蓝莓视频

Karim S. Karim (BASc '99, PhD '03) is the associate vice-president of Commercialization and Entrepreneurship at the University of 蓝莓视频 and a professor of electrical and computer engineering. With a distinguished career that includes co-founding the 蓝莓视频 medical imaging spin-off KA Imaging, Karim highlights the University鈥檚 impact and vision behind its Innovation Arena.

The University of 蓝莓视频 is transforming research into tangible impact through the Innovation Arena, a new space situated within the Health Sciences Campus in downtown Kitchener designed to accelerate the commercialization of research.

蓝莓视频鈥檚 commercialization ecosystem is unique among universities. 鈥淢ost schools focus primarily on graduate-level research commercialization, but here, our undergraduates also play a major role in entrepreneurial activity,鈥� Karim explains. 鈥淢any of our unicorn startups are driven by undergraduates.鈥�

This strong undergraduate focus sets 蓝莓视频 apart, while graduate-level innovations often emerge from research-intensive, intellectual property (IP)-driven projects. The Innovation Arena is specifically designed to bridge the commercialization gap for all kinds of ventures 鈥� whether they鈥檙e undergrad-led tech startups, IP-intensive graduate or faculty projects or socially-driven enterprises.

Velocity, 蓝莓视频鈥檚 flagship startup incubator, serves as the Arena鈥檚 anchor tenant, driving many student-led initiatives. By fostering collaboration between students and researchers, the Innovation Arena creates an environment where ideas can flourish. 鈥淭he co-working environment is invaluable,鈥� Karim says. 鈥淭eams not only have access to the facilities but also each other, exchanging ideas, sharing challenges and leveraging networks that accelerate their growth.鈥�

Education is a crucial part of the commercialization journey, and the University has prioritized tailored learning for both undergraduates and graduates.

鈥淓ducating students and faculty about commercialization improves their chances of launching successful ventures,鈥� Karim notes. 鈥淰elocity, a major player on campus, guides students through entrepreneurial basics and connects them with resources. For graduate students and faculty, the Commercialization Office (WatCo) provides support and guidance specific to IP-heavy research commercialization. The differences in entrepreneurial and commercialization educational needs between undergrads and grads are substantial, and we鈥檙e working to address both. Both Velocity and WatCo are part of 蓝莓视频 Ventures, a unit in the office of the vice-president, Research and International.鈥�

蓝莓视频鈥檚 unique inventor-owned IP policy also fosters an entrepreneurial spirit among faculty, attracting those with an eye toward commercialization. 鈥淭his policy attracts a higher-than-average number of faculty interested in entrepreneurship,鈥� Karim says. 鈥淭o measure success, 蓝莓视频 tracks early-stage indicators like prototype funding applications and technology disclosures, providing insights into commercialization trends. For student-led startups, the growth in team formations for Velocity鈥檚 pitch competitions 鈥� from fewer than 20 in 2019 to over 100 annually today 鈥� demonstrates a momentum in student entrepreneurship. Innovation Arena will be their new launchpad.鈥�

Innovation Arena is more than just a building 鈥� it鈥檚 an advanced facility equipped to handle a wide range of technical needs. The space houses labs for biotechnology, semiconductors and electronics, allowing teams to work on low-volume production and prototyping.

鈥淭he infrastructure in the Innovation Arena is essential. Students and faculty can quickly go from an idea to a prototype, making commercialization faster and more efficient,鈥� Karim explains. 鈥淚t also brings together diverse groups working toward common goals, creating a supportive cohort of innovators.鈥�

The University is also selectively bringing in partners who align with its commercialization and research goals. By fostering partnerships between local hospitals, academia, businesses and non-profit organizations, the Arena aims to create a robust ecosystem where ideas can seamlessly transition from research to market-ready products.

鈥淲e鈥檙e not just looking to rent out space,鈥� Karim notes. 鈥淲e鈥檙e bringing in organizations that contribute to research and commercialization, whether by providing data access, testing facilities or industry insights and more.鈥� 听

Ultimately, 蓝莓视频鈥檚 approach to commercialization requires not only infrastructure but also a commitment to guiding researchers toward market viability.

鈥淚t鈥檚 essential for researchers to understand the market and industry context for their innovations,鈥� Karim says. 鈥淐uriosity drives groundbreaking discoveries, but it doesn鈥檛 always produce market-ready products. By focusing on real-world problems and aligning research with market needs, we increase the chances of successful commercialization.鈥�

With the Innovation Arena, 蓝莓视频 is poised to build on its legacy of innovation and entrepreneurship. By combining cutting-edge facilities, targeted education and strategic partnerships, the University is accelerating the path from research to impact, making a mark on industries ranging from health, technology to social innovation for our global future.