Trent University's Innovation Bootcamp is where teams tackle real-world problems provided by industry partners, learn to protect their ideas, and pitch for one of two $2,500 prizes.
You'll work in a small, multidisciplinary team through workshops on design thinking, the business model canvas, and customer discovery, guided by mentors from Trent faculty and the region's innovation ecosystem. And because the program is built around intellectual property, you'll learn what's protectable in your own idea and take the first steps to protect it before you ever pitch publicly.
Applications are open now and close Tuesday, October 20.
How it Works
Innovation Bootcamp opens and closes with two high-energy in-person days. In between, teams work through a sprint of virtual workshops, with each workshop offered at more than one time so you can attend the one that fits your schedule.
Who Can Apply
- Trent undergraduate and graduate students
- Faculty and researchers
- Staff and technicians
- Participants from both the Peterborough and Durham GTA campuses
No business experience is required, and you don't need an idea beforehand. You apply as an individual, are placed on a multidisciplinary team, and are provided with a real-world problem statement to solve. Whatever discipline you're coming from, all you really need is curiosity, commitment, and a willingness to learn.
What You'll Gain
By the end of the program, participants will be able to:
- Work in Real Teams: Collaborate in a multidisciplinary team under time pressure, the same way successful startups are built.
- Design a Business Model: Map your idea using the Business Model Canvas and validate it through customer discovery.
- Understand Intellectual Property: Learn the differences between patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets, and complete a pre-invention disclosure.
- Pitch with Confidence: Structure and deliver a persuasive pitch to a panel of judges made up of university leaders, industry partners, and investors.
Important Dates
- Applications open: Wednesday, October 7, 2026
- Applications close: Tuesday, October 20, 2026
- Applicants notified: On a rolling basis through October 21, 2026
- Program begins (Kickoff Day): Friday, October 23, 2026
- Virtual workshops: Monday, October 26 to Friday, October 30, 2026 (Reading Week)
- Program ends (Pitch Day): Tuesday, November 3, 2026
INNOVATION BOOTCAMP FAQS
Do I Need an Idea or a Team Before Applying?
No. Participants apply individually, are placed on multidisciplinary teams, and receive a real-world problem statement to solve. All you need is curiosity and a willingness to learn.
Do I Need Business or Entrepreneurship Experience?
No. Innovation Bootcamp is designed for participants from all disciplines and experience levels. No previous business or startup experience is required.
How Much Time Does Innovation Bootcamp Take?
Innovation Bootcamp begins with an in-person Kickoff Day (half-day) and concludes with an in-person Pitch Day (half-day). Between these events, participants take part in a series of virtual workshops (60–90 minutes each) and meet regularly with their teams and mentors. The full schedule will be shared before the program begins.
What Does It Cost?
Nothing. Innovation Bootcamp is FREE to participate in. Meals are provided on in-person days, and transportation reimbursement is available for participants travelling from the Durham GTA campus.
Who Owns the Ideas and Intellectual Property Created During INNOVATION BOOTCAMP?
Participants retain ownership of the ideas they develop. Throughout the program, you'll learn how to identify, protect, and document intellectual property by completing a real invention disclosure, with guidance from the Office of Research & Innovation.
I'm a Faculty Member or Staff. Is This Really for Me?
Yes. Innovation Bootcamp is open to students, faculty, researchers, staff, and technicians. Multidisciplinary teams benefit from a mix of perspectives, making the program a unique opportunity to collaborate, innovate, and learn from one another.
I'm at the Durham GTA Campus. Can I Participate?
Yes. Innovation Bootcamp is open to participants from both the Peterborough and Durham GTA campuses. Virtual workshops can be attended from anywhere, and transportation support is available for Durham participants attending the in-person sessions.
I'm Not a Trent Student. Can I Still Apply
Yes. While Innovation Bootcamp is hosted by Trent University, applications are welcome from students, recent graduates, faculty, staff, researchers, and members of the broader community. As long as you can commit to the program schedule, you're encouraged to apply.
I'm Not a Student. I Work Full-Time or Recently Graduated. Is This for Me?
Yes. While Innovation Bootcamp is hosted by Trent University, applications are also welcome from members of the broader regional community. If you're interested in innovation and entrepreneurship and can commit to the program schedule, we encourage you to apply.
How do I apply?
Fill out our short application form. It takes about 10 minutes, and you don't need a team or an idea to apply. Applications close Tuesday, October 20, and we review on a rolling basis, so the earlier you apply, the sooner you'll hear back.
PARTNERSHIPS & CONTACT
Innovation Bootcamp is delivered by Trent University's Office of Research & Innovation in collaboration with community, industry, and innovation ecosystem partners.
Interested in partnering with or supporting Innovation Bootcamp? We'd love to hear from you.
For program and partnership inquiries, contact Richard Nonso, Industry Partnerships Liaison, Office of Research and Innovation: richardnonso@trentu.ca