Become
Future Ready
Become
Future Ready
Experience
Ventures
About the program
The goal of the initiative is to help college and university students become “future ready” by learning the skills and mindset to thrive in the new world of work, while enabling ventures to connect with diverse talent and fresh perspectives to drive innovation.
Experience Ventures entrepreneurial thinking opportunities are facilitated by post-secondary schools across Canada.
I-WIL Ventures is funded by Employment and Social Development Canada. AIIT Entrepreneurial est financé par Emploi et Developpement social Canada.
I am a...
Student
Company
I'm interested in...
Work-Integrated Learning
Students-in-Residence
Catalyst
Challenge
Innovation
Challenge
Brilliant Work-Integrated Learning
The Brilliant Work-Integrated Learning (BWIL) program provides post-secondary students with an opportunity to gain hands-on experience through short-term, project-based placements with innovative ventures.
Participants work on real-world projects across various industries, contributing meaningful solutions while developing entrepreneurial thinking and work-ready skills. Projects aim to align with students' skills and academic backgrounds, offering a unique experiential learning opportunity.
Breakdown:
- Typically 60-65 hours over the course of a semester annually (subject to change)
- Open to domestic post-secondary students attending public institutions in Ontario
- Successful participants receive an $825 honorarium upon program completion
Applications for the 2024-25 cohort are now open! Submit your project applications here to be considered.
Students can only participate in one Experience Ventures opportunity per calendar year but are encouraged to apply to all opportunities to increase their chances of selection. Program details, including eligibility, duration, and honorarium, are subject to change at the discretion of the Brilliant Catalyst and based on evolving circumstances. Please note that due to the volume of applications, only selected candidates will be contacted.
Benefits & Incentives
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Brilliant Students-in-Residence
The Brilliant Students-in-Residence (BSiR) program offers post-secondary students the opportunity to gain diverse hands-on experience by working with multiple ventures over the course of a term.
Participants are paired with several organizations to complete smaller projects. This unique program allows students to engage with diverse ventures, develop entrepreneurial thinking, and build a wide range of skills while making meaningful contributions to the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Breakdown:
- Typically 60-65 hours of project work completed across multiple ventures
- Placements take place over the course of a semester annually (subject to change)
- Open to domestic post-secondary students attending public institutions in Ontario
- Successful participants receive an $825 honorarium upon program completion
Applications for the 2024-25 cohort are now closed and the program has concluded.
Students can only participate in one Experience Ventures opportunity per calendar year but are encouraged to apply to all opportunities to increase their chances of selection. Program details, including eligibility, duration, and honorarium, are subject to change at the discretion of the Brilliant Catalyst and based on evolving circumstances. Please note that due to the volume of applications, only selected candidates will be contacted.
Benefits & Incentives
Catalyst Challenge
January 23-31, 2025
The Catalyst Challenge is an annual ideathon that empowers post-secondary students to tackle real-world issues in Canada through entrepreneurial thinking and innovative solutions.
Participants work in teams to develop viable business ideas addressing a central theme inspired by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a set of 17 global goals designed to address pressing challenges such as poverty, inequality, climate change, and health. Each year, the Catalyst Challenge aligns with these goals to address significant societal challenges and foster meaningful solutions for a better future.
Throughout the ideathon, students attend business and subject matter workshops, receive mentorship from industry experts, and gain valuable insights to develop their entrepreneurial mindset. The ideathon culminates in a pitch competition where teams present their innovative ideas to a panel of expert judges for a chance to win prizes and bring their idea to life through the Brilliant Catalyst incubator program.
Breakdown
- Open to domestic post-secondary students attending public institutions in Ontario
- Undergraduate students from all disciplines and years of study are encouraged to apply, as diverse perspectives are key to innovation
- Students can apply individually or in teams and will have the chance to form teams during the program
- Participants receive a $325 honorarium upon successful completion
- Opportunity to compete for cash team prizes
- The challenge is available to participants both remote and in-person
Applications for the 2024-25 Catalyst Challenge are now open! Register here by January 17th, 2025, to be considered.
Students can only participate in one Experience Ventures opportunity per calendar year but are encouraged to apply to all opportunities to increase their chances of selection. Program details, including eligibility, duration, and honorarium, are subject to change at the discretion of the Brilliant Catalyst and based on evolving circumstances. Please note that due to the volume of applications, only selected candidates will be contacted.
