Eva and Allen Lau Commercialization Catalyst Prize

for Computing and Engineering Innovation

The Eva and Allen Lau Commercialization Catalyst Prize for Computing and Engineering Innovation, hosted by the University of Toronto’s Centre for Entrepreneurship, aims to transform promising engineering and computer science research into investment-ready ventures. Participants in the program will receive staged funding, mentorship, workspace, and educational resources to advance proof-of-concept and validate product-market fit.

In 2026, 2-3 teams will receive up to $5,000 each for Stage 1, and one finalist team will receive up to $65,000 for Stage 2. The number of awardee teams will double at each stage once full funding becomes available in future years.

Register for an Information Session or to receive updates about the prize

Prize Overview

Stage 1: Exploration

February – May 2026

2-3 teams will be selected to receive up to $5,000 each. Selected teams will be required to:

• Participate in a series of three to four workshops including customer discovery, entrepreneurial experimentation, and strategy
• Attend regular mentor check-ins
• Compete in a pitch event for potential Stage 2 funding

Stage 2: ProtoCompany

June – December 2026

One finalist team will be selected to receive up to $65,000 in milestone-based funding. The finalist team will be required to:

• Attend regular mentor check-ins
• Deliver a presentation at the Final Showcase
• Submit a report within two months of completing the program
   

Additional Benefits

Access to Centre for Entrepreneurship co-working spaces, prototyping labs, makerspaces, and programs; one-year post-program membership.

Timeline

Eligibility

• At least one team lead must be a full-time graduate student, postdoctoral researcher, or faculty member from the Faculty of Arts & Science (FAS) or Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering (FASE). At full capacity, there will be two finalist teams annually, one from each faculty.
• Startup ideas should aim to commercialize technology and material innovations in the computing field, such as semiconductors, AI, robotics and quantum technologies. Projects in more traditional fields such as biotechnology, chemical or mining engineering will be eligible if their core innovations relate to the computing field.
• Nascent stage ready to start proof of concept work but not yet backed by major funding.

Application

• Applications Open: October 15, 2026  
• Application Deadline: January 8, 2026 @ 11:59 PM

APPLY FOR THE CATALYST PRIZE

PLEASE NOTE: Candidates may be invited for an interview following the initial review of their application.

Selection Criteria

Stage 1: Exploration

• Clear articulation of the core technologies and their distinctive capabilities.
• Sound understanding of two compelling potential business applications.
• Strong qualifications, expertise, and demonstrated commitment of the team.

Stage 2: ProtoCompany

• Convincing evidence that the team has identified (or is on track to identify) a business application with significant economic potential. 
• Demonstrated progress in proof-of-concept work, with clear assessment of major technological risks and a credible plan for validation and de-risking.
• A strong, cohesive team that collaborates effectively, incorporates feedback, and shows initiative and sustained commitment.

Info Sessions

Join an upcoming information session to learn more about the prize, the selection criteria, and how to apply.

Friday, October 24

• TIME: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM EST 
• LOCATION: Virtual

Wednesday, November 19

• TIME: 2:00 PM - 1:00 PM EST
• LOCATION: Virtual

REGISTER FOR AN INFORMATION SESSION OR TO RECEIVE UPDATES ABOUT THE PRIZE

Get Involved

Experts who are interested in mentoring or providing essential support for the program's success are invited to register their interest.

REGISTER TO VOLUNTEER WITH THE CATALYST PRIZE

Contact Us

Have a question about the prize? Email us at entrepreneurship.artsci@utoronto.ca