The Idea to Impact: 21st Century Entrepreneurship Experience at the University of Waterloo is a 4-week immersive program for entrepreneurially-minded students. Delivered jointly by the Conrad School of Entrepreneurship and Business and Renison University College, the program takes place in the city of Waterloo, Ontario - Canada’s most vibrant and thriving innovation and entrepreneurial community. Home to over 1,700 start-ups across the region, Canada's most productive start-up incubator, and companies like ApplyBoard, eSentire, Vidyard, Arctic Wolf, Blackberry, Google and more, Waterloo is the place for continuous inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs.
During their stay, students will participate in a series of exciting educational and hands-on learning activities that give them a real sense of the innovative ecosystem that exists in Waterloo Region. Benefitting from the program's project-based approach and focus on the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), students will gain the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to become global citizens and entrepreneurs who are equipped to identify and address many complex challenges facing humanity and our planet.
The Idea to Impact Experience
“This program has actually changed how my mind thinks and goes through situations—not only for the program or the final pitch, but also in how I see the world and how people relate, speak, and engage with each other. It’s made me really aware that each individual has a unique personality and how that can be used effectively toward a common goal.”
Who is the program designed for?
Idea to Impact is designed for individuals who are:
looking to build 21st century and entrepreneurial skills
excited to engage in an entrepreneurship, innovation, and technology ecosystem at a Canadian university
entrepreneurial-minded, curious, and passionate about learning in a challenging 4-week program
NOTE: Individuals must have a CEFR level of B2 or higher to participate in the program. Proof of English language proficiency is required.
Program features:
- 100 hours (approximately) of programming over the course of 4 weeks
- orientation session and campus tour on the first day of the program
- exposure to the Waterloo entrepreneurship, innovation, and tech ecosystem through trips and lectures
- access to planned activities, events and excursions
- opportunities to engage with specialists in the fields of entrepreneurship and education
- final pitch competition
- joint certificate upon program completion from Renison University College and Conrad School of Entrepreneurship and Business at the University of Waterloo
What will you learn?
Week 1:
Problem Identification
Introduction to sustainable development goals, innovation ecosystem tour, foundations of entrepreneurial practice
Week 2:
Problem Analysis/Market Validation
Cultural frameworks, research skills, designing for social ventures
Week 3:
Business Model Canvas
Entrepreneurial strategy, dimensions of creativity and importance of failure, communicating business models
Week 4:
Pitch Competition
Entrepreneurial financing, presentation skills, perfecting your pitch
Dates and fees
| Idea to Impact session | Dates | Program fees |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 summer session |
July 20 - August 14, 2026 |
$6, 276 CAD |
NOTE: Fees are listed in Canadian dollars (CAD) and are subject to change at any time.
Program fees include a non-refundable application fee, tuition, excursion and activities, accommodation in on campus residence with a full meal plan, and mandatory health insurance.
Not included in program fees: travel costs and airport transfers.
Are you interested in applying as an individual, sending a group of students as an agent or sending a group of students from your institution?
Please contact Renison International Programs: renison.ip@uwaterloo.ca