The Whelen Fellowship supports and enhances the development of the innovation ecosystem at McMaster University.
Established in 2023 by John Whelen, MBA (Class of ’88) and his wife, Stormie Stewart, to support and enhance the development of the innovation ecosystem at McMaster University in real world application through the private and public sector.
The fund is intended to support graduate students completing a four-to-twelve-month fellowship with companies receiving funding from the McMaster Seed Fund or other startup companies utilizing ideas and research at McMaster University that have received other sources of early seed funding.
Recipient selection will be managed by the Executive Director of MILO and the Associate Director, New Ventures, in consultation with the McMaster Seed Fund investment committee.
Advance Innovations
Support McMaster ideas with commercialization potential
Real-World Impact
Maximize the success and value of McMaster innovations
Build Skills
Equip Fellows and startups with tools to succeed
Support Local Growth
Help startups thrive and boost regional development
About the Whelen Fellowship
Up to $45,000 over 12 months, including:
- $15,000 base award
- Matching funds from the participating startup
- Mitacs Accelerate or BSI Fellowship (up to $15,000)
The Fellowship will be awarded through a competitive application process.
Fellows will complete a tailored entrepreneurship training program during their work term. This may include workshops, modules, or mentorship through partners like the Forge, Innovation Factory, the Clinic, or Lab2Market.
Training components will be customized and agreed upon by the Fellow’s supervisor, the startup, and the accelerator partner.
Recent Fellows
2023–2024: Master’s student Justin Prez worked with McMaster startup A.I. VALI, contributing to the development of their groundbreaking medical imaging technology, AIDREA™. With expertise in software development and biomedical engineering, Justin helped test and refine the prototype, advancing it toward commercialization.
2024–2025: Kinesiology Master’s student Thomas Szasz collaborated with PROVA Innovations, a McMaster startup and recent MSF recipient founded by engineering and MBA graduate Matthew Rosato. Thomas supported the company’s mission to enhance mobility through wearable rehabilitation technologies.
Eligibility Criteria
Fellows
Applicants must be:
- Current McMaster Master’s or PhD students, or Postdoctoral Fellows
- Recent Master’s or PhD graduates (within the past 12 months)
- From any academic discipline
Ideal Candidates Will Demonstrate:
- Strong communication, teamwork, and organizational skills
- A clear interest in innovation and entrepreneurship
- Motivation to explore commercialization opportunities
- Willingness to participate in training workshops and mentorship
- Ability to thrive in fast-paced, dynamic environments
- Relevant technical skills valued by the participating startup
Participating Startups
Participating startups must meet one of the following criteria:
- Received investment from the McMaster Seed Fund
- Utilize McMaster-based research or ideas and have secured early-stage seed funding from other sources
- Be vetted and approved by the Office of the Vice-President, Research
Startups should demonstrate sufficient organizational maturity, including operational, administrative, and governance capacity to support a meaningful Fellowship experience.
Participating startups are expected to:
- Develop a clear workplan with defined goals and milestones
- Assign a dedicated supervisor to guide the Fellow and coordinate with program partners
- Provide exposure to senior leadership and strategic decision-making
- Support the Fellow’s participation in training and mentorship activities
Supervisor
The supervising Faculty member is expected to:
- Work with the Fellow and Start-up to develop a workplan
- Provide ongoing mentorship and support to the Fellow
- Participate in status meetings during the project
- Support the Fellow’s training opportunities
- Review and authorize the mid-term and final reports
Application Process
All prospective Fellows must submit a completed application package to startups@mcmaster.ca no later than December 15, 2025.
The application package consists of:
- A completed application form
- Curriculum vitae
- Letter from proposed start-up CEO and/or supervisor(s) confirming willingness and ability to supervise and financially support the applicant for the duration of the award