Benefits and features
Expand your industry expertise
Learn from Calgary CTOs and technical managers about building products for a tech company
Add a unique experience to your resume
Build new products and services to solve real problems
Forge your unique path in tech
Surpass your peers by leveraging specialized opportunities and resources, empowering you to solve real-world challenges and carve a unique trajectory in the tech world.
Experience Tech LiftOff
In diverse teams of four you will:
- Learn about emerging technology from senior-level technical managers and develop a game plan to launch your company.
- Build the technology solution you've always wanted to build with a team of expert mentors and funding support.
- Uncover the secrets of working on a business and gain an exclusive inside perspective into the dynamic world of innovation.
“The speakers were remarkable. I met the CTO of a software development company and was invited to apply for a summer internship. I beat out dozens of applicants for the position and have my first meaningful employment. I will learn so much during this summer which will all be applied to creating my own product. This would never have happened without the program.”
— Sunny Parmar, Bachelor of Computer Information Systems student
“Before joining this program, I expected to be washing windows for my summer job. Thanks to the program and the network I built, I am now working with an AI-focused software company. This will have a huge impact on my career and my aspiration to build my own company leveraging AI in the construction industry. I am beyond grateful.”
— Kaydan Pring, Bachelor of Business Administration student
Program details
Session info
Tech LiftOff 2024 will begin on Oct. 22 and run for 8 months. The applications for the Fall 2025 cohort will open in Spring.
There will be a mandatory information session for all applicants who wish to be considered for the program in the Slate Innovation Lab.
Program requirements
- Tech LiftOff is open to Bachelor of Business, Bachelor of Computer Information Systems, Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, and Bachelor of Data Science students. Only 18 participants will be admitted.
- Participants must complete the 8-month program to receive the funding.
- Participants must attend all in-person and mentoring sessions to receive the funding.
Apply to Tech Liftoff for computing students
Applications for the Fall 2024 cohort have closed, please refer to the application below for what to expect when the Fall 2025 application open in the Spring.
Apply
Get in contact
Diana Grant-Richmond
Program manager
Diana a graduate of Mount Royal's General Management program (2017), a former founder (Unravelled Yarns), LaunchPad alumna, and an experienced mentor. She is passionate about entrepreneurship, volunteering, social innovation, technology, and supporting female-identifying innovators and entrepreneurs, particularly in creative disciplines. Diana brings 12 years of experience in entrepreneurship, finance, and energy to her role. She is always available for a conversation, whether about an emerging idea, innovation, a new venture, or finding your next steps.
Book a meeting
Contact Erin at dgrantrichmond@mtroyal.ca if you have any questions or need support applying to the TechLiftOff.
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 dgrantrichmond@mtroyal.ca for assistance.
Please note, there are 2 application forms; one for BCIS students and one for non-BCIS students. Please make sure to select the correct application form when applying.
Why should I apply?
Take this opportunity to gain valuable experience building an innovative hardware solution while simultaneously working with students and mentors from various backgrounds to build your product. After building your product, you will have the opportunity to present your product to an audience of fellow students, faculty, and members of the LaunchPad community!
General FAQs
How big are the teams?
Your teams will have 5 students, each with a specific focus. In addition to the students on your team, each group will have a senior student mentor and a faculty mentor who will provide guidance and mentorship to your team as you build your product.
Is this an internship?
This is not an internship; rather, it's a hands-on experience that will give you the opportunity to work closely with a team of students and mentors from various disciplines to create an innovative tech solution. At the end of this experience, you’ll have gained 8 months of transformative experience that can be added to your resume and portfolio, positioning you strongly for future internships or post-graduation positions.
What program do I need to be in to take part in TechLiftOff?
TechLiftOff is open to business and computing students.
If I have previously participated in Tech LiftOff, 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.