External

MIF Lunch & Learn 30: Pivoting

junji.nishihata@mcgill.ca — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 20:23:11 +0000

One word that comes up a lot in conversations with entrepreneurs is pivot. This refers to the common scenario where a major adjustment to the original plan needs to be made, and often very quickly.

MIF Lunch & Learn 29: Go-to-Market Strategy

junji.nishihata@mcgill.ca — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 20:14:25 +0000

Go-to-Market strategy (or GTM as it is often referred) is another key step in the startup journey.

MIF Lunch & Learn 27: Sales for Non-salespeople

junji.nishihata@mcgill.ca — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 19:42:01 +0000

The very nature of entrepreneurship means that company founders will often have to do a little bit of everything: product development, financial planning, human resources, and yes - sales.

MIF Lunch & Learn 26: Team Building for Startups

junji.nishihata@mcgill.ca — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 15:51:48 +0000

DATE CHANGE: This event is now taking place on MAY 29.

MIF Evolution

junji.nishihata@mcgill.ca — Mon, 28 Jul 2025 20:45:55 +0000

The MIF Evolution reunites MIF cohorts for an evening of fresh pitches and renewed connections, as we celebrate five years of the 91˿��Ƶ Innovation Fund.

MIF Lunch & Learn 14: Finding non-dilutive funding

junji.nishihata@mcgill.ca — Mon, 12 Feb 2024 15:22:34 +0000

In the early days of a spinoff or start-up business, securing adequate funding is critical. But in many cases, founders have to give up some ownership of their company to investors.

Fourth edition of the MIF puts spotlight on life science

junji.nishihata@mcgill.ca — Wed, 15 Jan 2025 19:34:20 +0000

Record number of applications submitted with final selections all clustered in medical therapies and diagnostics

Entrepreneurial spirit is thriving at 91˿��Ƶ, as shown by a record-breaking 31 applications to the 91˿��Ƶ Innovation Fund (MIF) this year. Since its inception in 2020, the MIF has been a catalyst for cutting-edge innovation, and this year’s cohort marks the most competitive pool of candidates yet. The seven selected teams are all in the area of life science working to deliver groundbreaking technologies and solutions to global challenges.

MIF Lunch & Learn 17: What Many Founders Forget - The Hidden Risks of Skipping Insurance and HR

junji.nishihata@mcgill.ca — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 16:13:07 +0000

Launching a startup requires many elements to come together: a team, a business plan, customers but fail to consider safeguarding their venture with insurance and HR tools.

MIF Summer Networking Session 2024

junji.nishihata@mcgill.ca — Mon, 29 Apr 2024 20:47:54 +0000

UPDATE: We have a speaker for the MIF Networking Session. Please join us for a fireside chat with Dr. Paul A. Kruszewski, a serial frontier AI entrepreneur with 3 exits.

MIF Lunch & Learn 16: Making a killer pitch that sticks

junji.nishihata@mcgill.ca — Mon, 06 May 2024 13:53:38 +0000

One of the fundamental activities of the entrepreneurial journey is the business pitch. But often academics struggle at condensing years of research into a succinct version that is capable of convincing investors.

MIF Lunch & Learn 15: Finding dilutive funding

junji.nishihata@mcgill.ca — Fri, 15 Mar 2024 15:55:48 +0000

Before finding customers, many startup and spinoff businesses need to find funding.

MIF Lunch & Learn 8: Finding non-dilutive funding

junji.nishihata@mcgill.ca — Wed, 12 Apr 2023 14:53:19 +0000

In the early days of a spinoff or start-up business, securing adequate funding is critical. But in many cases, founders have to give up some ownership of their company to investors.

MIF Lunch & Learn 7: Getting your medical device approved

junji.nishihata@mcgill.ca — Fri, 03 Mar 2023 15:26:07 +0000

Many MIF projects are medical devices, with the potential to dramatically improve diagnostics and treatments. But medical devices are strictly regulated; Canada has one of the world's most stringent regimes for the approval of these devices.

MIF Lunch & Learn 6: IP Strategy

junji.nishihata@mcgill.ca — Thu, 09 Feb 2023 20:28:15 +0000

Are you looking to put in place an adapted intellectual property strategy for your project? Do you want to make sure it covers all the legal and financial requirements? Do you have plans for international patenting?

MIF Lunch & Learn 5: Finding Investors

junji.nishihata@mcgill.ca — Tue, 01 Nov 2022 16:00:00 +0000

As spinoffs and startups grow their business, the need for capital can also increase. But how does one go about finding investors? And what exactly do investors want in return for their funds?