Zone Learning hits the street with student startup opportunities
The founder of HOPE Pet Food, Sofia Bonilla, right, talks to a student about her startup, which is incubated in Zone Learning’s Social Ventures Zone. All images by Andrew Ahmed
More than 1,000 people recently gathered at the 8th annual Zone Street Fair to learn about experiences and opportunities with TMU’s leading university incubator network.
Click here to jump to the photo gallery below
More than 40 entrepreneurs and their teams from 11 different zones set up on Gould Street to showcase their products and services, with demonstrations, activities and performances throughout the day.
“The Zone Street Fair was a huge success,” said Heather Mercer, manager of Zone Operations, who said it’s in part thanks to the “incredible members” for sharing their innovative projects.
Mercer added that she and her team were “thrilled” with the enthusiastic feedback from students, staff and faculty, “who are accessing our services and collaborating with us in new and creative ways.”
Rocket launch, workshops and more
Activities included a rocket launch in the quad by Design Fabrication Zone startup MACH, an essential oils workshop by Science Discovery Zone and Innovation Boost Zone startup Regrain, hockey shootouts, beat the buzzer games, BINGO and more.
In addition, attendees had the chance to meet with advisors and those who help budding entrepreneurs launch their ideas.
“We're excited to help the university build the next generation of innovative thinkers and problem solvers as we continue supporting student and community member-led initiatives,” Mercer said.
Gain real-world experience
Zone Learning is a new model of experiential learning that gives students the chance to apply their degree coursework to real world startups, causes, companies, projects or ventures. It’s a great way for students to find their passion, network, learn new skills, gain resume-worthy experience and more.
Below, check out the photos from the Zone Street Fair and highlights of the day. For more info on this incredible resource and startup community, click on the links at the bottom of the story.
Photo Gallery: Zone Street Fair
Students enter the Zone Street Fair on Gould Street, which saw more than 1,000 people in attendance.
Haami Lingerie founder Faria Jafri talks to students about her startup, which is incubated in the Fashion Zone.
TMU President Mohamed Lachemi, left, smiles for a photo in a life size Instagram photo frame with Seapax co-founders Riya Aggarwal and Karan Singh. (The third co-founder, not pictured, is Charles Anate). The startup is part of the Science Discovery Zone.
A student writes down his best startup idea after chatting with a startup advisor.
Social Ventures Zone startup Do Good Donuts provides job opportunities for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Above, an employee is seen in action.
Science Discovery Zone startup Science Everywhere wowed the crowd by setting off an explosion of colourful plastic balls.
Two attendees get excited for stickers and BINGO at the Zone Street Fair.
MU student Jason Chung performed at the Zone Street Fair - one of six musical performances, including rap, R&B, singing and DJs.
Transmedia Zone member Adam Chen presents his installation for his startup, The Living Magazine.
Dozens of members of the Zone Learning team pose for a photo on Gould Street.
If you’d like to learn more about Zone Learning – TMU’s leading university incubator network – and how it supports students and entrepreneurs with its courses, initiatives and programs, click on the links below: