Biomakerspace
The next cohort will run in Fall 2024. Applications will open in Spring/Sumer 2024.
What to Expect
- the hands-on experience needed to prepare them for realistic scenarios in scientific and business careers
- skills that will differentiate themselves from their peers
- exposure to the innovation ecosystem
- insight on career pathways
- the chance to build an entrepreneurial mindset
Here's what the program looks like for students who are accepted:
| Timeframe | Objectives |
|---|---|
| Month 1 | Training: in teams, students will choose a problem area to explore and learn about key entrepreneurial tools/methods |
| Month 2 | Problem Research & Experimental Design: teams will do research on the problem (why does it exist?) and draft scientific protocols and a business plan on their proposed solution |
| Month 3-4 | Execute Research Plans, Prototyping, and Testing: at this point, each team takes ownership over their own work which includes gathering evidence, determining the validity of their assumptions, and creating solution prototypes |
What's in it for you?
An introduction to key tools for scientific innovation & entreprenurship
Students may access the SDZ's labs for experimentation and prototyping
Access to mentors, experts, researchers, and entrepreneurs for feedback, insight, and guidance
A portion of the cost for lab materials will be covered by the SDZ
A Look at the Previous Cohort
In May 2023, select students from our Fall and Winter cohorts were chosen to travel to Fortaleza, Brazil! During their time there, they co-led an Evidence-based Entreprensurship bootcamp for students at a local university.
Who Should Apply?
You should complete the interest form if you:
- are a 3rd+ year TMU student in either Community Services, Science, Art, or Business
- are curious, have an open mind, and are willing to change your perspective
- are determined and willing to try again after you’ve failed or if something doesn't work as you expect it to
- are open to working with uncertainty
- are intrigued by entrepreneurship, but are not sure if it’s for you yet
- can commit to spending up to 60 hours working on this in the Winter term (4-10 hrs per week with a lighter workload during busier times of the term)
If you don't fit these requirements, but wish to participate, you can complete the interest form and tell us why you would be a good fit for the program
Stipends may be available to eligible students (this is not yet confirmed). While the following criteria are not required to participate in the program, students that these points hold true for, may receive a stipend for their participation if they are available.
• Registered in PSE institutions, full-time or part-time (no age limit); and,
• Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or persons to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act; and,
• Are legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with the relevant provincial or territorial legislation and regulations
*NOTE: International students with student visas or work visas are not eligible to receive funding. If you identify as this, but want to participate please get in touch with us via email at discovery.zone@torontomu.ca. Only students who meet the eligibility criteria and who successfully complete the program may recieve the $750 stipend.