OnBoard Weekend

Onboard Weekend


Conceptualize a business idea	Develop Hands-On Skills	Make friends for life
Ignite your passions and transform them into viable business concepts	Dive into the full startup journey – from idea to launch – in just 2.5 days. Gain practical skills that set you up for success!	Team up with fellow students from diverse disciplines. Together, create something new that goes beyond the program.!

Want to learn how to build a business in a fast-paced weekend environment? Benefit from entrepreneurs and coaches' guidance during LaunchPad Onboard weekend. We will teach you the foundational skills to get an idea off the ground. Collaborating with a team, you'll tackle daily goals, finishing in a Sunday night finale pitch to a panel of supportive judges.

Experience OnBoard Weekend

In diverse teams of three you will:

	1	Immerse yourself in an exciting challenge, working together to create an original product or service that solves a problem of any size.
	2	Work against time constraints to complete mini tasks that will help you lay the foundation of your new business idea.
	3	Work with a team of like-minded students and bring an idea to life.

Want to read more about past OnBoard Weekend experiences? Check out our blog posts here.

Session Dates: TBD

Deadline To Apply: TBA

Apply to LaunchPad OnBoard

FAQ’s

How do I apply?

Apply to the LaunchPad OnBoard program by clicking the “Apply to LaunchPad OnBoard” button on the program page. For quick access, click here 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. If you have any questions about the application, reach out to (program manager contact)

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 endeavours. 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.

Will LaunchPad OnBoard be in-person or virtual?

All sessions take place in the Slate Innovation Lab (EB3121) and are conducted in-person. Some of the weekend activities may be off-campus but we will provide you with updates prior to you taking part in the program.

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 day, where you'll share your remarkable insights with your fellow peers and judges.

Is this an internship?

This is not an internship; rather, it's a transformative experience that you can add to your resume and talk about in future job interviews.

Do I need to be a business student to take part?

Whether you are pursuing any degree program across campus, the LaunchPad OnBoard 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 OnBoard, 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.

Apply to LaunchPad OnBoard

Program Manager

Erin Creegan-Dougherty, a Métis entrepreneur and Entreprenurship Development Officer at The Institute, was raised in Calgary, Alberta, surrounded by the breathtaking Canadian Rockies. Her deep love for both 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.

Want help applying to LaunchPad OnBoard or have questions about the program?

Book A Meeting With Erin

For additional information on our other programs, please refer to our program page here or contact us at info@innovate.com

Conceptualize a business idea

Develop Hands-On Skills

Make friends for life

Ignite your passions and transform them into viable business concepts

Dive into the full startup journey – from idea to launch – in just 2.5 days. Gain practical skills that set you up for success!

Team up with fellow students from diverse disciplines. Together, create something new that goes beyond the program.!

Experience OnBoard Weekend

Want to read more about past OnBoard Weekend experiences? Check out our blog posts here.

FAQ’s