VentureU

Background EPIC Founders

Overview

EPICentre’s VentureU skills-bootcamp is a unique learning opportunity for students looking to put their problem-solving skills to use. Over the course of 5 days, selected students will learn the fundamentals of idea validation and work collaboratively in teams to develop an innovative solution for a real-world problem. Participants that complete the program will receive a $200 participation award and have a chance to win one of two $500 prizes during the pitch competition.

This program looks for University of Windsor students from any faculty who aspire to:

  • Learn unique ways to problem-solve
  • Meet students from other faculties
  • Work in multidisciplinary teams
  • Exercise their entrepreneurial spirit

Students do not need a team or have a business idea to be eligible to apply.

Applications open August 28, 2023.

Eligibility

All applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:

  • You are available Tuesday to Saturday, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm, the week of October 10, 2023, for in-person activities during University Reading Week.
  • You are a current student at the University of Windsor in any faculty.

This program requires full-time commitment (five consecutive days, October 10-14). This program is not suited for those who have other full-time commitments.

Students do not need a team or have a business idea to be eligible to apply.

Program Highlights

The VentureU Skills-bootcamp is a 5-day, action packed week designed to help students learn how to apply their problem-solving skills to real-world problems. This is done through a mix of workshops and hands-on clinics that mesh core ideation and start-up principals with the opportunity to create the foundations of a real business – No business experience needed!

Throughout the 5-day bootcamp, participants will learn key skills, competencies, and know-how on topics such as:

  • In-depth problem-centric ideation and problem-solution fit training
  • Market and competitive environment scanning
  • Seeking and analyzing feedback
  • Intellectual property fundamentals
  • Pitching, presenting, and sales
  • Lean start-up methodology and the Business Model Canvas

Participants in this program will work on a specific and pre-determined problem that will be announced on the first day of the bootcamp. They will then learn and practice start-up skills that will help them with their own ideas in the future!

Benefits

Selected students will be put into teams and then work together through the week to ideate and create an innovative solution to a selected automobility problem.

Students completing the bootcamp will receive:

  • $200 participation award
  • Opportunity to work in teams and meet like-minded people
  • Work 1:1 with dynamic mentors and coaches
  • Full lunch each day
  • Digital badge

Participants also have the chance to win one of two $500 prizes during the final pitch competition.

Application

Applications for the Fall 2023 cohort are now closed. Thank you for your interest in the VentureU Program, please join our hub to find out about upcoming opportunities with EPICentre:

Join the Hub!

Key Dates

Applications open: Monday, August 28, 2023

Applications close: Tuesday, September 26, 2023, at 3:00 pm

Successful applicants will be notified by the end of day, Friday, September 29th, 2023

Program start: Tuesday, October 10, 2023

Program end and final pitches: Saturday, October 14, 2023

Information Sessions

If you’re unable to attend the LIVE session, we still encourage you to register. A recording of the webinar will be sent post-event.

Please note, all applicants need to be available Tuesday to Saturday, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm, the week of October 10, 2023, for in-person activities during University Reading Week.

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FUNDED BY
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QUESTIONS

Contact sydney.thompson@uwindsor.ca with any questions