This experience supports students participating in the TRU Business Bootstrap Program and Research to Venture Program by offering them a structured, credit-eligible entrepreneurship sprint. Over the summer, students will develop and present their business ideas in collaborative learning pods using Riipen. Each pod includes a student entrepreneur, 1–2 research assistants, and an employer mentor.

Students will document their business development journey, conduct applied research, receive targeted feedback, and prepare for a final showcase presentation.

Participants: There are 21 learning pods in total, each with 3–4 members.

• Entrepreneurs: Domestic students enrolled in Co-op 3300 (Work Term 1)
• Research Assistants: Domestic students in Research to Venture, contributing ~100 hours
• Mentors: Provided via TRU Generator, Venture Kamloops, etc.

Learning Outcomes

Students will:

• Gain hands-on business and research experience
• Apply entrepreneurial and analytical thinking
• Collaborate across disciplines in a real-world business context
• Practice pitching and presenting their venture

Timeline

• May 14 @ 1:00 PM – Initial coordination meeting
• June 4 – Orientation & Riipen onboarding
• July 15 – Mid-term checkpoint / site visit
• August 31 – Final showcase presentation (poster & pitch)

Funding

Eligible participants will receive:

• $1800 Bootstrap Bursary (entrepreneurs only, if domestic)
• Undergraduate Research Certificate (for Research Assistants)
• Access to mentorship, workshops, and 100+ hours of research support

Each pod will complete these deliverables (submitted by the entrepreneur with support from RAs):

1. Business Canvas + Learning Goals (June)
2. Market & Competitor Research Report (July)
3. Pilot Project Plan or Business Development Strategy (August)
4. Showcase Poster + Pitch Video + Final Reflection (August 31)