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 innovators the coaching and mentorship to launch and grow.
During the Summer of 2026 we are excited to announce that we will be running two streams of the Student Founders program.
- Student Founders: Launch is designed for very early stage innovators that have an idea they would like to pursue, but have not undertaken significant work to progress the project.
- Student Founders: Grow is designed for innovators that have devoted time to advancing an innovation and would like to take the next step to commercialize and further develop the business.
One of the best parts—it’s free, thanks to Alberta Innovates through the Edmonton Regional Innovation Network.
Student Founders: Launch
Launch is for you if you…
- Live in Edmonton or the surrounding area
- Attended an Edmonton-based post-secondary during the last school year or plan to attend an Edmonton-based post-secondary next school year
- Have availability for weekly in person sessions throughout the summer months (Tuesday 6-8:30 pm, mandatory)
- Have a technology-focused innovative business concept that you’re ready to commit time to pursue
- Aspire to launch your product/venture into a business
What You Will Do
In this 16-week, live curriculum you’ll need to commit to 2.5 hours of weekly in person program delivery, 2 hours of monthly coaching, and 4-6 hours per week outside of the sessions to apply the concepts and move your company forward.
You Will Receive
- Weekly facilitated sessions (Tuesdays from 6-8:30pm)
- Access to mentors and advisors (legal, accounting, and investment)
- Peer-to-peer online and in-person socials with your cohort
- Regular coaching sessions
- Opportunity to showcase your company/product at a demo and pitch night
Launch Stream Participants Will Also Receive
- A modest honorarium for the completion of the program, including the innovation demonstration roundtable and final showcase.
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
Student Founders: Grow
Grow is for you if you…
- Live in Edmonton or the surrounding area
- Attended an Edmonton-based post-secondary during the last school year or plan to attend an Edmonton-based post-secondary next school year
- Have availability for bi-weekly in person sessions throughout the summer months (Tuesday 6-8:30 pm, mandatory)
- Have a technology-focused innovative business that you’re ready to commit time to pursue
- Aspire to grow your product/concept into your full-time venture
What You Will Do
In this 16-week, live curriculum you’ll need to commit to 2.5 hours of bi-weekly in person program delivery, 2 hours of monthly coaching, and 4-6 hours per week outside of the sessions to apply the concepts and move your company forward.
You Will Receive
- Bi-weekly facilitated sessions (Tuesday from 6-8:30pm)
- Access to mentors and advisors (legal, accounting, and investment)
- Peer-to-peer online and in-person socials with your cohort
- Regular coaching sessions
- Opportunity to showcase your company/product at a demo and pitch night
- Optional and recommended workshops to supplement your experience
Grow Stream Participants Will Also Receive
- A modest honorarium for the completion of the program, final showcase presentation and two deliverables:
- A go to market strategy; and
- A financing strategy document.
Outcomes
- Build a strong go to market and financing strategy
- Understand the sales and scaling process
- Grow as the leader of a commercially scalable company
- Become investor ready
IMPORTANT DATES
- Applications Open: February 15, 2026
- Applications Close: April 10, 2026
- Interviews: April 13 – 17, 2026
- Notifications of Acceptance: April 20, 2026
- Program Starts: May 4, 2026
- Program Ends: August 18, 2026
HOW TO APPLY
We will be accepting up to 15 businesses/ideas/companies for each of the Launch and Grow streams.
A program calendar of the full 16-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.
