Win Scholarships
Compete for $5,000 in scholarships while developing creative, sustainable solutions.
Gain Real-World Experience
Build skills you can use in school, work, and life while solving meaningful problems.
Tackle Real Challenges
Develop innovative solutions for sustainability in Alberta communities.
Experience the Sustainability Challenge
- Kickoff - Sept 26: Join a fun, interactive session where you’ll learn innovation basics and start exploring solar-focused challenges.
- Define the Problem: Submit a short individual problem statement and video by Oct 3. Your idea helps shape team formation.
- Form Your Team - Oct 4: Join forces with others passionate about similar challenges. Teams of up to 4 students are matched based on shared interests.
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Build and Pitch: Work with your team to design a creative, viable solution. On Oct 10, deliver a 5-minute pitch + 2-minute Q&A to a panel of judges.
Program details
Session info
Kickoff Date: Friday, Sept 26, 2025
Individual Deadline: Oct 3 at 11:59 PM
Program requirements
- Open to all MRU undergraduate students — any program or year.
- $5000 in scholarships awarded to the winners (individual and team)
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.
Contact Sydney at dgrantrichmond@mtroyal.ca if you have any questions or need support applying to be an ambassador.
For additional information on our other programs, contact us at innovate@mtroyal.caFAQs
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 Diana Grant-Richmond at dgrantrichmond@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 for prize eligibility. If you have any questions about the application, reach out to Diana Grant-Richmond at dgrantrichmond@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 but you will form teams later based on a chosen problem statement. We do not guarantee that friends will be accepted or work together.
Do I need a business background?
No! We’ll teach you the basics of innovation and entrepreneurship at the kickoff session.
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!
How are teams formed?
You’ll start individually, then rank your top project ideas. We’ll match you into cross-disciplinary teams.
What if I don't have an idea?
That’s okay — you’ll still rank problem statements and join a team with a shared interest..
Is this an internship?
This is not an internship; rather, it's a transformative work-integrated learning experience where you'll collaborate with a team to collectively tackle a sustainable 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.
If I have participated in a past program, can I apply?
Yes - we love both previous program participants and new applicants!