Get paid
Score $600 for 5 weeks of real-world work experience. Don't just learn – earn!
Expand your professional network
Link up with industry experts, expanding your circle for exciting career opportunities. Get ready to open doors!
Meet friends and find your community
Find other students on campus to learn and grow from!
Experience the Innovation Sprint
In diverse teams of four you will:
- Dive headfirst into a captivating challenge, embracing collaboration to craft a new product or service.
- Utilize creativity and curiosity as you explore design thinking, design sprints, and a plethora of innovation tools, technologies, and methodologies.
- Uncover the secrets of working for a business and gain an exclusive inside perspective into the dynamic world of innovation.
“I encourage people to join because it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity, if you’re like me on the introverted side you’ll step outside of your comfort zone!”
— Hibba Zia, Innovation Sprint Student
“The Innovation Sprint provided me with an incredible opportunity to delve into real-world business challenges. It transformed my perspective on innovation and entrepreneurship, fostering a sense of pride in my professional growth and engagement as a student.”
— Linh Bui, Innovation Sprint Student
Program details
Session info
The winter cohort for this program runs from January - February, and the fall cohort runs from October - November
Mandatory in-person session times:
Mondays: 4 to 5:30 p.m.
Wednesdays: 4 to 6 p.m.
Fridays: 1-hour meeting (flexible time)
All sessions will take place in Slate Innovation Lab (EB 3121)
Program requirements
- Sprint participants can expect to work 6-8 hours per week during the program.
- Participant must complete the 6 week program to receive the $600 funding.
- Participants must attend all in-person and mentoring session to the receive the $600 funding.
Application deadline
The Innovation Sprint applications have closed for winter 2025. Please complete the form below to apply for Fall 2025 admission.
Apply
Get in contact
Erin Creegan-Dougherty
Program manager
Erin, a Métis entrepreneur and Entrepreneurship Development Officer at the Institute, was raised in Calgary, Alberta, surrounded by the breathtaking Canadian Rockies. Her deep love for nature and cooking fueled her ambition to launch a backcountry food venture. Inspired by family and friends who were successful entrepreneurs, she embraced her Métis heritage and founded Maskwa Backcountry Foods. With a mission to share Métis culture through food, Erin remains dedicated to her passions for the wilderness, her cultural heritage, and cooking while eagerly pursuing business opportunities on a national and international scale.
Book a meeting
Contact Erin at ecreegandougherty@mtroyal.ca if you have any questions or need support applying to the Innovation Sprint.
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 contact) 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 $600 funding. If you have any questions about the application, reach out to Erin Creegan-Dougherty at ecreegandougherty@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 inside a business and learn essential skills that are highly relevant to your career path, enabling you to stay ahead in an ever-changing job market, and build your network.
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
How big are the teams?
You'll be grouped into teams of four students, each from various educational backgrounds. Our aim is to curate diverse teams, allowing you to leverage your collective knowledge and expertise to tackle challenges presented by your designated problem mentor.
Who will we work with as a mentor?
We make every effort to match you with your preferred problem mentor. Upon acceptance into the program, you'll have the opportunity to rank your top mentors. We strive to accommodate most students with their first or second choice, ensuring a meaningful and rewarding mentorship experience. Please be aware that while we strive to pair you with your first or second mentor of choice, we can not guarantee this will always be the case.
Will the Innovation Sprint 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 and your team will have the exciting opportunity to showcase your solution, along with the journey that led you there. This presentation will take place during the program's last week, where you'll share your remarkable insights with your fellow peers and problem mentor.
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 Innovation Sprint 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.
If I have participated in a past Sprint, 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.