Calgary Innovation Week 2021: UCalgary at the forefront

The University of Calgary is at the forefront of building this city’s innovation ecosystem, and Calgary Innovation Week, Nov. 22 to 28, celebrates the advancements and achievements that have put us there.

UCalgary is hosting several virtual events as part of Calgary Innovation Week and is the Liftoff sponsor of Startup Calgary’s Launch Party on Nov. 23, which will recognize some of Calgary’s brightest early stage startups and founders for their achievements. 

UCalgary has made strides in each step of the entrepreneurial process, from training future-ready students, to the commercialization of cutting-edge research — all the way to raising startup funds for research-based businesses.

“It’s an exciting time to be part of the growing innovation sector in Calgary. In addition to supporting the growth of UCalgary social ventures and startups, UCalgary is also laser-focused on fostering entrepreneurial skillsets in our programs to create the robust talent pipeline that the local economy so desperately needs.” says Keri Damen, executive director of the Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking.

“We want students and grads from all faculties to be taking advantage of the opportunities in the local innovation economy to accelerate their careers. The university is proud to be contributing to the incredible momentum in Calgary as a driver of startup-creation and cultivator of talent and enthusiasm.”  

Register now for Innovation Week

Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, you have an interest in the latest research in health technologies, or you are wondering how you can incorporate entrepreneurial thinking in your career, there’s a session for you. 

Nov. 23

• Launchpad Live 

This public speaker series is open to anyone looking to build their entrepreneurial thinking skills. At 6 p.m. learn how to build a prototype and a minimum viable product in a lean startup.

• Startup Calgary Launch Party

From 6 to 9 p.m., learn more about some of Calgary’s brightest early stage startups and founders during this annual launch party event. UCalgary is the Liftoff sponsor for this event.

Nov. 24

• Accelerating Market Approval for Health Tech SMEs 

At noon, join Innovate Calgary’s IMPACT team as they explore the path to market approval for health technologies, focusing on clinical evidence collection and regulatory compliance.

Nov. 25  

• REHAB i2c Pitch Competition

At 6 p.m., watch the top eight startups from the Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking’s REHAB i2c program pitch for a grand prize of $100,000 toward commercializing their ideas. 

Nov. 26

• Go-to-Market Strategy: What to do Before You Launch Your Product 

Join Innovate Calgary at noon for this webinar on learning everything you need to know and consider before heading to market and make an impact.

Looking back, looking ahead

Damen says this past year has offered several highlights for UCalgary’s innovation ecosystem:

• UCalgary was ranked the top startup-creating institution in Canada for 2020 by the Association of University Technology Managers;
• The Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking launched an innovative national work-integrated learning program called Experience Ventures, which has placed more than 800 students in innovation placements across Canada;  
• UCeed funds are creating jobs and diversifying Alberta’s economy; and
• Construction continued on the new Hunter Student Commons building as part of the MacKimmie Complex redevelopment, which, Damen says, will include a community co-working and event space designed for innovators on campus.