The Idea to Impact Innovation Experience at the University of Waterloo is a 3-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.
Program features:
- 75 hours (approximately) of programming over the course of 3 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 Space & Ecosystem Immersion
Explore real-world challenges, form teams, and develop research-backed problem statements. Students engage with the Waterloo innovation ecosystem through site visits and workshops on design thinking, customer discovery, and critical thinking.
Week 2:
Solutioning, Validation & Business Modeling
Transform ideas into viable solutions by identifying target markets, testing assumptions, and building a Business Model Canvas. Mentor-led sessions help teams refine their concepts, prototypes, and communication skills.
Week 3:
Venture Strategy, Pitching & Final Competition
Learn the fundamentals of entrepreneurship, financing, and pitching. Teams finalize their venture concepts and present them at a live Pitch Competition, celebrating their achievements at the program's closing ceremony.
Dates and fees
| Idea to Impact session | Dates | Program fees |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 summer session Inclusive of program tuition, accommodation in an on-campus double-occupancy residence room, full meal plan (3 meals/day), all activities and excursions, and mandatory health insurance (UHIP). |
July 12 - 30, 2027 |
$5,724 CAD |
Note: Discounting may be available for larger groups.
This program is open to groups only. If you are interested in sending a group of students as an agent or sending a group of students from your institution, please contact Renison International Programs.