This will be the first of a two part blog exploring the variety of resources that UofT offers to its students. The University of Toronto provides a plethora of available opportunities for students and graduates to grow and learn about start-ups, here is a highlight of the first four:
UTM’s I-Cube
Whether it be through their open program, leadership team, or ICE program, I-CUBE at the University of Toronto Mississauga can provide incredibly valuable knowledge and resources to entrepreneurs’ at a variety of different stages. This brand new innovation hub situated within UTM’s Institute of Management and Innovation provides mentoring, financing guides as well as a curriculum to help budding entrepreneurs to take their ideas and businesses to the next level. Some major takeaways from I-CUBE provides particularly for students is a physical work space situated at UTM and free access to a 3D-Printer. Having I-CUBE conveniently located within the Institute of Management and Innovation, participants will have in house mentors within the building as well. Either come down to I-CUBE located in the basement of IMI and talk to program coordinator Darren Lum, or learn more at: http://www.utm.utoronto.ca/imi/I-CUBE.
UTSC’s The HUB
Do you go to UofT Scarborough? Than this would be the best place for you to start if you’re looking for help on starting up. The HUB’s IDEA (Innovative Design, Entrepreneurial Action) is their flagship program to provide budding students with the space and resources to help facilitate and grow their work. In particular, the program focuses on the concept stage and prototype stage. One of the great features with working with The HUB is the collaboration with the MaRS District downtown with further expands the network students will be able to reach. For more information on how to apply to their program visit: http://blog.utsc.utoronto.ca/thehub/apply/
Impact Centre
Located in the heart of Toronto, the Impact Centre is a one-stop shop for bringing ideas to market. In particular, the Impact Centre caters to entrepreneurs who look to focus on science and engineering. Look to grow your network, gain vital skills, and a plethora of opportunities for financing help here. Through their culture of collaboration and hard work the centre gives the framework and resources needed to bring innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship to the fold. One of the most interesting features the Impact Centre brings is their Connector System which is their model for connecting budding entrepreneurs to the real world through a holistic approach of industry partnerships, start-ups, and student training.
Department of Computer Science Innovation Lab
The Department of Computer Science Innovation Lab, or otherwise famously known as DCSIL is a fairly new hub at the downtown campus of UofT. This initiative includes an upper-year course on business of software and summer entrepreneurship program as well which is open to both graduates and undergraduates. It should be duly mentioned that the accelerator is focused towards computer science students but is still open to anyone interested. Usually computer science students will be connected with students across all three UofT Campuses. What makes DCSIL really stand out is that their teams are encouraged and supported to enter different hackathons and pitch competitions such as the Tri-Campus Hackathon. If computer science and entrepreneurship are your passions than DCSIL would be the ideal place to merge those two together.
