An innovation sprint is a short, focused event, that brings a business and keen, creative students together to generate ideas and solutions to business problems.
During the Innovation Sprint, participants:
engage in time-sensitive bursts of intensive problem-solving and developing business solutions;
receive insightful resources and mentorship helping them address business challenges;
learn how to facilitate rapid and effective outputs to challenges they may face in their business. This is a unique entrepreneurial experience that can be translated into their own chosen fields;
Collaborate with students from across Atlantic Canada from various faculties and disciplines.
At the end of the Sprint, businesses choose winning teams: first-place winners are awarded $1,000, second place and third place are awarded $500 each worth of products/services from the featured business.
Business for this month: East Coast Dog is a Halifax-based pet services company dedicated to keeping dogs happy, healthy, and looking their best. Specializing in professional dog grooming, reliable dog walking, and a carefully curated retail shop, they provide everything busy dog parents need under one roof..
Business for this month: KingsPIER Vintage is circular economy business focusing on Vintage apparel , footwear, and accessories. We breathe new life into each piece as we carefully curate and restore our quality garments, shoes, and boots. Find those lovingly crafted one-of-a-kind gems and timeless classics in our boutique shop in prestigious Historic Properties on Halifax waterfront, of from anywhere in the world from our virtual storefront. KingsPIERshop.com
Our mantra is to advocate sustainable best practices. Shop smart. Shop Sustainable. Shop slow fashion.
In partnership with Nova Scotia Community College, the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre has created the Provincial Innovation Sprint program, working with other post-secondary institutions to help students solve real problems for local businesses.
An innovation sprint is a short, focused event, that brings a business and keen, creative students together to generate ideas and solutions to business problems.
During the Innovation Sprint, participants:
engage in time-sensitive bursts of intensive problem-solving and developing business solutions;
receive insightful resources and mentorship helping them address business challenges;
learn how to facilitate rapid and effective outputs to challenges they may face in their business. This is a unique entrepreneurial experience that can be translated into their own chosen fields;
Collaborate with students from across Atlantic Canada from various faculties and disciplines.
At the end of the Sprint, businesses choose winning teams: first-place winners are awarded $1,000, second place receives $700 and third place receives $300 cash.
Business for this month: Cape Breton Beard Factory
The Cape Breton Beard Factory is a locally owned company from Cape Breton Island specializing in handmade, all-natural beard and skin care products. Crafted in small batches, the brand is inspired by the rugged, natural beauty of Cape Breton, reflecting the spirit of adventure found on the island.
Business for this month: High Powered Customs
Driven by passion and fueled by creativity, High Powered Customs (HPC) was born to bring brands to life through custom apparel. Our founder’s hands-on approach and commitment to excellence have set the tone for a customer-focused business. With years of experience in apparel printing, he understands the impact that branded clothing can have on a business or event.
30 students from Dalhousie, NSCAD and Saint Mary’s University gathered at the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre to tackle a real-world business challenge posed by Golden Living, helping seniors live independently. The challenge was finding fresh, innovative ways to support seniors and their families as they navigate the transition of aging comfortably and independently at home. Read more here.
30 students from Saint Mary’s University and other post-secondary schools in Atlantic Canada came together at the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre for an exciting Innovation Sprint. In this fast-paced, high-energy event, students collaborated to develop innovative solutions to real-world business challenges. This time, the spotlight was on House of Eights Dance Studio, a dynamic dance space in downtown Halifax known for its diverse range of classes and commitment to community building. Beyond the competition, House of Eights generously offered all participating students a free class pass, with the top three teams receiving five additional passes each—an opportunity to experience firsthand the studio’s vibrant and inclusive dance community.
The AC Group of Independent Accounting Firms Limited partnered with university students for an Innovation Sprint, addressing recruitment challenges in the accounting industry. Students from Saint Mary’s, Dalhousie, and NSCC collaborated to develop creative solutions. The winning team proposed strategies like university partnerships and targeted social media campaigns. AC Group executives were impressed by the students’ innovative thinking and professionalism. The event awarded cash prizes and offered scholarship and career opportunities! Read more here.
26 creative and driven students joined us on January 18th to help The Wine Spa solve some niche challenges in the self-care and service industry. The students had the opportunity to connect and network with the founder, Angela Szubielski, who offered in-depth insights and behind the scenes of running a successful, Halifax’s only social spa. The student teams, made of SMU and Dal students, brought fresh ideas and new perspectives with solutions ranging from inviting senior homes for a spa day, to curated packages for bachelorettes and special events and even corporate employee appreciation opportunities. As a bonus, all participants received gift certificates for The Wine Spa and the winners each received a $100 gift certificate! Read more about the event here.
Over 30 students from various universities (SMU, NSCC, Dalhousie and NSCAD) helped Think Inside The Box.
Denemark, the founder of Think Inside The Box, brought in the two boxes to showcase the different elements that go into building and designing the puzzle. Participants had an opportunity to assess and understand the details, even creating video content on the spot on TikTok.
A team from SMU took first place with idea of partnering with senior residential homes and retirement communities, identifying a consistent demand and market while tapping into potential government grants that could help make the growth easy.
Students came together for a fun filled Saturday with Emo Ikede, founder of EjiTech, who introduced his business platform which is a knowledge filled centre for all things finances, investment and even real estate catered towards the new and current students of Canada. The participants helped solve some promotional and market gap challenges, while also developing a process for content development and validation for the business. Student Ambassadors, AI assistants and content layout were only few of the many solutions that came to be!
Students developed new solutions for the challenges that Ride Solar was facing. Participants had an amazing time biking through downtown Halifax, stopping at Sapori for some Italian lunch, Bearly’s for refreshments, and finally ending the tour at Garrison Brewery. The tour offered a new perspective on how the bikes work, allowing them to assess different areas for improvement. This experience not only showcased their problem-solving skills but also highlighted the potential for sustainable transportation solutions in our community.
Thirty-one students from Saint Mary’s, Dalhousie, and NSCC came together for an exciting sprint with UpBeing, a novel wellbeing and social app that merges Artificial Intelligence with Emotional Intelligence. The students develop a go-to-market strategy for the business’ latest feature.
As UpBeing was impressed by the students’ ideas, they offered to contract some of the top participants to implement their ideas into actions.
Thirty-five eager students gathered for a day of innovation and collaboration at the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre. Their goal: to enhance engagement and create new opportunities within the space. The teams presented a variety of solutions, including a student marketplace to showcase products and services.
Iram Shaikh and Jennifer George, the first-place winners, were awarded a paid contract to bring their marketplace vision to life. The event was a resounding success, with numerous students signing up to participate.
Over 50 students joined to enhance Bright Breaks, an employee wellness platform. The students delved into the significance of meaningful breaks, exploring how they contribute to self-care and boost productivity.
To gain firsthand experience, participants enjoyed a one-week free trial of the platform’s activities and videos. They provided valuable feedback and insights to improve the user experience.
The students tackled challenges in user engagement and retention, proposing innovative solutions like themed wellness initiatives and interactive break reminders.
The first-ever Innovation Sprint was kicked off in partnership with Easy Platter, bringing together 20 enthusiastic students from Saint Mary’s, Dalhousie, and CBU to help them refine and develop their platform.
During this hands-on event, students tackled challenges related to user retention and satisfaction and conducted customer surveys right on campus, gathering valuable insights that will help Easy Platter serve their customers best. Participants also got creative by building mock websites and app interfaces, showcasing innovative changes that could easily elevate the Easy Platter experience.
