Make your business money
Earn $1,000 while developing your business idea over 8 weeks.
Build a business
Discover the ins and outs of bringing your business idea to life in an engaging and supportive environment.
Expand your professional network
Link up with seasoned pros, expanding your circle for exciting career opportunities. Get ready to open doors.
Experience the Ideas Lab
- Turn your good idea into a great idea with expert guidance.
- Master the art of problem solving and other essential entrepreneurial skills.
- Collaborate with a cohort of 9 other ambitious student teams, immersing yourself in a vibrant community of changemakers and trailblazers.
- Develop a comprehensive game plan for your business/idea, connect with entrepreneurial coaches, and gain skills that will shape your entire career and business.
“My experience in LaunchPad Lab was transformative... It taught me the practical steps necessary for achievement and the fundamental mentality required to thrive as a business founder.”
— Karley Jackshaw, Founder of ReQuest
“Ideas Lab has far exceeded my expectations with experienced coaches who provided real data and insight instead of teaching out of a book. They were able to do this because they are aspiring and successful entrepreneurs themselves.”
— Charter Beselt, Co-Founder and CEO of AVIS Drone Solutions
Program details
Session info
January 14th - March 4th, 2025
Mandatory in-person session times:
Thursdays: 3 to 6 p.m.
All sessions will take place in Slate Innovation Lab (EB 3121)
Program requirements
- Lab participants can expect to work 6-8 hours per week during the program.
- Participants must attend all in-person sessions to receive the $1,000 funding.
Application deadline
Applications for our Winter 2025 cohort are closed. Please check back in spring for the Fall 2025 cohort applications!
Get in contact
Tianna Going
Program manager
Tianna is a graduate of Mount Royal University, where she completed a Bachelor of Communication with a minor in Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Tianna has experience working in leadership roles for two MRU alumni start-ups — Inspired Go and Flahmingo — where she managed, scaled, and operationalized the growing teams of each organization. She is passionate about scaling start-ups, finding innovative solutions for business problems, and mentoring individuals as they begin their entrepreneurial journey. MRU has provided Tianna with a wealth of opportunities post-graduation, and her goal is to give back to the student community as it was given to her. If you are interested in chatting to Tianna about what it's like to work in a start-up, what it takes to get your idea off the ground, or an ideation brainstorm, her door is always open.
Book a meeting
Contact Tianna at tgoing@mtroyal.ca if you have any questions or need support applying to Ideas Lab.
For additional information on our other programs, contact us at info@innovate.com
FAQs
Applying
How do I apply?
Fill out the application form to apply. If you require any support with filling out your application, email program manager Tianna Going at tgoing@mtroyal.ca for assistance.
Complete the application form with the necessary details and confirm your availability for all mandatory sessions. Attendance in all sessions is required to receive the $1,000 funding. If you have any questions about the application, reach out to Tianna Going at tgoing@mtroyal.ca.
Why should I apply?
Students that apply and participate in our programs see a significant increase in their personal and professional growth. By participating in our program, you'll be exposed to new ways of thinking and business concepts that aren’t taught in a classroom, which can be instrumental in shaping your future endeavors. You'll have the chance to work on an idea you are passionate about and learn from others who are on the same journey as you.
What types of students are applying?
We seek imaginative individuals eager to explore innovation, acquire career-enhancing skills, and make a positive impact on the world. If this resonates with you, apply now!
To qualify, you must be a full-time or part-time MRU student enrolled in a degree or transfer program with good academic standing. Unfortunately, open studies students are ineligible for our programming. However, we warmly welcome you to join our community events and benefit from our mentoring and coaching services, extended to students campus-wide.
General FAQs
Can I apply with another person or a team?
We are happy to accept applications from individuals or co-founding teams. If you have a co-founding team, we expect both team members to attend all sessions to get the most out of the program. Only one stipend will be provided to a team/individual. If you have a larger team, pick two people who you think will get the most out of the program.
Which mentor will I work with in the program?
We have one main facilitator throughout the program along, with two to three full time coaches/mentors that attend all sessions alongside you. We like to rotate you between all coaches to ensure you get ample support. The Lab cohort is small so you will receive quality support from everyone participating.
Will Ideas Lab be in-person or virtual?
All sessions take place in the Slate Innovation Lab (EB3121) and are conducted in-person. Occasionally, there may be off-campus sessions, but rest assured, we will provide ample advance notice for your convenience.
What is the final project?
Rather than submitting a final project, you will have the opportunity to pitch your business idea at the end of the program. We do not grade you, but instead provide feedback and support to amplify your business idea. The great part is that even after the program, we will continue to provide you support and offer all students the opportunity to join our Booster program. Find details about Booster here.
Is this an internship?
This is not an internship; rather, it's a transformative work-integrated learning experience where you'll collaborate closely with your problem mentor and their business, collectively tackling a business challenge. This opportunity allows you to enrich your resume with invaluable hands-on experience, positioning you strongly for future internships or post-graduation positions.
Do I need to be a business student to take part?
Whether you are pursuing any degree program across campus, the Ideas Lab program welcomes you. Our inclusive approach values diverse perspectives and knowledge, making it the perfect fit for students with varying degrees of business experience. Rest assured, your background and expertise will be highly appreciated and contribute significantly to your team's success.
You do not need business expertise to take part—sometimes less is more!
If I have participated in a past Lab, can I apply again?
We are excited that you enjoyed it so much you’d like to reapply. We want to ensure students get ample opportunity to take part so we encourage you to apply to our other programs we offer. You can check out our program page to learn more or reach out to our team to chat about the opportunities we can offer you. If you have a new business idea, reach out to our team first and we can work together to decide if participating in Lab again will help you, or if we can find another program that will fit with your experience level.