plans, set visionary directions, and lead innovation in their fields.