Every project at the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre is a collaborative effort with dozens of community or business partners, support organizations, other institutions, etc. Our partners amplify our efforts, support programming and enrich the student experience. They help stimulate economic growth in our region and through their involvement have access to the next generation of changemakers – tomorrow’s workforce.
The Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre engaged over 4,000 students and 3,000 businesses in entrepreneurial development and has supported over 250 student-led businesses. This year, one of those businesses—Alaagi, a cleantech start-up —was a Canadian finalist for the $1M Hult Prize Accelerator and named one of the Top 100 Global Start-ups by Nestlé and UNESCO.
At the centre, students connect with other students, professors and entrepreneurs and participate in award-winning programs, services and events. They find community. They learn, connect and transform. They become leaders.
If this work aligns with what you care about, let’s chat.
Entrepreneurs are essential to Canada’s economic future. They drive innovation, create jobs, and solve real-world problems. Startup activity in Canada has gained momentum, and continued investment and support for early-stage companies are key to positioning us as a global innovation leader.
At the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre, students don’t just learn about entrepreneurship—they live it. Through award-winning programs, services and events, they find community, build confidence, and become leaders ready to act.
The Changemaker Circle brings together a driven community of alumni and friends of the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre who believe entrepreneurs power job creation, fuel innovation, and shape Canada’s economic future.
Members invest $5,000 annually over two years to directly fuel the Centre’s high-impact work—supporting hundreds of programs, events, and training opportunities each year. Together, we develop entrepreneurs, spark entrepreneurial thinking, and equip the next generation of changemakers.
As a Changemaker, you become a preferred partner—with priority access to engage, collaborate, and innovate alongside our students through signature programs, including:
» Experience Ventures – Tap into hundreds of opportunities to work with students—from internships and residencies to hackathons and real-world challenges. Gain early access to bold, fresh thinking to solve today’s business challenges and seize new opportunities.
» The Arena Pitch Competition – Step into the role of judge at our nationally acclaimed competition, where 64 of Canada’s top student entrepreneurs compete for a $10,000 grand prize.
» Innovation Sprints – Join high-energy, 4-hour intensive sessions where students tackle real business problems using rapid problem-solving and human-centered design.
Canada’s premier pitch competition—where student entrepreneurs go head-to-head for $10,000 and national recognition.
The Arena is a high-stakes, high-energy pitch showdown. Sixty-four of Canada’s most promising student entrepreneurs compete live, under pressure, for the title of the nation’s top innovator and a $10,000 first prize.
Modelled after the NCAA March Madness championship, The Arena unfolds in a bracket-style competition from March 3 to April 1. Each matchup is a standalone battle—fast, focused, and decisive. Pitches are delivered live. Judges deliberate in real time. Winners advance. All matches are streamed online, drawing audiences from across the country.
Throughout the month, competitors receive coaching and mentorship, sharpening their ideas and their ability to perform when it matters most.
Does this work aligns with your values? If so, let’s talk.
As a sponsor of The Arena, you help fuel the next generation of entrepreneurs—and the ideas that will shape Atlantic Canada’s future. You will see innovation in action, meet emerging leaders, and play a direct role in their success.
The Innovation Cup is more than a competition. It’s where ideas gain traction—and the next generation steps into the spotlight.
The Innovation Cup is where bold ideas ignite—and momentum takes over. This high- energy, 10-week competition brings together 10 driven student teams, each competing for a $10,000 grand prize while transforming raw ideas into real-world ventures.
The mission? Turn ambition into action—and ideas into impact.
Over 10 intensive weeks, students are immersed in a dynamic environment of mentorship, coaching, and connection. Guided by industry experts, they sharpen their thinking, expand their networks, and build ventures with real potential.
The 2025 Innovation Cup winner, Being There, is already making waves. This non-profit is redefining preventative care to help older adults stay safe, stable, and independent. Since winning, they’ve secured third place at the Enactus Canada Regional Exposition (Community Empowerment category) and formed partnerships with seniors’ care organizations across the region.
What starts as a spark in week one often emerges as a polished, investment-ready concept by week ten. With the right support, community, and drive—ideas don’t just grow, they accelerate.
Does this work aligns with your values? If so, let’s talk.
If you believe in bold ideas and the people behind them—let’s build something together. As a sponsor of the Innovation Cup, you’re not just supporting a competition—you’re fueling the next generation of entrepreneurs and the ideas shaping Atlantic Canada’s future. You’ll experience innovation up close, connect with emerging leaders, and play a meaningful role in their journey.
Entrepreneurs don’t just shape the future—they power it.
Entrepreneurs are essential to Canada’s economic future. They drive innovation, create jobs, and solve real-world problems. Startup activity in Canada has gained momentum, and continued investment and support for early-stage companies are key to positioning us as a global innovation leader.
At the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre, students don’t just learn about entrepreneurship—they live it. Through award-winning programs, services, and events, they find community, build confidence, and become leaders ready to act.
Does this work aligns with your values? If so, let’s talk.
To make a donation, visit the link in the button below and select Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre in the designation box.
