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Launchpad

Create what you think should exist.

Our flagship program, allowing students and post-docs from all faculties and departments to become founders and changemakers in their fields—bolstering their resumes and early-career experience, building entrepreneurial thinking skills, and encouraging pa

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Participants focus on skill-building & learning entrepreneurial thinking skills

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Receive up to $1000 in project funding to support startup costs

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Launchpad culminates in the Liftoff! pitch competition with cash prizes

What is Launchpad?

Launchpad is a six-month, co-curricular program, aiming to build entrepreneurial thinking skills in undergraduates and graduate students, post-docs, and researchers from every faculty at the University of Calgary. Individuals and teams with a social venture or startup idea are encouraged to apply for the program in September.

Through a series of weekly presentations (Launchpad Live) alongside workshops with coaches, an interactive online learning system, and a final pitch competition (Launchpad Liftoff! Competition) in March, participants are able to hone their entrepreneurial skills to make an impact in their respective industries and fields of study.

The Launchpad program teams are supported with additional relevant workshops alongside each Launchpad Live weekly presentation and have a dedicated coach to help create their Entrepreneurial Journey Plan containing the key deliverables they will build throughout the course. Those who complete key deliverables may be eligible to receive up to $1000 in Hunter Hub Startup Funding to help build their idea.

Program Start Date
October 5, 2023

Program End Date
March 28, 2024

How to Apply
Applications deadline has been extended to October 2, 11:59 P.M.


Launchpad Live

Not quite ready to join the Launchpad program but interested in honing your entrepreneurial thinking skills? The weekly Launchpad Live presentations are available to the public. Attend in person, or watch our live stream, sign up below to learn more.

Information Session

An information session was held on September 21, and included information about how Launchpad works, including the time commitment required, and what resources are available to you at the Hunter Hub. You can view the recording here.


Key information

Did we miss your question? Email us directly at hunterhub@ucalgary.ca to let us know what you're curious about, and we'll get back to you with answers.

Don't forget to attend our info session to learn more about the program.

FAQ

Innovative individuals and teams who are eager to explore entrepreneurial thinking, build future ready skills they can bring into their respective careers, and expand on existing ideas are encouraged to apply for the program. 

  • Applicants must be part-time or full-time UCalgary undergraduate students, graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, faculty, staff, and alumni up to 5 years.

  • Applicants and team members must be legally eligible to work in Canada.  

  • Applicants and team members must reside in Alberta and be available to engage in all Launchpad program activities and attend the final pitch session in person.

  • Introduce entrepreneurial thinking and related skills to UCalgary participants via an interactive and engaging program 
  • Support participant’s efforts to make a positive social or business impact (i.e. find problems worth solving) in ways and areas that are meaningful to them  

  • Inspire the next generation of entrepreneurial leaders through engaging presentations and hands-on workshops delivered by UCalgary faculty and founders as well as those from the local ecosystem 

  • Reinforce the experiential aspect of the program through $1,000 investment (application required) in participants’ prototype/build ideas

Participants must be part-time or full-time UCalgary undergraduate students, graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, faculty, staff, and alumni up to 5 years.

Anyone can attend the Launchpad Live speaker series online. 

Launchpad Live will be in-person for program participants, but will be virtually provided for anyone who wants to attend from a broader public. The Launchpad workshops are offered virtually for program participants. 

If you are applying as a team, have one member of the team complete the main application form.

Anyone and everyone is welcome to attend! The sessions will be both in-person and live streamed so you have access no matter your location.