Branding
2026-02-11 17:30 - 19:00 (America/Toronto) | Online, Webinar
​This workshop shows leaders and entrepreneurs how branding can be a universal language and a strategic tool for growth, cultural connection, and global positioning—making it especially relevant for internationally minded businesses and impact-driven audiences. Learn how to use brand strategy to stand out, build influence, and scale with confidence across borders.
​This is perfect for:
​Entrepreneurs, business owners, and global changemakers seeking to expand their reach and impact
​In this session, you will learn:
​· How to create the core foundations of an authentic and impactful brand identity that resonates with diverse audiences around the world
​· To understand colour psychology, typography, and design principles through an international lens, creating a cohesive and memorable brand presence that inspires trust and drives conversions
​· The art of compelling storytelling that transcends borders, captivating hearts and minds by engaging on both emotional and cultural levels
​
​About the Speaker
​Christine Lieu-Guzauskas is the powerhouse behind CL Designs and the Brand Party Podcast. When she’s not trading in climbing the corporate ladder for climbing mountains around the world, she’s helping purpose-driven businesses and nonprofits transform their branding, web design, and marketing collateral into efficient impact and sales.
​From household names like Walmart, MLSE, and CBC Music to bold, bootstrapping startups across every industry, Christine’s creativity earned her a Digital Publishing Award nomination and a feature in Top 10 Canada Design for the Brand Party Podcast. A dynamic speaker and host, she brings infectious energy and real-talk advice on branding, storytelling, and the art of celebration to stages worldwide.

Ideation to Pitch: Mastering Founder Velocity with Facilitate
2026-02-18 17:00 - 18:00 (America/Toronto) | Online, Webinar
Early-stage entrepreneurship often feels like “structured chaos”. To move from a raw idea to a venture-ready pitch, founders must master the art of clarity, resonance, and speed. In this interactive, high-energy session, Kay Boamah (ICUBE Alum & Founder of Facilitate) will lead a hands-on, interactive workshop using the Facilitate platform.
Rather than just watching a demo, founders will actively use the Entrepreneur Dashboard to architect their business models in real-time. We will dive deep into the two pillars of early-stage success:
1. The Ideation Studio: Architecting the Logic
We will move past surface-level ideas by stress-testing the 4 Pillars of your business:

The Problem: Defining “pain points” that demand a solution.
The Solution: Articulating your product’s value proposition with precision.
The Impact: Connecting your commercial goals to social causes.
The Pricing: Setting a strategic price point for market entry.
Founders will use the “Refine with Facilitate” AI to instantly upgrade their phrasing into professional business language.

2. The Pitch Studio: From Script to Screen
A great idea is only as good as its delivery. Using Facilitate’s Pitch Studio, founders will:

Select a narrative tone (Fun, Corporate, or Story) to match their brand.
Generate an AI-powered script based on their validated ideation logic.
Be ready to record a 30-second “Elevator Pitch” directly within the platform for immediate feedback.

The Goal:
Founders will leave this session with a completed business profile and a recorded pitch, ready to accelerate their journey within the ICUBE ecosystem.

The Speaker: Kay Boamah Founder, Facilitate | ICUBE Accelerator Alum

Kay Boamah is the founder of Facilitate and a proud alum of the ICUBE accelerator. Having sat in the exact same seats as the founders he now supports, he intimately understands the “structured chaos” of building an early-stage venture. His deep ties to the university’s entrepreneurship ecosystem drive his mission to empower the next generation of builders.
A battle-tested operator, Kay has navigated the full spectrum of the founder journey. His track record includes leading sales and driving hyper-growth at Garten, a FoodTech startup ($10M to $100M ARR) before its acquisition , and co-founding the Community insight engine Swiirl. Today, Kay builds at the intersection of human potential and artificial intelligence. Through Facilitate, he equips early-stage entrepreneurs with AI-augmented tools to master their business logic and pitch delivery , ensuring they can confidently compete on a global stage.

Demystifying Early‑Stage Financing: VC vs Angel
2026-02-25 17:30 - 19:30 (America/Toronto) | KN L1215
About Ben (Co-founder @ Capita, Community Lead @ Fresh Founders)
Ben co-founded Capita, the agentic law firm for startups and SMEs. Backers include Drive Capital, Hyperplane VC, Fresh Founders, and tech execs in San Francisco, New York, and Tel Aviv. Ben leads Community at Fresh Founders, an invite‑only network of high‑achieving young entrepreneurs in Canada and the U.S. He is a lawyer‑turned‑founder with operator experience supporting hundreds of founders with incorporations, equity, fundraising, and commercial work.
About Capita
Capita is an agentic law firm that uses the latest technology to democratize corporate legal services for entrepreneurs. AI agents and expert lawyers deliver fast, reliable help on:

