Program
Innovation to Commercialization
Mentorship and connections to move a working invention toward market.
- Prototype & IP
- Commercialization
Represent & include
Inclusive Innovators
FICI’s platform for opening innovation to more people. Inclusive Innovators removes barriers that keep talented people out of the innovation ecosystem, and spotlights solutions that improve outcomes for people with physical, mental, neurological and developmental disabilities. It’s also the official public platform of IFIA’s Department of Social Innovation & Community Development.
Who it’s for
Creators who think differently
Neurodivergent (diagnosed or self-identified) and have created something with potential? Your idea doesn’t have to be about neurodiversity. Start with the idea; we’ll meet you there.
Solutions for neurodivergent lives
Built something that could improve neurodivergent lives? As a parent, educator, clinician, researcher, employer, caregiver or technologist, you don’t need to be neurodivergent to take part.
Open to any founder. What qualifies you is the innovation, not your background.
A supportive format
Your idea matters more than your ability to pitch it. There’s no requirement to stand alone on a stage, and no rapid-fire questioning. You talk personally with people who want to understand your solution. You can bring a representative of your choosing, or FICI can provide a volunteer to help you develop your presentation.
What’s included
- Innovation and pitch competitions
- Exhibitions
- Innovation workshops
- Intellectual-property education
- Mentorship
- Startup support
- Investor and industry matchmaking
- Accessibility-focused innovation
- Community-based innovation programs
- International participation opportunities
Inclusive Innovators supports people developing solutions for accessibility, social and community challenges, as well as innovators from underrepresented communities building products, technologies or businesses in any field.
The circuit
Toronto (Mississauga)
Postponed · New date to be announced
Mississauga Convention Centre, Hall E
The opening stop of the Inclusive Innovators circuit: an exhibition, investor matchmaking and awards spotlighting solutions for people with disabilities, co-located with the AGAZ Summit.
Vancouver
TBA
—
The West Coast stop of the Inclusive Innovators circuit, focused on founders, investors and partner matchmaking.
Calgary
TBA
—
The final stop of the Inclusive Innovators circuit, with awards and international introductions.
Ways to take part
Supported by
- FICIEvent organizer
- IFIAUnder the patronage of IFIA
- Meeraki GlobalStrategic partner, international platform
- Aragon GroupCanadian partner, city circuit
- Canada Startup AssociationFounder community and startup ecosystem partner
Upcoming events
Frequently asked questions
Nothing opens on its own.
Related news
FICI presents IFIA’s new Department of Social Innovation & Community Development
IFIA has approved a new department presented by FICI, and appointed FICI’s President as its Director. Its public platform is Inclusive Innovators.
Ready to take the next step?
Tell us where you are, and we’ll help you find the right next step.
Related programs
Ready to take part
Join this program
Create a free member account, then apply or ask us what’s involved.
Not the right fit? See all programs.