Innovation is at the heart of every engineering success story. It all begins with an idea. For that idea to grow, it needs a collaborative network of diverse perspectives, experienced mentors and an environment that invests in entrepreneurial thinking.
ISTEP fosters a rich ecosystem that nurtures the thriving culture of entrepreneurship across the Faculty and University.
Engineering business and entrepreneurship are closely intertwined; be sure to check out our page about opportunities to develop your engineering business acumen.
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Undergraduate Programming | Graduate Programming | Additional Opportunities
Did you know U of T entrepreneurs have created more than 500 companies, securing more than $1 billion in investment over the past decade?
Programming for Engineering Undergraduates
Certificate in Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Small Business
This certificate will prepare you to lead in complex and changing business environments by developing your entrepreneurial talents. It includes a course in economics and two rigorous courses in entrepreneurship.
The Entrepreneurship Hatchery
The Hatchery nurtures a culture of entrepreneurship across U of T Engineering and beyond, providing a suite of resources to help you translate your ideas into viable businesses. Since its establishment in 2012, the Hatchery has launched more than 50 startups that have collectively raised more than $9 million in seed funding.
APS 490 – Multidisciplinary Capstone Design Course
Offered through the Institute for Multidisciplinary Design & Innovation at U of T Engineering, this course provides you with the opportunity to work with industry partners on a real-world technical challenge. In addressing practical projects within an industry context, you'll gain unique insight into the challenges companies face and the role of engineering innovation and entrepreneurial thinking in the workplace.
Fabrication Facility in the Myhal Centre
Interested in prototyping your newest idea? The Myhal Centre Fabrication Facility is a one-stop-shop for all your prototyping needs. Training and consultation are available to students.
Programming for Engineering Graduate Students
MEng Emphasis in Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Innovation & Technology in Engineering (ELITE)
The MEng ELITE Emphasis is designed to enhance non-technical competencies that are vital to today’s engineer: leadership, finance and business, management, innovation and entrepreneurship.
The Entrepreneurship Hatchery
The Hatchery nurtures a culture of entrepreneurship across U of T Engineering and beyond, providing a suite of resources to help translate your research into viable business ideas. Since its establishment in 2012, the Hatchery has launched more than 50 startups that have collectively raised more than $9 million in seed funding.
Start@UTIAS
A specialized incubator for UTIAS graduate students, this program is offered in conjunction with The Hatchery. Read more about the application process on The Hatchery website.
MEng Multidisciplinary Project
Offered through the Institute for Multidisciplinary Design & Innovation, this course provides MEng students with the opportunity to work with industry partners on a real-world technical challenge. In addressing practical projects within an industry context, you'll gain unique insight into the challenges companies face and the role of multidisciplinary engineering innovation and entrepreneurial thinking in the workplace.
Additional Opportunities for Entrepreneurial Development
Student Clubs & Teams
Entrepreneurs come in all shapes and sizes, just like the clubs and teams U of T Engineering students operate. Design teams are a great way to get into the innovation mindset. Groups with a particular industry or professional focus can provide unique perspectives for a budding entrepreneur. Several teams also focus on consulting and business development. Involvement in student club opportunities often counts toward the Co-curricular Record (CCR). For more information on how to get involved, visit the Engineering Society website or ULife online.
Become part of U of T’s growing community of entrepreneurs
U of T has an incredible wealth of resources for entrepreneurs of all types, including unique funding opportunities for U of T undergrad and graduate students. The two engineering-specific incubators mentioned above are part of a growing ecosystem of entrepreneurship programs, courses, clubs, meetups and speaker series across U of T. Visit entrepreneurs.utoronto.ca to explore how you can tap into this booming network.
The Next 36
Each year, this program chooses 36 young Canadian innovators and challenges them to build a new business venture. For eight months, they are mentored by successful Canadian entrepreneurs and business leaders, taught by some of the world’s top faculty, and seek funding from top investors to build their venture. Visit the Next 36 site for details and deadlines.