Incorporations and clean cap tables
Founder and employee equity, ESOPs
Fundraising docs such as SAFEs, notes, and priced rounds
IP and assignment hygiene for university spinouts
Commercial sales contracts, MSAs, and vendor compliance

What this event is about
A practical session for students, PIs, grad students, any members of the community interested in building a company. The talk removes jargon and shows how to raise smart money while protecting founder interests.
You will learn

Where the first 500K to 2M usually comes from
Angels vs VCs. How they evaluate, how fast they move, and what they expect
SAFEs vs priced rounds and how terms affect dilution and control
Spinout‑ready IP and assignment basics that investors expect
A simple investor readiness checklist you can use immediately

PITCH With a Twist - Celebrating International Women's Day
2026-03-04 17:30 - 19:30 (America/Toronto) | Innovation Complex, 3359 Mississauga Rd, Mississauga, ontario, L5L 1C6, Canada
Join us on March 4th, 2026, to support women entrepreneurs at Pitch with a Twist, a competition dedicated to breaking down barriers and celebrating innovative ideas from diverse voices. In honor of International Women’s Month, this event will highlight the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of women-identifying innovators.
Experience inspiring ventures as finalists showcase their startups at interactive booths, allowing judges and attendees to engage directly with these talented entrepreneurs. The event will also feature a panel of women-identifying judges who will evaluate each startup.
Attendees can look forward to exceptional speakers sharing their journeys and insights, offering valuable lessons in entrepreneurship. This is a unique opportunity to network with leading companies and immerse yourself in the excitement of entrepreneurship in action.

Steeping Success: A Virtual Tea Session for Indigenous Entrepreneurs
2026-04-13 10:00 - 11:30 (Africa/Abidjan) | Online Event
A Virtual Tea Session for Indigenous Entrepreneurs.

We are excited to announce that Redbird Circle Inc., in partnership with ICUBE at University of Toronto will continue to offer virtual coaching and mentorship sessions for Indigenous Entrepreneurs on an ongoing basis until mid-summer. This means you will have continuous access to mentorship and coaching to help you progress with your business ventures.
In these virtual sessions, you will be provided with an excellent opportunity to:

Have tea and hear insights from experienced business mentors
Network with fellow Indigenous entrepreneurs
Develop and refine your business ideas
Discuss barriers to economic development and challenges faced by Indigenous entrepreneurs in the Greater Toronto Area

The first virtual session will take place on Monday, April 13th at 10:00AM EST via Zoom Communications. The Zoom link information will be sent to you shortly after you register. More dates will be released soon.Don’t miss this chance to take your business to the next level. Reserve your spot today by registering through the Eventbrite link above.
We look forward to seeing you there!

Steeping Success: A Virtual Tea Session for Indigenous Entrepreneurs
2026-04-27 10:00 - 11:30 (Africa/Abidjan) | Online Event
A Virtual Tea Session for Indigenous Entrepreneurs.

We are excited to announce that Redbird Circle Inc., in partnership with ICUBE at University of Toronto will continue to offer virtual coaching and mentorship sessions for Indigenous Entrepreneurs on an ongoing basis until mid-summer. This means you will have continuous access to mentorship and coaching to help you progress with your business ventures.
In these virtual sessions, you will be provided with an excellent opportunity to:

Have tea and hear insights from experienced business mentors
Network with fellow Indigenous entrepreneurs
Develop and refine your business ideas
Discuss barriers to economic development and challenges faced by Indigenous entrepreneurs in the Greater Toronto Area

The first virtual session will take place on Monday, April 27th at 10:00AM EST via Zoom Communications. The Zoom link information will be sent to you shortly after you register. More dates will be released soon.Don’t miss this chance to take your business to the next level. Reserve your spot today by registering through the Eventbrite link above.
We look forward to seeing you there!

Steeping Success: A Virtual Tea Session for Indigenous Entrepreneurs
2026-05-11 10:00 - 11:30 (Africa/Abidjan) | Online Event
A Virtual Tea Session for Indigenous Entrepreneurs.

We are excited to announce that Redbird Circle Inc., in partnership with ICUBE at University of Toronto will continue to offer virtual coaching and mentorship sessions for Indigenous Entrepreneurs on an ongoing basis until mid-summer. This means you will have continuous access to mentorship and coaching to help you progress with your business ventures.
In these virtual sessions, you will be provided with an excellent opportunity to:

Have tea and hear insights from experienced business mentors
Network with fellow Indigenous entrepreneurs
Develop and refine your business ideas
Discuss barriers to economic development and challenges faced by Indigenous entrepreneurs in the Greater Toronto Area

The first virtual session will take place on Monday, May 11th at 10:00AM EST via Zoom Communications. The Zoom link information will be sent to you shortly after you register. More dates will be released soon.Don’t miss this chance to take your business to the next level. Reserve your spot today by registering through the Eventbrite link above.
We look forward to seeing you there!

