Blog

In January this year, we welcomed a new group of students and mentors for another round of this program, and are looking forward to highlighting more inspiring stories like this one from this experience! For more information about the Innovation Sprint, check out our blog post from Fall 2023 as well as the program page. 

• The Innovation Sprint Fall 2023 Blog: Empowering Students through Real-World Problem Solving
• Innovation Sprint Program Page

 

The Fresh Routes Team

In the Fall 2023 semester, one of our Innovation Sprint student teams collaborated with Fresh Routes, a not-for-profit social enterprise dedicated to making healthy and affordable food accessible to Canadians, particularly those facing challenges. Fresh Routes operates unique mobile grocery stores, bringing fresh and affordable food into neighbourhoods, prioritizing choice, dignity, and community building.

Addressing a Unique Challenge

Three dedicated Mount Royal University students—Carmen, Gissela, and Janaya—joined forces with Fresh Routes to address a specific challenge. Their identified problem statement was, "What could Fresh Routes offer to engage Indigenous customers with their services, and how can we use innovative solutions to reduce barriers when accessing our Mobile Grocery Store?"

Customer Discovery and Innovative Idea Generation

The team delved into the customer discovery process, unearthing valuable insights. "Most people prefer cheaper food over healthy options. Those aware of Fresh Routes rely on it for fruits and vegetables, and Indigenous individuals perceive minimal barriers to entry," shared Jenaya. Carmen highlighted the impact of inflation on food access, particularly affecting low-income families and communities' right to choose their diet.

The team generated numerous ideas, including a rewards program, volunteer benefits, themed days, pre-made healthy snacks for children, and increased nutritional education. Carmen mentioned, "We also aimed for more representation of languages and culture."


Final Pitch: A Cultural Integration

Their final pitch to Fresh Routes featured a traditional Indigenous recipe and Blackfoot signage for the foods sold. Janaya explained, "We chose this idea after considering the feasibility and obtaining feedback from Indigenous people. It emerged as the best decision promoting reconciliation."


Reflecting on the Impactful Experiences

The students' effective collaboration during the Innovation Sprint was evident. Gissela found it an "enlightening experience" and is currently working as a marketing volunteer with Fresh Routes.

Reflecting on the impact of the Innovation Sprint program, Carmen noted improved confidence, better deadline management, enhanced problem-solving, and innovative thinking skills. Janaya's advice to students starting the Innovation Sprint: "Take action! If you believe you lack sufficient business knowledge, education, or experience to embark on such a venture, reconsider. At 18, during my first year in journalism, I participated in an innovation sprint alongside third and fourth-year business students. Not only did I hold my own, but I excelled. The invaluable skills I acquired have since distinguished me among my peers, enhancing both my academic and professional journey. If I could achieve this, so can you.”


Appreciation and Recognition

The Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship applauds students like Carmen, Gissela, and Janaya for their hard work in the Innovation Sprint, and extends gratitude to organizations such as Fresh Routes for collaborating with students on such impactful projects.


All About The Sprint 

The Innovation Sprint lasts five weeks, offering students a unique opportunity to transform their approach to tackling business challenges by utilizing the power of innovation and creativity. Throughout the program, participants are given essential tools and skills to pinpoint fundamental problems, engage in customer discovery, foster innovative thinking through focused and expansive methods, generate compelling value propositions, and refine their storytelling and pitching abilities.


Our Donors

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our generous supporters, the RBC Foundation and the Cathy and Bruce Williams Fund for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, for their invaluable assistance in enabling us to facilitate this program and grant our students a $600 stipend to participate in the Innovation Sprint. Our primary objective is to eliminate student learning obstacles, ensuring everyone has an equitable opportunity to thrive and acquire knowledge within our community.

 

 

Collaborate with Us! 

Organizations interested in collaborating with the Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship for future Innovation Sprint sessions can get in touch with Sydney Harder by email sharder@mtroyal.ca.