Benefits & Incentives
Innovation Challenge
January 13-27, 2025
The Innovation Challenge is a hybrid program that empowers post-secondary students to develop complete, innovative solutions to pressing social, business, design, or community challenges over the course of several weeks.
Participants work in specialized teams to combine diverse perspectives and develop impactful, demonstrable solutions addressing critical needs across various sectors.
Throughout the program, students attend workshops on design thinking, problem validation, pitching, and more, building essential skills for innovation, problem-solving, and project development. Subject matter workshops and mentorship from industry experts provide insight into industry-specific challenges, guiding teams as they refine and advance their solutions. The challenge concludes with a pitch competition judged by industry professionals, offering participants valuable industry exposure and the opportunity to present their solutions to a panel of experts.
Breakdown
- Open to domestic and international post-secondary students attending public institutions in Ontario
- Undergraduate students from all disciplines and years of study are encouraged to apply, as diverse perspectives are key to innovation
- Students can apply individually or in teams and will have the chance to form teams during the program
- Participants receive a $525 honorarium upon successful completion
- Opportunity to compete for cash team prizes
Applications for the 2024-25 Energy Solutions Innovation Challenge are now open! Register here by January 9th, 2025, to be considered.
Students can only participate in one Experience Ventures opportunity per calendar year but are encouraged to apply to all opportunities to increase their chances of selection. Program details, including eligibility, duration, and honorarium, are subject to change at the discretion of the Brilliant Catalyst and based on evolving circumstances. Please note that due to the volume of applications, only selected candidates will be contacted.
Benefits & Incentives
I'm interested in...
Work-Integrated Learning
Students-in-Residence
.svg)
Catalyst
Challenge
Innovation Challenge
Brilliant Work-Integrated Learning
The Brilliant Work-Integrated Learning (BWIL) program connects ventures with talented post-secondary students to tackle real business needs through short-term, project-based placements.
Through the program, ventures can submit their business projects and be matched with motivated students who bring fresh ideas, skills, and innovative approaches to contribute to their progress. Projects can span various industries so long as they meet organizational goals while providing meaningful experiential learning opportunities for students.
Breakdown:
- Projects must require 60-65 hours of work per student over the course of a semester annually (subject to change).
- Ventures can submit multiple project applications and may have more than one student allocated to a project, depending on its size and scope.
- No financial contribution is required; ventures provide an in-kind contribution valued at $400 per student, such as mentorship hours, access to software or services, workshops, resume reviews, or other resources.
- Participating ventures must be incorporated or registered in Canada with a business number. Post-secondary institutions, government divisions, and organizations without operations in Canada are not eligible.
Applications for the 2024-25 cohort are now open! Submit your project applications here to be considered.
Please note that submission does not guarantee acceptance, and program details, including eligibility and duration, are subject to change at the discretion of the Brilliant Catalyst based on evolving circumstances.
Benefits & Incentives
Brilliant Students-in-Residence
The Brilliant Students-in-Residence (BSiR) program connects ventures with talented post-secondary students to tackle smaller projects or tasks that address specific business needs.
Groups of students are paired with multiple ventures over the course of a term, dedicating set hours to each project or task. This unique program provides ventures with fresh perspectives and innovative solutions while offering students the opportunity to engage with diverse ventures, develop entrepreneurial thinking, and build a wide range of skills while making meaningful contributions to the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Breakdown:
- Projects should require 10-20 hours of work and provide a meaningful learning experience for students.
- Students divide their time across several ventures, completing a cumulative total of 60-65 hours of project work.
- No financial contribution is required; ventures provide an in-kind contribution valued at $400 per student, such as mentorship hours, access to software or services, workshops, resume reviews, or other resources.
- Participating ventures must be incorporated or registered in Canada with a business number. Post-secondary institutions, government divisions, and organizations without operations in Canada are not eligible.
Applications for the 2024-25 cohort are now closed, and the program has concluded.
Please note that submission does not guarantee acceptance, and program details, including eligibility and duration, are subject to change at the discretion of the Brilliant Catalyst based on evolving circumstances.