Ideation Lab Info Session
2026-05-14 13:30 - 14:30 (America/Toronto) | Online, Webinar
Thinking about launching a business, social venture, nonprofit, or creative solution to a real-world problem? Join us for the Ideation Lab Information Session and learn how you can turn your idea into reality.
At this session, you’ll get an overview of the Ideation Lab incubator program, including:

What to expect from the Boot Camp Intensive, workshops, and mentorship opportunities
How participants develop and validate their ideas using tools like design thinking and the business model canvas
Eligibility requirements and application process
Program benefits, resources, and community support available to participants

You’ll also have the opportunity to ask questions and learn how Ideation Lab supports entrepreneurs and change-makers from diverse backgrounds and industries.
Whether you’re at the idea stage or already exploring a solution, this session is a great opportunity to discover how Ideation Lab can support your journey.

Steeping Success: A Virtual Tea Session for Indigenous Entrepreneurs
2026-05-25 10:00 - 11:30 (Africa/Abidjan) | Online Event
A Virtual Tea Session for Indigenous Entrepreneurs.

We are excited to announce that Redbird Circle Inc., in partnership with ICUBE at University of Toronto will continue to offer virtual coaching and mentorship sessions for Indigenous Entrepreneurs on an ongoing basis until mid-summer. This means you will have continuous access to mentorship and coaching to help you progress with your business ventures.
In these virtual sessions, you will be provided with an excellent opportunity to:

Have tea and hear insights from experienced business mentors
Network with fellow Indigenous entrepreneurs
Develop and refine your business ideas
Discuss barriers to economic development and challenges faced by Indigenous entrepreneurs in the Greater Toronto Area

The first virtual session will take place on Monday, May 25th at 10:00AM EST via Zoom Communications. The Zoom link information will be sent to you shortly after you register. More dates will be released soon.Don’t miss this chance to take your business to the next level. Reserve your spot today by registering through the Eventbrite link above.
We look forward to seeing you there!

Steeping Success: A Virtual Tea Session for Indigenous Entrepreneurs
2026-06-01 10:00 - 11:30 (Africa/Abidjan) | Online Event
A Virtual Tea Session for Indigenous Entrepreneurs.

We are excited to announce that Redbird Circle Inc., in partnership with ICUBE at University of Toronto will continue to offer virtual coaching and mentorship sessions for Indigenous Entrepreneurs on an ongoing basis until mid-summer. This means you will have continuous access to mentorship and coaching to help you progress with your business ventures.
In these virtual sessions, you will be provided with an excellent opportunity to:

Have tea and hear insights from experienced business mentors
Network with fellow Indigenous entrepreneurs
Develop and refine your business ideas
Discuss barriers to economic development and challenges faced by Indigenous entrepreneurs in the Greater Toronto Area

The first virtual session will take place on Monday, June 1st at 10:00AM EST via Zoom Communications. The Zoom link information will be sent to you shortly after you register. More dates will be released soon.Don’t miss this chance to take your business to the next level. Reserve your spot today by registering through the Eventbrite link above.
We look forward to seeing you there!

Steeping Success: A Virtual Tea Session for Indigenous Entrepreneurs
2026-06-08 10:00 - 11:30 (Africa/Abidjan) | Online Event
A Virtual Tea Session for Indigenous Entrepreneurs.

We are excited to announce that Redbird Circle Inc., in partnership with ICUBE at University of Toronto will continue to offer virtual coaching and mentorship sessions for Indigenous Entrepreneurs on an ongoing basis until mid-summer. This means you will have continuous access to mentorship and coaching to help you progress with your business ventures.
In these virtual sessions, you will be provided with an excellent opportunity to:

Have tea and hear insights from experienced business mentors
Network with fellow Indigenous entrepreneurs
Develop and refine your business ideas
Discuss barriers to economic development and challenges faced by Indigenous entrepreneurs in the Greater Toronto Area

The first virtual session will take place on Monday, June 8th at 10:00AM EST via Zoom Communications. The Zoom link information will be sent to you shortly after you register. More dates will be released soon.Don’t miss this chance to take your business to the next level. Reserve your spot today by registering through the Eventbrite link above.
We look forward to seeing you there!

Steeping Success: A Virtual Tea Session for Indigenous Entrepreneurs
2026-07-06 10:00 - 11:30 (Africa/Abidjan) | Online Event
A Virtual Tea Session for Indigenous Entrepreneurs.

