The Venture Innovation Program is a 6-12 month program for Ph.D., MBA, and MD students across Canada who want to gain exposure to life sciences venture capital and start-ups, and are committed to pushing the future of life sciences innovation forward. By working hand in hand with seasoned industry professionals from all dimensions of the life sciences ecosystem, you will gain first-hand knowledge and insights into the challenges, opportunities, processes, and people shaping the future of healthcare innovation in Canada and around the globe.
The program is designed to be completed part-time alongside your academic program and to offer you the opportunity to participate in the full lifecycle of life sciences venture innovation and investment via different engagements across science, medicine, business, strategy, and operations.
Summer Cohort
Application Deadline: April 10, 2022
Start Date: May 2022
Fall Cohort
Application Deadline: September 10, 2022
Start Date: October 2022
More VIP Application Details Below
Our 2021 Lumira VIP Fellows Experience:
“Lumira Venture’s VIP program was a fantastic introduction to the healthcare venture capital industry – it provided me with unprecedented opportunities to engage with leaders in the ecosystem, to build conviction in my investment thesis, and to support the next generation of health care technology. I could not have asked for a better experience and thoroughly look forward to continue to work with Lumira Venture’s talented and forward-thinking team.”
Alice Luo, Ph.D., Lumira Ventures Analyst and VIP Graduate 2021-22
“The Lumira Ventures VIP program provided me with great opportunities to expand my network within the Canadian biotech ecosystem. The ability to participate in the full lifecycle of the venture innovation process and support the next generation of biotech companies has been truly rewarding. It has been an absolute privilege working with such a fantastic team!”
Ayah Abdeldayem, VIP 2021-22
“Lumira’s VIP program taught me how to evaluate the commercialization potential of new biotech companies. I was able to learn from VC industry experts and be part of the decision making process.”
Chirayu Chokshi, VIP 2021-22
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is Lumira Ventures?
Lumira Ventures is an impact investor that has consistently delivered first quartile financial returns to investors in its funds, while also delivering medical innovations that impact patient lives and healthcare ecosystems globally. Our portfolio companies have brought more than 50 biomedical innovations to the market impacting the lives of over 1 billion patients, and generating over $70 billion of cumulative revenue.
2. Why did Lumira Ventures launch the LV VIP?
From the seed investment all the way through to growth stage investment, we have partnered with entrepreneurs in Canada and throughout North America to develop and commercialize truly transformative products that address unmet patient needs and improve the lives of patients worldwide. As Canada is at the foundation of Lumira’s business, we feel privileged to be an active builder of Canada’s biotech and life sciences ecosystem. As a function, we recognize the growing need to identify and support the development of next generation of leaders and innovators within Canada’s high-growth life sciences ecosystem.
4. Am I eligible to apply for LV VIP?
You are eligible to apply if you are:
– a Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident of Canada, and
– a student in the final years of a PhD, MBA or MD program or recent graduates engaged in post-doctoral research or residency programs, with a strong background in the life sciences
5. How much of a time commitment is ideal and is the program paid?
To get the true benefit of the program, the candidates are expected to participate for at least 6 months, and commit 10-15h per week. Participants must be available to join some meetings during business hours, the timing of which can be flexible. Participants will also be entitled to a monthly stipend.
6. How many students will you take into the program?
We will be taking 2-4 students in the program at one time in two intake cycles in a calendar year.
7. Where does the program take place?
Candidates can work remotely from anywhere in Canada, and will have opportunities for in person interactions with the Lumira team if logistics allow.