STRATEGIC INITIATIVE
Advancing SickKids Innovations Beyond Proof of Principle with the Technology Advancement Program
IP&C’s goal is to support SickKids innovations from discovery to impact, ensuring that promising research advances beyond the lab to make a real difference for patients and communities.
Expanding beyond the Proof of Principle (PoP) Grant Competition, the Technology Advancement Program (TAP) is designed to advance late-stage pre-clinical health care innovations with structured mentorship, project governance, strategic networking opportunities, and up to $350,000 in funding. Supported by the SickKids Commercialization Advisory Board (CAB), TAP helps further develop discoveries and refine their pathways toward clinical and commercial impact.
The inaugural program was launched in March 2025 and concluded with final pitch presentations on August 20, 2025. After careful deliberation, the CAB named Dr. Roman Melnyk as the 2025 TAP funding recipient for his project focused on developing a novel therapeutic for Clostridioides difficile infections.
Strengthening the SickKids Innovation Pathway
IP&C is building a comprehensive pathway of support that goes beyond traditional tech transfer, offering IP management, education, funding, and advisory resources to guide SickKids innovators through translation and commercialization. With the launch of the Technology Advancement Program (TAP), we are expanding our continuum of commercialization support and laying the foundation for an in-house pre-commercial accelerator.
Invention to Innovation Education Series
Lectures and workshops that prepare staff with the knowledge to protect intellectual property and navigate commercialization pathways.
Proof of Principle Grant Competition
Early-stage funding to validate feasibility and generate data to attract investment and partnerships.
Technology Advancement Program
Later-stage funding and guidance to advance projects with high commercial potential through key development milestones.
SickKids Innovation Showcase
IP&C is seeking support for our accelerator – including PoP and TAP – to strengthen our ability to translate and de-risk innovations. Together, we can drive more SickKids discoveries toward impact.
