Programs

Student Founders

Are you a part-time or full-time student? It's time to bring your ideas to life.

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You’re completing assignments, studying for exams, keeping up with the latest trends, but perhaps you have a startup or an idea that could become a business. The Student Founders program offers student entrepreneurs who are building an early-stage innovative product or service the coaching and mentorship to launch. One of the best parts—it’s free, thanks to Alberta Innovates through the Edmonton Regional Innovation Network.

In the program’s first year in 2020, we worked with 10 student founder/co-founders to help transform their idea into a growing startup, including BAWSE, Octo-M Technologies, and 8 Bit Cortex.

THIS IS FOR YOU IF

Live in Edmonton or the surrounding area
Attended an Edmonton-based post-secondary during the last school year
Availability for weekly online sessions throughout the summer months (mandatory)
Have an innovative business concept that you’re ready to commit time to pursue
Aspire to grow your product/concept into your full-time venture

WHAT YOU'LL DO

In this 16-week, live curriculum you’ll need to commit to 2.5 hours of weekly online program delivery, plus 4-6 hours per week outside of the sessions to apply the concepts and move your company forward.

You’ll receive:

Weekly facilitated sessions
Access to mentors and advisors (legal, accounting, and investment)
Peer-to-Peer online sessions with your cohort
Regular coaching sessions
Opportunity to showcase your company/product at a demo and pitch night

Important Dates:

Program Dates: May 8, 2023 – August 21, 2023 
Sessions: Monday* from 6-8:30pm (*Holiday Mondays will shift to Tuesday)
Special Events: Demo Day – July 17 & Showcase – August 21
Application deadline: April 9, 2023

OUTCOMES

Identify and develop early customers
Prove your market
Build a strong foundation for your product, team, and company
Learn to sell your product and companies to customers and investors

How to Apply

Applications are closed for the 2023 cohort.

We will be accepting up to 12 businesses/ideas/companies. A program calendar of the full 15-week schedule will be sent out to applicants along with the acceptance offer.

This program is partially funded through the City of Edmonton and offered at no cost, thanks to Alberta Innovates, through the Edmonton Regional Innovation Network.

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