We’re excited to let you know that Ideathon is now open for Winter 2026, a fast-paced, creativity-first challenge designed for students who love brainstorming, problem-solving, and building ideas that matter. It’s an opportunity to work on a real urban challenge in Waterloo Region.
Earn a $325 honorarium, as well as a certificate of completion.
This Ideathon focuses on adaptive reuse, where student teams will reimagine vacant commercial, industrial, and heritage spaces into sustainable, community-centred solutions.
You’ll collaborate with students from different programs, apply creative and analytical thinking, and explore how design, sustainability, and economic feasibility come together in the real world.
The Ideathon will run from January 22-29th, and has a time commitment of 16 hours. On the final day, you will pitch your solution to a panel of judges. Mandatory sessions include the virtual kickoff, and the final day of presentations.
All years and level of study are invited to apply. Successful applicants will be notified via email in the new year for next steps.
Apply now: https://uwaterloo.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_26u6xf1UGUHmXhc
The Experience Ventures program, powered by the Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking at the University of Calgary, empowers college and university students to make a meaningful impact alongside real-world innovators.