Postdoctoral Entrepreneur Fellowship: The IVADO Postdoc Entrepreneur Funding program offers two outstanding postdoctoral candidates the opportunity to develop and commercialize a marketable prototype derived from their doctoral research in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its applications. The fellowship provides 18 months of salary funding ($105,000 CAD), up to $30,000 CAD in research funds, and mentorship from academic and entrepreneurial experts to foster the creation of a startup in Montréal.
Postdoctoral Entrepreneur Fellowship in Artificial Intelligence (AI) – IVADO
🔹 Summary Table:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Designation | Postdoctoral Fellow – Entrepreneur in AI |
| Research Area | Artificial Intelligence and its Applications |
| Location | Montréal, Canada (HEC Montréal, Polytechnique Montréal, Université de Montréal, McGill University, or Université Laval) |
| Salary | $105,000 CAD (18 months) |
| Research Fund | Up to $30,000 CAD |
| Start Date | Between September 1, 2025 – January 1, 2026 |
| Application Deadline | June 9, 2025, at noon |
🔹 Designation:
Postdoctoral Fellow – Entrepreneur in Artificial Intelligence
🔹 Research Area:
Artificial Intelligence and its Applications, with alignment to R3AI themes (Robust, Reasoning, and Responsible AI)
🔹 Location:
Montréal, Canada
Eligible universities:
- HEC Montréal
- Polytechnique Montréal
- Université de Montréal
- McGill University
- Université Laval
🔹 Eligibility/Qualification:
For Candidates:
- Must be eligible to register as a postdoctoral fellow at one of the five eligible institutions.
- Doctoral thesis must be submitted by the start of the fellowship.
- Must hold or plan to hold a significant share in a startup founded/co-founded by them.
- Startup (if already founded) must be recent and pre-commercial.
- Career interruptions will be considered if justified in the application.
For Supervising Professors:
- Must hold a faculty position (assistant, associate, or full professor) at one of the five partner institutions.
- Must be eligible to supervise postdoctoral researchers.
- Only one application allowed per supervisor.
🔹 Job Description:
As a Postdoctoral Entrepreneur Fellow, you will:
- Develop a marketable prototype based on your doctoral research.
- Participate in a business creation program via an entrepreneurship support organization affiliated with IVADO (e.g., Next AI).
- Undergo mentorship from both academic and entrepreneurial supervisors.
- Engage in the commercial development of an AI-based product or service aligned with IVADO’s R3AI initiative.
- Conduct market research and refine your business model.
- Build and test a functional prototype and produce proof of concept.
🔹 How to Apply:
Send your complete application package to: entrepreneuriat@ivado.ca
Application must include:
- Cover Letter (max. 3 pages):
- Description of the product and postdoctoral work plan.
- Alignment with R3AI pillars: Robust, Reasoning, and Responsible AI.
- Market analysis and innovation potential.
- Motivation for entrepreneurship and relevant experience.
- Thesis abstract, keywords, and links to relevant publications (in appendix).
- Curriculum Vitae:
- Highlight academic and extracurricular achievements.
- Letter of Support from Academic Supervisor:
- Must confirm eligibility for postdoctoral status for the full duration.
⚠️ Submissions not adhering to formatting and length requirements will be automatically disqualified.
🔹 Last Date to Apply:
June 9, 2025, at 12:00 PM (noon)
For more information on the R3AI initiative and its themes, please visit the Canada First Research Excellence Fund website.
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