Fall 2026 Cohort
Are you ready to step out of your comfort zone, embrace creativity, and transform the way you approach challenges? The VentureU Bootcamp is a five-day program that aims to transform 100 students into trailblazing innovators and problem-solving leaders. This unique program offers an exciting opportunity to collaborate with peers, develop essential business skills, broaden your entrepreneurial mindset, and compete to win one of two $5,000 cash prizes.
VentureU is more than just a program – it’s a journey into the world of entrepreneurship and innovation, where you learn by doing. Throughout the program, your team will collaborate to tackle a real-world problem, craft an innovative solution, and create a compelling business pitch. Along the way, you’ll strengthen essential skills like problem-solving, creative thinking, teamwork, and communication. By the end, you’ll have built the confidence to take on whatever comes next.
VentureU is open to any student at the University of Windsor, in any discipline and at any year or level of study. No previous business or entrepreneurship experience is required.
Apply Today
We’re looking for curious students who want to learn, explore new ideas, and grow their confidence as leaders. You might be interested in starting a business, making a difference in your community, or developing skills you can bring to your future career. Come ready to contribute your perspective, listen to others, try something unfamiliar, and support your teammates. A willingness to participate and learn is what matters.
Apply as an individual. On day one, we’ll place you in a team that brings together students from different faculties and years of study, giving you the opportunity to learn from people with different skills, experiences, and perspectives.
- Explore a challenge together. Each team will receive a real-world problem and collaborate on an innovative solution.
- Build and test your ideas. Take part in workshops, interactive sessions, and hands-on activities to identify your target customers and develop your business model.
- Learn from experienced professionals. Industry mentors and business professionals will offer coaching and feedback as your solution takes shape.
- Pitch your solution. On the final day, your team will present to a panel of community leaders for the chance to win a cash prize.
Up to $12,500 in cash prizes will recognize strong team solutions and individual contributions throughout the bootcamp.
- Team prizes: The top two teams will each receive $5,000, divided equally among their members. Teams generally include four or five students.
- Individual awards: Up to five students will each receive $500 for demonstrating outstanding innovation, entrepreneurial spirit, and leadership during the program.
- Applications open: Tuesday, September 8, 2026
- Applications close: Monday, September 28, 2026
- Applicants notified: Friday, October 2, 2026
- Program begins: Tuesday, October 13, 2026
- Program concludes: Saturday, October 17, 2026
Participants must be available for all five days, in-person, from Tuesday, October 13 to Saturday, October 17, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day. This includes workshops, team activities, mentoring sessions, and the final pitch competition.
Your teammates will rely on your participation. Come prepared to engage fully, contribute to your team’s work, and approach feedback with an open mind.
- Build your confidence. Challenge yourself, explore new ideas, and develop skills you can use in your studies, career, and future projects.
- Expand your network. Meet students from across campus, learn from different perspectives, and build connections with mentors and business professionals.
- Enjoy complimentary lunch each day. Recharge and connect with fellow participants over lunch throughout the five-day bootcamp.
- Participate at no cost. VentureU is free for all accepted students.
- Make lasting memories. Take part in a fun, hands-on experience that brings together learning, teamwork, and friendly competition.
Complete the individual application form by Monday, September 28, 2026. Share your interest in the program and what you hope to learn, and make sure you can attend the full five-day schedule before applying.
Apply now: https://uwindsor.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3kDfBCqzTAQqLnE
For general inquiries, contact Zeinab Ayoub at ayoubz@uwindsor.ca
For sponsorship opportunities, partnerships, or guest speaker inquiries, contact Sydney Thompson at Sydney.Thompson@uwindsor.ca.
“This was my first time participating in an entrepreneurship business competition, and it was an incredible experience overall. The invaluable guidance from the mentors and the opportunity to collaborate with some brilliant minds have truly equipped me to think strategically and explore out-of-the-box solutions when pitching new ideas. This experience has provided me with valuable skills that will undoubtedly support my career growth and future endeavors. I'm grateful for the insights gained and look forward to applying them in my professional journey.”
- Rawnak Zarin Khan, Master of Management
"VentureU was a truly transformative experience. From brainstorming ideas to pitching on stage, I gained invaluable skills, incredible friendships, and the confidence to take on new challenges. Winning the pitch for DriveAware alongside my amazing team was the highlight, but the real win was the mentorship, hands-on learning, and the inspiring network of entrepreneurs and leaders. Huge thanks to the organizers, mentors, ambassadors and judges who made this journey unforgettable."
-Ifrah Andleeb, PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering
"VentureU was an incredible learning experience that pushed me to grow both personally and professionally. I had the opportunity to collaborate with an amazing team. Through this journey, I honed my communication and public speaking skills, learned to articulate ideas clearly, and discovered the power of teamwork and shared passion. This experience taught me to dream bigger, think critically, and embrace challenges with confidence. Thank you, VentureU, for such a transformative opportunity!"
- Pratham Gauswami, BSc Computer Science
"Attending VentureU was a truly unique and transformative experience for me. This event not only introduced me to the world of entrepreneurship but also helped me discover my passion for building something of my own. The insightful sessions, hands-on workshops, and networking opportunities provided a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed as an entrepreneur. VentureU gave me the confidence and the right direction to turn my ideas into action. I walked in with curiosity and walked out with a clear vision for my career. I highly recommend VentureU to anyone looking to explore entrepreneurship in a dynamic and inspiring environment."
- Dhruvkumar Patel, Meng Civil engineering