Zero is an initiative of the Velocity startup incubator and aims to give students the skills and experience they need to embrace innovation and entrepreneurship. In Fall 2021, the program had over 500 applicants, with a significant portion coming from the Faculty of Mathematics.
The program has two components:
The Zero Experience is more on the innovation and entrepreneurial side. It is for students who want to make an impact but don’t know how to start. It combines weekly interactive workshops, world-class mentors, fireside chats with inspiring guests and an iterative learning model. Application for The Zero Experience now open.
Zero Work is more about the career side of things. It is for students who want to get a great job but feel lost or confused about how. Zero Work helps with career development and job search skills, including a peer support network to keep participants motivated along the way. Application for Zero Work now open.
The program creators say that Zero has specific relevance for students in the Faculty of Mathematics, in that it draws from ongoing innovation in computer science, math and statistics as part of its inspiration.
“I think that Zero resonates so strongly with math because Zero embraces innovation as absolutely foundational to success,” said Holden Beggs, one of the program’s co-founders. “For any students eager to make an impact, Zero provides a natural outlet for untapped creativity. It’s fast-paced and has lots of feedback, which I think appeals to the high-achievers in math. We created a lot of the program with enhancing the math experience in mind.”
For students looking to get involved in the university community and expand their professional and personal networks, Beggs said the Zero program promises to give students the tools they need to thrive.