REACH Award of Excellence in Innovation and Entrepreneurship

The REACH Excellence in Innovation and Entrepreneurship Award recognizes the achievements of a UVic researcher whose exceptional creativity, groundbreaking innovation, and entrepreneurial leadership have translated bold ideas into products or services that strengthen the innovation ecosystems at UVic and beyond. 

Eligibility

University of Victoria students, faculty, emeritus faculty and post-doctoral fellows whose scholarship transitions research into real-world entrepreneurial applications that achieve maximum impact are eligible for this award.

We encourage nominations that reflect the diversity of researchers on our campus.

Selection guidelines

The selection committee interprets “research” as the advancement of knowledge through the intentional process of study, discovery, engagement, innovation and creative expression, and “innovation and entrepreneurship” as the creation and translation of novel, research-based ideas into impactful applications and societal value (e.g., through commercialization, partnerships, spin-off, knowledge transfer, etc.). 

The committee will consider the innovative nature and the impact of the entrepreneurial activity outlined in the nomination. The committee will also consider differences among nominees’ achievements, including the various outputs and outcomes in their respective scientific, artistic and scholarly disciplines. It may confidentially consult with experts in these disciplines. Moreover, it may elect to move a nominee to another award category. 

The committee may decide not to make the full number of awards in any year depending on the quality and/or number of nominations available. It also reserves the right to make joint awards and/or to confer two awards in a category.

Nomination components

Please submit your nomination through the online form. All nomination materials must be combined into a single PDF, with each section clearly titled for ease of review.

Nomination letter

One signed 1-page statement (Maximum one page, 12-point font, 2.5 cm margins, including letter head if used) from a tenured UVic faculty member or librarian expressing the following components:

1. Descriptions of one or more specific activities that exemplify excellence relevant to this award, including the innovative and impactful aspects of the entrepreneurial activity outlined in the nomination.
2. Awards, honours, long-term community relationships and other forms of recognition. These might include (but are not limited to) exhibitions; research, creative or research-creation grants; invited presentations; election to boards; prizes; Intellectual Property.
3. A description of how the nominee’s work translates academic research into real-world innovation, including commercial viability, industry partnerships or venture creation, and the resulting societal benefit (e.g., changed industry practices, job creation, market impact, real or potential improved health outcomes).

Referee letter

One signed 1-page letter (Maximum one page, 12-point font, 2.5 cm margins, including letter head if used) from a UVic-associated campus community member (faculty, librarian, staff or student).

The referee can have collaborated with the nominee, but they must disclose the nature of their relationship with the nominee and comment on any possible conflict of interest. To avoid redundancy in information, please send your letter of support to the primary nominator for submission. The letter must express the following components: 

1. Explanation of relationship with the nominee
2. Description of how the nominee meets the requirements for the award

Reflective statement

A 1-page self-reflective statement from the nominee describing why they do the work they do and what its significance is. Nominees are also encouraged to reflect on how their entrepreneurship supports or aligns with relevant institutional plans, such as Aspiration 2030, Xʷkʷənəŋistəl | W̱ȻENEṈIST, and/or Distinctly UVic (max. one page, 12-point font, 2.5 cm margins).

Curriculum vitae

A narrative CV, following the Tri-Agency guidelines. The maximum length is 5 pages.

• Tri-Agency narrative CV template and instructions

Biography of the nominee

This will be used to brief the adjudicators and for promotional purposes if the nominee is the successful candidate. (100 words maximum.)

Recognition

This award includes a $1,000 research grant; funds must be used within 18 months of the award notification. Recipients will receive their awards at the annual REACH Awards ceremony in April, 2027.
The awards will be publicized across campus.