Dean’s Social Innovation Prize (2022-2023)
Program Pause: Our program is currently on hiatus, starting September 1, 2023. During this period, All program activities are temporarily suspended. We will keep you updated on our progress and any developments regarding the program's return. For any questions, please contact Sana Mulji at sana.mulji@torontomu.ca
Ted Rogers School of Management students have a long history of using business education and entrepreneurship to make real social change in our community and around the world.
The Dean's Social Innovation Prize, in the amount of $2,000, is presented annually to Ted Rogers School student(s) who have spearheaded a project, large or small, that has made a significant impact on the targeted community interest, has addressed a social interest or need, and brought some recognition to a specific cause. This prize – created in 2018 – is funded by alumni and other external supporters of the Ted Rogers School.
Become a change-maker!
The Competition
The Competition is open only to Ted Rogers School Student(s) who have participated in the Social Venture Zone’s ideation and incubation program 2022-23 leading up to this pitch competition. Eligible student(s) can apply, starting on March 24, 2023 at 8 a.m. EST until April 15, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. EST.
Competition rules.
Experience Ventures
Experience Ventures (external link) creates paid entrepreneurial thinking placements for college and university students, to inspire creativity, resiliency and future vision – so you, as a student, can seize your future with the right skill set. It is structured and short-term to complement a student’s field of academic study and fit into busy course loads.
Experience Ventures is funded in part by the Government of Canada's Innovative Work-Integrated Learning Initiative.
What are the benefits to students?
As a student, Experience Ventures placements will enable you to:
- Apply in-class learning to the challenges and opportunities facing ventures
- Explore Canada’s evolving innovation economy
- Network and meet industry leaders and employers
- Discover the latest technologies being incubated in Canada
- Enhance your resume with a unique experience
- Develop your work-ready skills
- Receive compensation for your placement
Eligibility Requirements
Any Ted Rogers School student who is:
- A Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person on whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act
- Legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant provincial or territorial legislation and regulations
- Enrolled in any full- or part-time program of post-secondary study
Please email us (opens in new window) if you are an international student interested in participating.
Phase 1: Information and Ideation
At this stage, a student/team will have a chance to attend one session (virtual or in-person) to complete an online form and be screened for eligibility requirements.A maximum of 40 students will be selected to move into the ideation phase.
The sessions will be funded through Experience Ventures and students receive $525 each for their full participation in the program.
Present your problem and solution
The Ideation Curriculum is presented in four sessions - two on your problem, two on your solution. Each session will provide some context for the homework activities that you are expected to complete between sessions and some degree of interactive discussion. This will allow you to benefit from peer-to-peer learning as you explore your problem and possible business models.
In addition to the educational sessions, students will attend industry networking events, fireside chats hosted by startup founders, workshops to grow their entrepreneurial skill set and mentorship on their business idea development.
In summary, students will spend approximately 72 hours over 12 weeks developing research skills required to deeply understand a problem, and creativity and problem solving to build a solution centering the target community. As students hone in on the problem, they will develop critical thinking skills to consider different approaches to their solutions and collaboration and teamwork skills as they work with their peers.
Once students complete the Ideation phase, they will have the opportunity to pitch to proceed into the Incubation phase where additional funding will be available to them.
About the ideation phase
The program is structured so students can choose to attend one of two sessions on each of the four (4) topics. All sessions will be held in the Centre for Urban Innovation, Room 317, unless otherwise communicated. Centre for Urban Innovation, Room CUI 317. (44 Gerrard Street East).
Additional program event dates such as networking nights, mentorship hours and workshops will be determined at a later date.
Session dates for Winter ideation programming
| Session topic | Session # | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| What problem are you trying to solve? | 1a | Wed, Jan 25 |
12 - 2 p.m. |
| 1b | Fri, Jan 27 |
12 - 2 p.m. |
|
Finding where you can make a difference |
2a | Wed, Feb 1 |
12 - 2 p.m. |
| 2b | Fri, Feb 3 |
12 - 2 p.m. |
|
Turning your problem into an innovative solution |
3a | Mon, Feb 8 |
12 - 2 p.m. |
| 3b | Fri, Feb 10 |
12 - 2 p.m. |
|
Turning your problem into a viable venture |
4a | Mon, Feb 15 |
12 - 2 p.m. |
| 4b | Mon, Feb 17 |
12 - 2 p.m. |
Students will receive $1,200 (through CEWIL funding) for their participation throughout this stage
To move from the Ideation stage to the incubation stage, students will be asked to apply with the following information:
- Clearly defined problem statement
- Basic concept for a solution that also notes the logical steps to the concept being testable and actionable
- Definition of the audience or groups that are affected by this problem
- Completed ideation or lean canvas
- Spots are limited as students move from the ideation to incubation phase
In the incubation phase, students will be expected to attend seven sessions to enhance their business development.
Contact
If you have any questions please contact Sana Mulji at sana.mulji@torontomu.ca (opens in new window)