November 19, 2024 —
Building on a foundation of innovative thinking with a long history of global impact, Idea Start is UM’s next step in entrepreneurial programming and support. At the Idea Start Open House event on November 12th Moe Levy, Director of Idea Start, announced new funding and unveiled the Idea Start brand which now adorns the Smartpark Event Centre building on Chancellor Mattheson Road.
Levy was joined by presenters Dr. Peter Nickerson, Dean of the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, who will host one of three Idea Start Innovation Hub locations, and Sasa Radulovic, UM alumni and Founding Partner of 5468796 Architecture Inc. The internationally recognized architecture firm will design the new Idea Start space at University Centre and network of Innovation Hubs across UM campuses.
Idea Start Innovations Hubs leadership team from left to right, Rajeev Koyal; Hans-Joachim Weiden; Peter Nickerson, Dean of Rady Faculty of Health Sciences; Martin Scanlon, Dean of Agricultural and Food Sciences; Marcia Friesen, Dean of Price Faculty of Engineering; Moe Levy.
As a network across the university and province, Idea Start will offer access to cutting-edge technology, tailored mentorship, and collaborative spaces for UM students, faculty and staff seeking to grow innovative ideas into viable successful ventures.
Dr. Michael Benarroch, UM President and Vice-Chancellor spoke about the need for programming to connect innovators with the resources they need for success.
“What makes Idea Start special is that it isn’t tied to any one Faculty—it’s for anyone with an idea, or a problem to solve, who is willing to take a risk,” said Michael Benarroch. “As president, I’m committed to fostering this mindset across our campuses, supporting UM community members as they think beyond the classroom and collaborate across disciplines.”
Dr. Michael Benarroch, UM President and Vice-Chancellor.
New funding from Price Industries of $1 million was also announced, which will fund the development of new entrepreneurship programing for all stages of the entrepreneurship journey.
“The Idea Start team has joined forces with Price Industries to develop entrepreneurial curriculum based on the company’s guiding business and entrepreneurial tenets,” said Levy. “Gerry Price, CEO of Price Industries, and namesake of our Price Faculty of Engineering, will support the creation of core Idea Start curriculum through UM’s Extended Education based in the Price Way of thinking, innovating and exploring that has made Price Industries the Manitoba-based global company it is today.”
Moe Levy and Rajeev Koyal take a selfie with the Idea Start Open House crowd.
Proudly wearing their Idea Start t-shirts, Levy and team were excited to unveil the program’s branding – Idea Start, Putting people and ideas together.
“The Idea Start logo is inspired by the ideation marks that fill the margins of our notebooks, capturing the spirit of creative thinking at the heart of advancement and entrepreneurial success. Our brand was co-developed with students, alumni and the broader community on campus as a representation of UM’s ongoing commitment to sparking innovation.”
Join the growing community at the Idea Start Venture and Innovation Community of Practice event on Wednesday November 27 and visit the Idea Start webpage for more news about innovation and creativity leading to societal change at the University of Manitoba.
Research at the University of Manitoba is partially supported by funding from the Government of Canada Research Support Fund.
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