Programs

Build, Test & Learn

A Workshop Series
Recommended:

THIS IS FOR YOU IF YOU'RE A...

  • Founder and Entrepreneur – If you’re focused on creating functional prototypes or MVPs to test, learn, and iterate, this workshop is designed to support your journey.

  • Aspiring and Established Leaders – Whether you’re just starting out, running a startup, or a seasoned business leader, this workshop is ideal for refining your products and driving innovation.

  • Customer-Centric Visionaries – Perfect for those dedicated to understanding and meeting customer needs, managing intellectual property challenges, and preparing for sustainable, long-term growth.

WORKSHOP INFORMATION

These workshops run every Tuesday night from February 18 – March 25, 2025 at 6:30 to 8:30 PM. Each workshop offers invaluable insights and practical tools to navigate the complexities of startup development and innovation.

By attending four out of the six in-person workshops, including the Demo Roundtable, participants will receive a Badge of Completion.

OUTCOMES

  • Gain a deeper understanding of product development principles and techniques.
  • Learn practical strategies for rapid experimentation and validation of business ideas.
  • Immerse yourself in human-centered design thinking to create innovative solutions.
  • Develop essential skills in defining product vision, understanding customer personas, and crafting effective product roadmaps.
  • Acquire knowledge and tools to safeguard and leverage intellectual property for long-term business success.
  • Refine your product concepts, make informed decisions, and prepare for the next stage of growth through hands-on workshops and expert guidance.
  • Equip founders with essential skills for success in the Alberta Catalyzer’s programs.

HOW TO REGISTER

Register now for one or more of the workshops in the Build, Test & Learn series.

Product Development with David Ferris | June 23

This workshop covers essential steps in MVP development, from problem identification to execution. This interactive session will provide participants with the following:

  • Identify market opportunities and define target audiences with the Value Proposition Canvas
  • Map user flows and plan MVP development strategies
  • Understand Product Management Fundamentals and feedback loop utilization

David Ferris is aSenior Product Manager at Jobber and currently focuses on AI/LLMs. David has a focus on levelling-up Product Management skills in the city/province to help keep Edmonton’s tech scene competitive.

Delve into the intricacies of product vision and strategic planning. In this interactive session, participants will learn:

  • Develop product vision, customer personas, and journey maps
  • Build and prioritize actionable product roadmaps
  • Leverage strategic frameworks to align value propositions with business goals

Sam Jenkins is the Managing Partner of Punchcard Systems and CEO & Co-Founder of Standard Field Systems (Launch Party Alumni). Sam has over 25 years of experience in the digital industry, in which he has a passion for creating positive and transformative impact through technology.

Immerse yourself in the transformative power of design thinking with our comprehensive workshop, guided by the principles of human-centered design. Learn more about each stage of the design thinking process:

  • Core principles and stages of design thinking
  • Skills in user research, problem definition, ideation, prototyping, and user testing
  • Techniques for refining sprint processes and prioritizing features

Amal Merali is an Early Stage CleanTech Founder. Amal’s company seeks to empower consumers to make greener choices, further reducing CO2e footprint for generations to come.

Allan Waine is Edmonton Unlimited’s Head of Startup. Allan brings experience in not-for-profit and cross-cultural educational leadership.

Bring your MVPs or prototypes to the subsequent Demo Roundtable for peer and expert feedback, ensuring a continuous refinement process enriched by diverse perspectives by ultimately leading to the development of robust and innovative solutions.

  • Comprehensive understanding of the product development process, from ideation to prototyping
  • Leveraging key tools and methodologies to refine product concepts, validate ideas with customers, and make informed decisions about ventures
  • Networking opportunities with peers, receiving feedback from industry experts, and gaining insights into potential pathways for further growth and engagement with programs like the Alberta Catalyzer

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.

Similar Programs

Post Secondary Institution (PSI) Innovation on Campus

Students, staff, and alumni* of Edmonton’s post-secondary schools interested in building a technology-based company can access the support of an Executive in Residence (EIR) on campus.

Social Impact Business Model

Social Impact Business Model focuses on the Social Lean Canvas, a tool for developing a clear understanding of the social impact and value propositions of a business or social enterprise or not-for-profit idea.

Student Founders 2025

Offering young entrepreneurs who are building an early-stage innovative product or service support to launch their ideas into a growing startup success.

Discover & Validate

Once you've mapped everything out with the Lean Canvas, we'll guide you through talking to customers so you can build them something they love in the Discover and Validate Series.

ANZA “New Beginnings”

Designed to help our youths to generate and develop business ideas, put these ideas into a business plan, provide mentorship and also help them seek out and apply for loans that they can kick off their businesses with, this for us is providing them with ANZA (New Beginning).

Cultivate: Social Impact

This workshop offers a remarkable opportunity for founders, entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs who aspire to drive positive change in the world while strengthening their businesses.
Scroll to Top