Accelerating Excellence: The Innovation Sprint Fall 2023 Experience

Students Harness Innovation for Problem Solving

We have just marked another cohort graduation of the Innovation Sprint at The Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. This fall semester marked another transformational experience where students seized the opportunity to tackle real-world challenges, employing innovation as their primary tool. 

About the Sprint

The Innovation Sprint is a comprehensive 5-week program that focuses on providing students with hands-on experience in solving business problems. In the Innovation Sprint, students learn fundamental innovation skills to find significant problems within a business, participate in customer discovery, ideate on innovative ideas, and improve their storytelling and pitching skills.

The Student Cohort

Meet our remarkable Student Cohort – the driving force behind innovation and problem-solving. Explore their testimonies as they embarked on a transformative journey during the 5-week Innovation Sprint Program. 

“When I first signed up for the Innovation Sprint Program, I wasn't sure what to expect. I started to enjoy it as we got into the thick of it. And I'm really happy I did it because I learned so much more about the business world and would do it again.” Janaya Iverson, Innovation Sprint Student

“For me, the Innovation Sprint was such a unique experience, and I learned so much about business. I love the business we've worked with and learned so much from my peers.” Carmen Diaz, Innovation Sprint Student

“I learned more about the book industry and brought my technological perspective. It was a great opportunity to meet other students I wouldn't get to interact with. Our mentor Shannon helped give us tips not just about Slow Burn Books, but also our presentation. She was also super supportive of our ideas.” Nicole Ranieri, Innovation Sprint Student. 

“I got to meet so many awesome people. We all came from different experiences and backgrounds–many different ideas. It’s a very hands-on experience and gives you an idea of the workplace.” Sukhman Tiwana, Innovation Sprint Student. 

The Business Cohort and Problem Mentors 

Students partnered with four diverse business cohorts: travel and tourism, retail, technology, event management, and mobile grocery social enterprise. Thank you to 10Adventures, Slow Burn Books, AdmitONE, and Fresh Routes for providing invaluable hands-on problem-solving and mentorship opportunities to the Fall 2023 student cohort. The mentors' insights and experiences further enriched the students' learning journey.

“I'm so happy I was able to be a part in the Innovation Sprint and mentor three wonderful students. They taught me a lot. They understood our customers, our business, and our operations and gave us a solution we could implement right away. I would love to do this again. It was a great experience, and I'm so grateful for the opportunity.” Nikita Scringer, Fresh Routes—Innovation Sprint Mentor. 

“I went to MRU back in 2015, but I never got to partake in the Innovation Sprint, and this is just a cool experience coming back as a mentor. I appreciate the students’ drive and their creativity. And it was just a great experience overall.” Shannon MacNaughton, Slow Burn Books—Innovation Sprint Mentor.

“I think my favourite part about this experience is just getting really close to what this younger generation thinks about the world and innovation. I think it's cool to give a few ideas of what we've seen or done in the past but still be open to brand new ideas.” Dave Fillo, 10Adventures—Innovation Sprint Mentor

Appreciation

We would also like to take this moment to express our sincerest gratitude to our wonderful sponsors. Because of their efforts, dedication, and belief in student development, the Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship can provide career-accelerating opportunities and experiences for our students. Thank you to the RBC Foundation and, Cathy and Bruce Williams Fund for Innovation and Entrepreneurship for your continued support. 

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Fall 2023 Coaching Reflection

“One of my favourite things as a coach was seeing the students' journey and being there to support them. We are also there to push them because many students want to stay inside that comfort zone. We are here to encourage them to learn.” 

Erin Creegan-Dougherty, Innovation Sprint Coach and Mentor.

We are proud of all our Fall 2023 student cohort's accomplishments and milestones. We watched them grow and improve, and we want to thank our coaches, problem mentors and donors for making this Fall 2023 Innovation Sprint a memorable and successful experience! 

Now it’s your turn! Join a community where challenges become opportunities and innovation is the key to unlocking your full potential! The journey doesn’t end here–we are still accepting participants for the Innovation Sprint Winter 2024. Click here to apply! 

Or contact Erin Creegan-Dougherty to learn more about the Innovation Sprint. 

Your journey awaits—be bold, be innovative, and be part of the solution!