Benefits & Incentives
Catalyst Challenge
January 23-31, 2025
The Catalyst Challenge is an annual ideathon that brings together post-secondary students, industry leaders, and innovative organizations to tackle real-world issues in Canada through entrepreneurial thinking and creative solutions.
The ideathon challenges participants to develop viable business ideas addressing a central theme inspired by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These 17 global goals aim to address pressing challenges such as poverty, inequality, climate change, and health, fostering a sustainable future for all. Each year, The Catalyst Challenge aligns with these goals to address significant societal challenges and foster meaningful solutions.
During the ideathon, students attend workshops, receive mentorship from industry experts, and collaborate in teams to develop their ideas. The event culminates in a pitch competition, where teams present their solutions to a panel of expert judges for a chance to win prizes and bring their ideas to life through the Brilliant Catalyst incubator program.
Ways to Get Involved
As a Mentor or Expert
Industry professionals play a vital role in shaping the next generation of innovators by:
- Providing direct mentorship to student teams, offering subject matter expertise and guidance.
- Hosting subject matter workshops to share valuable insights
- Serving as judges during the pitch competition to evaluate and provide feedback on student ideas.
By participating as a mentor or expert, you help shape the next generation of innovators, fostering creative problem-solving and entrepreneurial thinking.
As a Sponsor
Sponsorship offers a unique opportunity to:
- Showcase your organization's commitment to thought leadership and support the development of complete, actionable solutions that address critical challenges in your sector.
- Gain extended brand visibility among talented post-secondary students, start-ups, and industry leaders.
- Build meaningful connections with the next generation of innovators and potential future employees.
- Participate directly in program activities, such as keynotes, workshops, mentorship sessions, and judging, while building relationships with future talent.
Sponsoring the Catalyst Challenge allows your organization to leave a lasting impact on the entrepreneurial ecosystem while gaining exposure to a diverse and dynamic audience.
Interested in Supporting Innovation?
If you are interested in participating as a mentor, expert, or sponsor, please contact us here.
Innovation Challenge
January 13-27, 2025
The Innovation Challenge is a hybrid program that empowers post-secondary students to develop complete, innovative solutions to pressing social, business, design, or community challenges, supported by mentorship and guidance from industry leaders and innovative organizations.
Over several weeks, student teams work collaboratively to create impactful and demonstrable solutions that address critical needs across various sectors. The program provides participants with hands-on experience through workshops on design thinking, problem validation, and pitching, as well as subject matter sessions and mentorship from industry experts. The challenge concludes with a pitch competition judged by industry professionals, where students present their solutions for a chance to win prizes and gain valuable industry exposure.
Ways to Get Involved
As a Mentor or Expert
Industry professionals play a vital role in shaping the next generation of innovators by:
- Providing direct mentorship to student teams, offering subject matter expertise and guidance.
- Hosting subject matter workshops to share valuable insights
- Serving as judges during the pitch competition to evaluate and provide feedback on student ideas.
The challenge’s extended format provides mentors and experts with multiple touchpoints to deeply engage with students, assess their skills, and build meaningful connections over time.
As a Sponsor
Sponsorship offers a unique opportunity to:
- Showcase your organization's commitment to thought leadership and support the development of complete, actionable solutions that address critical challenges in your sector.
- Gain extended brand visibility among talented post-secondary students, start-ups, and industry leaders.
- Build meaningful connections with the next generation of innovators and potential future employees.
- Participate directly in program activities, such as keynotes, workshops, mentorship sessions, and judging, while building relationships with future talent.
Sponsoring the Innovation Challenge allows your organization to leave a lasting impact on the entrepreneurial ecosystem while gaining exposure to a diverse and dynamic audience.
Interested in Supporting Innovation?
If you are interested in participating as a mentor, expert, or sponsor, please contact us here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Navigate to which experience you would like to apply for, from there click on the registration link. You will be taken to an application form for that experience!
Eligibility varies for each experience. Make sure to read the details in our application forms for more information!
Acceptance criteria varies for each experience. Make sure to read the details in our application forms for more information!
Compensation will be delivered to participants within several weeks following the end of the program.
Compensation will be delivered to participants within several weeks following the end of the program.
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of innovative change makers.
