The Martin Walmsley Fellowship for Entrepreneurship facilitates the transition of Ontario Centres of Excellence-funded research into innovative business ventures. The $50,000-a-year award gives an entrepreneur the financial resources to focus entirely on the business of making their ideas a viable business. The Fellowship honours the vision of Dr. Martin Walmsley, who was instrumental in founding the OCE program in 1987.

How Funding Works

Awardees receive $50,000 per year for two years, dependent on an annual review, plus up to 10 per cent for pre-approved expenses, such as legal, consulting and patents costs. On an exception basis, a one-year fellowship may be awarded.

How to Apply

Potential applicants, with a minimum of a master’s degree, are identified and nominated by OCE Business Development Managers. Business Development Managers work with individual applicants to develop their application and formal presentation.

Timelines

Timelines posted in the Spring/Summer. Winner announced at OCE Annual General Meeting in the fall.

 

Decision-Making Process

Finalists are required to present their business to an expert panel of judges that reviews the application and presentation. Presentations are judged foremost on the quality of the candidate, with an additional emphasis on the strength of the innovation, its commercial viability and sound business planning. Recommendations for award are submitted by the panel to OCE’s Internal Review Panel comprised of senior OCE staff.

For more information on the Martin Walmsley Fellowship competition, please contact:

Binny Arora
Program Manager
Tel: (416) 861-1092 x1037
Email: binny.arora@oce-ontario.org