The launch of Fusion takes place Oct. 1 (SYDNEY THOMPSON/University of Windsor)
WINDSOR, Ont. — Students, researchers and faculty at the University of Windsor have a new pathway to turn ideas and research discoveries into ventures, technologies and community impact through Fusion, the University’s new Innovation and Entrepreneurship Network.
Fusion brings together entrepreneurial training, coaching, programs, physical spaces and partnerships in an integrated network across the University. The model is designed to make entrepreneurship and innovation more accessible across disciplines and help participants move ideas from classrooms and laboratories into businesses, not-for-profits, technologies and other real-world solutions.
The network will also strengthen connections between UWindsor and Windsor-Essex’s innovation and economic development ecosystem. By supporting new ventures and helping students develop skills in leadership, resiliency, problem solving and business development, Fusion aims to contribute to talent development, job creation and economic growth in the region.
Fusion builds on more than a decade of entrepreneurial programming at UWindsor and includes initiatives already supporting students and researchers, such as the Innovation Fellowship program and Makerspace.
The 14-week Innovation Fellowship, sponsored by IP Ontario, helps researchers develop skills to assess the commercial potential of their work and communicate their ideas to potential investors, partners and customers.
Fusion will work alongside regional to national partners including WEtech Alliance, Invest WindsorEssex, City of Windsor, the Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network and IP Ontario. Student organizations including ENACTUS UWindsor and the Hult Prize will also work with Fusion in the Joyce Entrepreneurship Centre.
The University marked the launch with an open house at the Joyce Entrepreneurship Centre, bringing together students, researchers, faculty and community partners to explore the network and its programs.
Quotes
“Fusion creates more opportunities for our students, researchers and faculty to take what they are learning and discovering and put it into action. By connecting academic expertise with entrepreneurial thinking and strong community partnerships, we can help ideas move beyond campus and contribute to the economic and social vitality of our region."
Dr. J.J. McMurtry, President and Vice-Chancellor, University of Windsor
“Fusion’s launch signals a new chapter in research and innovation at the University of Windsor. It will empower students and faculty to turn their ideas and research, scholarship, and creative activity into inventions, ventures, and real-world impacts, which is student and faculty empowerment, driving opportunities for experiential learning and invention commercialization, important keys to our long-term success.”
Dr. Shanthi Johnson, Vice-President, Research and Innovation, University of Windsor
“Fusion is about building a community where people from different disciplines, backgrounds and stages of their entrepreneurial journey can find the support they need to move an idea forward. Fusion aims to meet our community where they are. The skills you learn and the people you meet through Fusion will take you anywhere, as the CEO or leader of an organization, or the next driver of social change."
Tom Schnekenburger, Director, Innovation, Partnerships and Entrepreneurship, University of Windsor
“Building an innovative economy starts by giving talented people opportunities to put their ideas to work. Through Fusion and the Windsor Innovation Challenge, we’re creating stronger connections between students, researchers, entrepreneurs, industry and the City, while giving the next generation an opportunity to help solve real challenges facing our community. We want talented people to see Windsor not only as a place to study, but as a place where they can find a home, raise a family, build a career, start a business and turn an idea into something real.”
Drew Dilkens, Mayor of Windsor