DAL, UNB Seek Program Participants
January 11th, 2017
Two of the leading university entrepreneurship programs in the region – the Summer Institute at University of New Brunswick and Dalhousie University’s Collide program – are looking for participants.
Dalhousie’s Collide Winter 2017 program is a series of entrepreneurial workshops, pitching and networking events to help individuals launch their ventures. The winter program will have a stronger focus on customer validation and prototyping than previous iterations.
Collide is open to students, researchers and community members and is free of charge. All are welcome to attend the events regardless of involvement in the program but only full participants will be eligible for the certificate or prize money.
In order to receive the certificate of completion, participants must attend: four pitching sessions (presenting ideas and receiving feedback); three workshops (learning to further develop ideas); and two fireside chats (Q&As with successful entrepreneurs).
After completing the requirements of the program, participants will have the chance to present their pitches to a panel of judges in the pitch competition for the chance to win prize money to put towards their ventures.
Applications for Collide Winter, which can be found here, are open until Jan. 16.
Overseen by UNB’s J Herbert Smith Centre for Technology Management & Entrepreneurship, or TME, the Summer Institute offers a three-month intensive program for passionate people who want to turn their innovative ideas into successful businesses. Each cohort spends the summer working with a group of professional designers and established entrepreneurs to build businesses that excite them. Costs for participants are covered through a stipend that includes living costs and product development costs.
“The Summer Institute is an opportunity for people who want to make a big leap into entrepreneurship to create value and meaning for society,” said Dhirendra Shukla, TME Chair and Director of the Summer Institute. “There are so many good people and ideas in our region. Our goal is to offer them the safe space, support and knowledge they will need to turn their idea into a sustainable venture.”
Now in its fourth year, the Summer Institute is scheduled to run from May 1 until July 21.
The Summer Institute has launched 17 companies, including Fredericton’s Wear Your Label, and was the first accelerator in Eastern Canada to be invited into the Techstars-affiliated Global Accelerator Network.
“This year, we’re looking for entrepreneurs of all passions. Everything from cybersecurity, to forestry, and even fine art & craft” said Program Manager Melissa O’Rourke. “If you know an entrepreneur with an innovative product or service, or someone with a great idea who likes to make a difference, point them towards the Summer Institute.”
Applications for UNB’s Summer Institute, which can be found here, are open until March 12.