Programs
Launch Program
The Launch Program is a free, specialized three-month opportunity designed to help you turn your idea into reality. Whether you're just starting or scaling an existing venture, this program empowers aspiring entrepreneurs with the skills, resources, and networks to succeed.
Why Join the Launch Program?
- Speed up Business Growth: Expert guidance can enhance your chances of success. Leverage our strategic tools and resources.
- Expand Your Network: Connect with experienced mentors, industry experts, and like-minded peers.
- Get Personalized Support: Receive curated programming and mentorship that matches your needs.
Program Highlights:
- Learn from subject matter experts.
- Take part in sessions covering essential entrepreneurial skills.
- Work with mentors to address challenges and refine your business strategies.
Join the Launch Program to grow your venture in a supportive, empowering community.
The program is open to the UVic community and partner institutions and runs online each semester with new cohorts starting in September, January and May.
For more information reach out to Tyler West at wventure@uvic.ca.
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Turning your idea into a work term opportunity
Have a venture idea? Need to fulfill a co-op work term assignment or want to take some time off from classes to pursue entrepreneurship and get co-op credit towards your degree?
We can help you navigate starting up a business and provide necessary supports and resources through an entrepreneurial co-op work term.
Contact your coordinator for more information.
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Research to Real-Word Application
The RRWA is a 6-session program designed to give you the confidence to turn your research into action. Through hands-on, experiential learning and discussions with an expert, you will develop an entrepreneurial mindset and learn how to translate the potential of your research into a compelling statement or pitch that targets those who can help you achieve your goals. Whether you're interested in starting your own venture or sharing your research through academia or government, this program is for you.
Why Join the RRWA Program?
- Bridge Research and Action: Learn how to transform academic knowledge into real-world solutions
- Gain Confidence: Discover your skills beyond your research.
- Connect with the Right People: Learn how to effectively engage the right audiences to bring your ideas to life.
Program Highlights:
- Entrepreneurial Mindset: Explore key concepts in six interactive sessions.
- Practical Strategies: Learn how to move ideas from research to reality.
- Expand Your Network: Build meaningful connections with peers, experts, and potential collaborators
*This program is open to UVic grad students, post-docs, and graduates of those research-based programs.
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Lloyd Milburn Innovation Award
The Lloyd Milburn Innovation Award supports students at the University of Victoria and Vancouver Island University who are tackling real-world health and equity challenges. This award provides up to $25,000 in funding and is available to final year undergraduate students, and graduate students.
One to five awards will be granted annually. All awardees must participate in the UVic Innovation Centre programming. Awardees will have access to mentorship, skills training, and oversight to help bring their projects from concept to real-world application.Applications must be submitted to the Innovation Centre by April 25th. Please email your application to icpoc@uvic.ca
Additional Details:
- The award provides between 1 and 5 awards of up to $25,000 per year.
- You will be part of an exclusive cohort where you can access mentorship, specialized training and support and the oversight to bring your project to life.
- Half of the funding will be delivered before and the other half after your participation in UVic Innovation Centre programming. However, If you apply for a Mitacs award, you may receive the funding upfront as a leverage. If you do not apply for Mitacs, the funding will be distributed in two installments: half before and half after completing the Innovation Centre programming.
- Preference will be given to projects focused on solutions for youth with disabilities
The recipients will aim to leverage these funds with other funding programs, maximizing the impact of their innovative projects.
How to Apply:Submit a two-page brief detailing your project, including the following:
Define the problem you are planning to address
- Who are the people/communities that are affected by the problem identified?
- What is the proposed innovative solution?
- How would you use the Lloyd Millburn Fund award to develop your innovative idea?
- What is the current stage of your idea, and what is the approximate timeline for bringing your solution to market or making it available to your targeted community/group?
- Tell us about your background, skill set, and relevant experience. How is it appropriate to the innovative solution you are proposing?
- Identify any opportunities for leveraging this funding.
- Faculty
- Department
- Supervisor
- Year of Program Completion
Whelen Family Innovation Fund for Graduate Students
The Whelen Family Innovation Fund for Graduate Students is an annual award to support graduate students from the University of Victoria solving real world problems through innovation. This annual award is intended to support the successful applicant to develop and advance their innovative concept, while receiving guidance, skills training, oversight and other support from the UVic Innovation Centre (IC).
At least $7,500 is awarded to a current UVic graduate student to support the development and advancement of innovative concepts that have strong potential for real world application, whether in the private or public sector. Applications are encouraged from all faculties and disciplines.
Students must submit a resume and a two-page brief on their innovation (see more details below) and how it addresses a real-world problem through solutions that could include, but not be limited to, development and application of new technology, process improvement or policy innovation. Proposals will be assessed on their potential for real world application and broader commercial or public sector/non-profit adoption. Applications must be submitted to the Innovation Centre by March 31st. Please email your application to icpoc@uvic.ca
Questions to address in two-page brief:
- Define the problem you are planning to address
- Who are the people/communities that are affected by the problem identified?
- What is the proposed innovative solution?
- How would you use the Whelen Family Innovation Fund award to develop your innovative idea?
- What is the current stage of your idea, and what is the approximate timeline to bring your solution to market or make available to your targeted community/group?
- Tell us about your background, skillsets and relevant experience. How is it relevant to the innovative solution you are proposing?
- Identify any opportunities for leveraging this funding
- Faculty
- Department
- Supervisor
- Year of Program Completion
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Advancing entrepreneurial women
The W Launch Program is a 3-month program that helps women turn their big idea into a grounded business with paying customers. If you want to learn the skills to grow your company amongst a supportive group of likeminded women, this program is for you.
is a personalized 3-month program for women to accelerate their business. You will receive a curated experience with hands-on, individualized support, subject-matter expertise and a peer community of ambitious women.
In Fall 2022, the ventures participating include:
- Little Egg
In fall 2020, the ventures participating include:
- /
- VoxCell BioInnovation
Contact wventure@uvic.ca about both W Venture and W Launch Programs.