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.
Fall Cohort
Application Deadline: September 10, 2022
Start Date: October 2022
Our Summer 2022 Lumira VIP Experiences
“I am very grateful for my VIP experience at Lumira. From day one, I could feel the excitement in the office. Lumira’s ethos of encouraging autonomy while providing ongoing support helped me learn throughout my entire experience. I was able to meet interesting leaders in the biotech ecosystem, growing my knowledge and understanding of the space. There was never a boring lunch conversation at Lumira, and I think that says a lot!”
Harrison Solish, VIP Graduate, Summer 2021 + Summer 2022
“The Lumira VIP program provided me with a rare opportunity to join Canada’s largest and most dynamic life science venture capital firm. The program allowed me to utilize my clinical, financial, and data science skills synergistically in a context I am passionate about. What makes Lumira unique is its composition of highly accomplished scientists, as well as financial and medical experts, who are laser focused on advancing life science innovation in North America. The guidance I was provided with from all members of the team was unprecedented – for that I am truly thankful. I am leaving this program with new knowledge, mentors and friendships. I highly recommend the program to entrepreneurs that are serious about having a lasting impact on the future of patient care in Canada and beyond.”
Marc McCoy, VIP Graduate, Summer 2022
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.