Venture Northern College: Student Innovation Challenge

The Venture Northern College: Student Innovation Challenge is an opportunity for Northern College students, recent graduates, and area high school students (grades 11 and 12) to showcase their groundbreaking ideas, collaborate with industry leaders, and turn their visionary concepts into real-world solutions.

Northern College has partnered with the Northern Ontario Angels and the Timmins Economic Development Corporation to fuel this Student Innovation Challenge that will culminate in a live public pitch on Thursday, March 26, 2026.

Information for Applicants Information for Partners

The Challenge

How might we improve safety and well-being, efficiency, environmental impact, or community outcomes in Northern Ontario’s mining industry through innovation?

How It Works

This is your opportunity to showcase your creativity, entrepreneurial spirit, and problem-solving skills.

Whether you’re a current Northern College student, a recent graduate, or a high school student in grade 11 or 12 in Northeastern Ontario we want to hear your innovative solution!

Applicants may tackle The Challenge individually or in groups of up to three participants.

The top applicants will be vetted by the participating organizations, Northern College, Northern Ontario Angels (NOA), and the Timmins Economic Development Corporation (TEDC) to select the top three applicants to proceed in The Challenge. NOA and TEDC will then support these applicants in becoming investor-ready.

After a period of learning, brainstorming, and validation, the top three applicants will present their innovative solutions to the community during a live pitch event at Northern College at the Timmins Campus on Thursday, March 26, 2026.

Prizes!

We will be offering some amazing cash prizes for the winners of the live pitch.

Response to The Challenge

Part 1: Video Introduction

Your initial application will include a short 2-3 minute video introduction on your response to The Challenge.

Submit your application through the submission form before January 6, 2026.

Apply to the Challenge

Part 2: Investor Ready Program

Applicants will then join the Investor Ready program in January over a two to four-week period. This program will aid applicants in developing their business model and pitch deck.

Investor Ready consists of four flagship workshops to support entrepreneurs and students involved in the Innovation Challenge with developing their business pitch:

Business Model Workshop – leverages the Business Model Canvas to guide participants in understanding how the key elements of their business model or innovation align to create, deliver, and capture value. support the successful commercialization of their product or technology.
Value Proposition Workshop – helps participants identify and understand how their product or services solves a problem, satisfies a need, or improves a situation
Financial Workshop – creates business financial literacy, enabling participants to make informed decisions, attract investors, manage risk, and plan for growth. Participants will learn about budgeting and forecasting and key financial metrics
Business Pitch Workshop – participants apply insights from the first three workshops to develop a compelling pitch deck, which they will present to potential investors.

Part 3: Business Model & Pitch Deck Submission

Over 3-4 weeks in February students develop and practice their pitch.

In early March, students submit a video of them delivering their pitch.

Week of March 9, Venture Northern College judges review and select top three groups that will pitch at March 26 event.

The committee will select the top three applicants to compete in the Live Pitch.

Your business model and pitch deck will outline your idea to tackle one of the four challenge categories:

Safety & Well-being: How can innovation improve well-being and safety outcomes in Northern Ontario’s mining industry?
Efficiency: What innovative strategies can mine companies implement to enhance operational efficiency in Northern Ontario?
Environmental Impact: How can emerging technologies and innovative practices reduce the environmental impact of mining in Northern Ontario?
Community Outcomes: What role can innovation play in strengthening community benefits and partnerships related to mining in Northern Ontario?

Your business model and pitch deck should help us understand what your innovation is, who it’s for, how it stands out, and what support you need to bring it to the next level.

Information Session

Date: Thursday, October 23, 2025
Time: 12 – 1 PM
Location: Zoom

Join us online to learn all about the Venture Northern College: Student Innovation Challenge, how to apply, and what to expect at the live pitch event.

Live Pitch Event

Date: Thursday, March 26, 2026
Pitch Times: 3 – 6 PM
Networking: 6 – 8 PM

Location: Northern College Timmins Campus
Gymnasium & Quill Lounge
4715 Highway 101 E, South Porcupine

Emcees: KINZ and KLOMP

Information for Partner Organizations

As a community partner, your support helps provide students with the resources and opportunities they need to bring their ideas to life.

This event is an incredible opportunity for students to gain real-world experience and build valuable skills that will shape their future careers.

Information Package (PDF, 9.2 MB)

Partnership Opportunities

With a donation of $5,000.00 to fund the first-place prize, your organization will receive premium recognition as the Industry Partner.

This high-profile contribution will be acknowledged throughout the event promotions and during the live pitch finale, offering your organization visibility.

As the Industry Partner, your organization will have the unique opportunity to deliver a keynote message at the Live Pitch Event.

Your organization will also receive five (5) complimentary tickets to the Live Pitch Event.

There is only one opportunity for an organization to be the Industry Partner.

With a donation of $3,000.00, you will sponsor the second place winner and you will be acknowledged throughout the event promotions and during the live pitch finale.

As the Gold Partner, your organization may deliver a two minute speech during the opening ceremony.

Your organization will also receive four (4) complimentary tickets to the Live Pitch Event.

There is only one opportunity for an organization to be the Gold Partner.

With a donation of $2,000.00, you will sponsor the third place winner and you will be acknowledged throughout the event promotions and during the live pitch finale.

Your organization will also receive two (2) complimentary tickets to the Live Pitch Event.

There is only one opportunity for an organization to be the Silver Partner.

With a donation of $1,000, your organization logo will be visible on event promotions.

Your organization will also receive one (1) complimentary ticket to the Live Pitch Event.

With a donation of $500, your organization logo will be visible on event promotions.

As the Media Partner to film and broadcast the Live Pitch Event and you will be acknowledged throughout the event promotions.

Your organization will also receive two (2) complimentary ticket to the Live Pitch Event.

Other Way to Support

Share your expertise and insight with the students through mentoring opportunities. Your guidance could be the catalyst that turns an idea into a market-ready solution.

Provide students with the chance to take their ideas further by offering internships or full-time roles. It’s an opportunity to scout emerging talent and shape your future workforce.

Show your support by attending the event, providing valuable feedback, and engaging with students. It’s a chance to see innovation in action and witness the potential of young minds firsthand.

Help us amplify the challenge by promoting it within your networks. The more people involved, the greater the impact!

For more information on the Venture Northern College: Student Innovation Challenge, contact us at innovation@northern.on.ca.