We are excited to announce that Redbird Circle Inc., in partnership with ICUBE at University of Toronto will continue to offer virtual coaching and mentorship sessions for Indigenous Entrepreneurs on an ongoing basis until mid-summer. This means you will have continuous access to mentorship and coaching to help you progress with your business ventures.
In these virtual sessions, you will be provided with an excellent opportunity to:

Have tea and hear insights from experienced business mentors
Network with fellow Indigenous entrepreneurs
Develop and refine your business ideas
Discuss barriers to economic development and challenges faced by Indigenous entrepreneurs in the Greater Toronto Area

The first virtual session will take place on Monday, July 6th at 10:00AM EST via Zoom Communications. The Zoom link information will be sent to you shortly after you register. More dates will be released soon.Don’t miss this chance to take your business to the next level. Reserve your spot today by registering through the Eventbrite link above.
We look forward to seeing you there!

Steeping Success: A Virtual Tea Session for Indigenous Entrepreneurs
2026-07-20 10:00 - 11:30 (Africa/Abidjan) | Online Event
A Virtual Tea Session for Indigenous Entrepreneurs.

We are excited to announce that Redbird Circle Inc., in partnership with ICUBE at University of Toronto will continue to offer virtual coaching and mentorship sessions for Indigenous Entrepreneurs on an ongoing basis until mid-summer. This means you will have continuous access to mentorship and coaching to help you progress with your business ventures.
In these virtual sessions, you will be provided with an excellent opportunity to:

Have tea and hear insights from experienced business mentors
Network with fellow Indigenous entrepreneurs
Develop and refine your business ideas
Discuss barriers to economic development and challenges faced by Indigenous entrepreneurs in the Greater Toronto Area

The first virtual session will take place on Monday, July 20th at 10:00AM EST via Zoom Communications. The Zoom link information will be sent to you shortly after you register. More dates will be released soon.Don’t miss this chance to take your business to the next level. Reserve your spot today by registering through the Eventbrite link above.
We look forward to seeing you there!

Steeping Success: A Virtual Tea Session for Indigenous Entrepreneurs
2026-07-27 10:00 - 11:30 (Africa/Abidjan) | Online Event
A Virtual Tea Session for Indigenous Entrepreneurs.

We are excited to announce that Redbird Circle Inc., in partnership with ICUBE at University of Toronto will continue to offer virtual coaching and mentorship sessions for Indigenous Entrepreneurs on an ongoing basis until mid-summer. This means you will have continuous access to mentorship and coaching to help you progress with your business ventures.
In these virtual sessions, you will be provided with an excellent opportunity to:

Have tea and hear insights from experienced business mentors
Network with fellow Indigenous entrepreneurs
Develop and refine your business ideas
Discuss barriers to economic development and challenges faced by Indigenous entrepreneurs in the Greater Toronto Area

The first virtual session will take place on Monday, July 27th at 10:00AM EST via Zoom Communications. The Zoom link information will be sent to you shortly after you register. More dates will be released soon.Don’t miss this chance to take your business to the next level. Reserve your spot today by registering through the Eventbrite link above.
We look forward to seeing you there!

2026 Ideation Lab Pitch Competition
2026-08-26 17:30 - 19:30 (America/Toronto)
Join us from 5:30pm to 7:00pm on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, for the Ideation Lab Pitch Competition!
​ICUBE at UTM is proud to celebrate stellar innovation from an incredible array of diverse founders within our student, alumni, and regional community. We are also excited to honour the work of many founders through the Ideation Lab across other sectors at this dynamic competition. Be sure to join us virtually to see examples of how the pitching process works and understand what to expect from investors and interested parties. And don’t forget that you can cast your vote and make a difference by helping to determine the People’s Choice recognitions for the evening.
See you there!

Pride Pitch
2026-08-27 16:00 - 18:00 (America/Toronto)
ICUBE, The University of Toronto, and The City of Mississauga are proud to announce the seventh year of the Pride Pitch event, which is open to all students, staff, and faculty from all three campuses of the university, as well as members of the community (Peel Region), and community members of QueerTech . The competition offers a total of $10,000 in cash prizes to recognize, reward, and accelerate the growth of 2SLGBTQ+ (Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, and others) entrepreneurs.
Individuals or teams who are interested in participating in the competition will have the opportunity to showcase their ideas through a five-minute pitch to a panel of judges (poster-presentation style). The judges will evaluate the ideas and determine the winners based on various criteria, including originality, feasibility, impact, and potential for success.
The goal of the PRIDE Pitch is to provide support and resources for 2SLGBTQ+ entrepreneurs, and to help them succeed in their ventures.
