Innovation Bootcamp 2021

Student Innovation Centre photo 2019

Excited about innovation and entrepreneurship, but don’t know where to start? Have an idea, but need tools and support to help your idea become a reality? Want to learn about what innovation resources exist on campus? The Innovation Bootcamp is a three-week program coordinated through the College of Natural and Applied Sciences, hosted by the Innovation, Creativity, and Entrepreneurship program (ICE) and the Student Innovation Centre. This free program will include evening presentations, workshops, and mentorship opportunities designed to help you build a business model and pitch for a creative non-academic project. Topics include idea development, understanding your audience, pitch basics, prototyping, protecting an idea, fund development and more.

The bootcamp will run once an evening on weeknights from October 12 to October 28. Evening presentations and workshops will take place primarily online, however will be in person if most beneficial and approval has been secured under current COVID-19 safety guidelines. The bootcamp will culminate in a judged pitch practice on the evening of October 28 and October 29 that will be judged. Undergraduate students of all faculties may sign up in teams or as individuals. Limited spots available.

Funding is available for select prototyping/startup needs.

FAQs

Is there a program cost?
No. The Innovation Bootcamp is free, and there is no cost to participate. Participants can access funds for software, equipment, and prototyping needs if they meet funding criteria. Partial funding may only be awarded for these areas.
When does the program run?
The Innovation Bootcamp takes place during weeknight evenings Tuesday October 12 - Friday October 29. Presentations, workshops, and mentorship opportunities will take place in the evenings, between 5 - 7 p.m. Evening sessions will be approximately 1-2 hours.
Where will the event be taking place?
The Innovation Bootcamp will take place primarily virtually. Some presentations and workshops will be in person if most beneficial and approval has been secured under current COVID-19 safety guidelines.
Can I apply if I am not in the College of Natural and Applied Sciences?
Yes, undergraduate students in any faculty may apply as an individual or as a team.
Do I need to attend all the events and sessions?
To meet program expectations we encourage all participants to attend all sessions. Please connect with the event coordinators and mentors to support your access.
Do I need to have a nonacademic project idea before applying?
No. However, keep in mind that participants will need to create a pitch at the end of three weeks. Students are recommended to come with an idea that can be shaped by the presentations over the program.
Do I need to pitch my idea?
Applications to pitch will open up during the second week of Bootcamp to provide participants with time during the first week to flesh out your idea and decide if you would like to pitch. Pitch Days will take place during the final two days of Bootcamp on Thursday, October 28th, and Friday, October 29th. Participants will have the option of pitching publically on an open stage or privately pitching directly to judges for feedback.
Is there funding available?
Yes. Funding will be available by application during the program. These funds are meant to be used to cover prototyping costs, small marketing costs, software access, etc., and are to be budgeted and managed by the students or teams with oversight from the bootcamp mentors. These funds will be released during the last week of the bootcamp leading up to the pitch.
Contact
Questions? Email: cbsteink@ualberta.ca