What’s happening at the Hunter Hub this fall?

Every entrepreneurial journey looks a little different. Some begin with a question, others with an idea, a conversation or even just a chance to try something new. 

This fall, the Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking is back with a lineup of programs designed to help changemakers at the University of Calgary take their next step.

From returning favourites to new programs, including Ideate and Start with You, there’s plenty happening at the Hunter Hub this fall. 

Launchpad

Launchpad, the Hunter Hub’s flagship program, is a six-month co-curricular experience designed for students, postdocs, staff, faculty and alumni who want to build a tech venture or gain entrepreneurial thinking skills by joining a team. 

Over the course of this program, participants work on real startup projects through weekly expert-led sessions, hands-on workshops, personalized coaching and a final pitch competition. For those looking to launch an idea or collaborate with others, Launchpad provides the structure, mentorship and support to help participants develop their ventures and careers. Open to all faculties, Launchpad is where bold ideas take flight.

Application deadline: Sept. 28, 2026
Info session: Sept. 17, 2026
Team formation: Sept. 24, 2026

Sign up for the info session here and learn more about the program here. 

Business Playbook

Business Playbook is an eight-week co-curricular program for undergraduate and graduate students, postdocs, staff, faculty and alumni who want to launch a traditional business.

Whether one is starting a service-based company, launching a consultancy or opening a brick-and-mortar shop, this program provides the tools, mentorship and confidence to bring business ideas to life.

Through hands-on workshops, expert mentorship and weekly deliverables, participants learn the practical skills needed to build and launch a business. Participants will gain the confidence to launch their businesses or apply for funding with a fully developed, agile business plan.

Application deadline: Sept. 24, 2026
Info session: Sept. 16, 2026

Sign up for the info session here and learn more about the program here. 

Experience Ventures Solutions Lab

Experience Ventures Solutions Lab is a challenge that invites students to participate in developing innovative solutions to a local or regional issue. This year, students will explore bias in Canadian health care. Students will spend a maximum of 40 hours working on their solutions and pitches.

Any undergraduate student who is eager to explore entrepreneurial thinking, build future-ready skills they can bring into their careers, and expand on existing ideas are encouraged to apply.

Application deadline: Oct. 2, 2026

Learn more about the program here. 

Experience Ventures Projects

Experience Ventures Projects are hands-on placements where undergraduate students work with organizations to tackle real-world challenges. 

During the placement, students apply their skills, build career-ready experience, collaborate with professionals and contribute to meaningful projects while earning an honorarium.

Application deadline: Sept. 21, 2026

Learn more about the program here. 

Ideate

New this year, Ideate is a two-week program for participants to explore a shared challenge and develop and test an idea, ultimately turning it into a 90-second pitch. 

Ideate is a place to explore entrepreneurial thinking, build tangible skills and get curious about what’s possible, whether participants have an idea or not. Core learning is self-paced, with optional skill-building sessions and additional mentorship support available when needed.

The program is open to undergraduate and graduate students pursuing a master's, MD, JD or DVM degree. It is not open to PhD candidates or postdoctoral fellows. Only 10 teams from each faculty will be accepted for the fall 2026 cohort. 

Application deadline: Oct. 11, 2026
Info session: Sept. 21, 2026

Sign up for the info session here and learn more about the program here.

Start with You

Start with You is a new two-part, highly interactive workshop series for undergraduate students who want to build the mindset, confidence and self-awareness to navigate what’s next.

Across two sessions, participants will explore their values, strengths, motivations and leadership tendencies, learning how they shape decision making, collaboration and responding when things don’t go according to plan.

Start with You gives undergraduate students the space, practical tools and community to get started.

Application deadline: Oct. 1, 2026

Learn more about the program here. 

Hunter Hub Skills Clinics

Skills Clinics bring practical, hands-on learning to the broader Hunter Hub community. From pitching and storytelling to design, communication and other entrepreneurial skills, each clinic gives participants something they can take with them, whether they’re building a venture, exploring an idea or simply looking to grow.

All regular Skills Clinics take place at 12 p.m., with light refreshments served.

Sept. 22: Professional Etiquette for Entrepreneurs

Oct. 6: Your Biological Advantage (Part 1)

Oct. 13: Your Biological Advantage (Part 2)

Oct. 20: Finance 101: Basic Principles of Building a Financial Foundation

Nov. 3: The Story Only You Can Tell: Brand Storytelling for Founders

Nov. 17: Building Technical Skills as Founder, without a Technical Background

The Hunter Hub is also introducing a series of AI-focused clinics this fall, alongside its regular programming. These longer, in-depth sessions are packed with practical guidance, hands-on learning and real-world applications to help participants get more from AI. These clinics begin at 9 a.m., with light refreshments served.

Oct. 7: AI Essentials: From Prompt to Possibility

Nov. 4: AI for Early-Stage B2C Startups: From Hype to Practical Value

As UCalgary’s home for entrepreneurial thinking, the Hunter Hub meets students, faculty, researchers and alumni where they are, offering our community a chance to connect, experiment, learn and move ideas forward.