Startup 101 Bootcamp

The Startup 101 Bootcamp is an interdisciplinary, multi-day program designed to immerse participants in the Saskatchewan startup ecosystem, help refine their ideas, build connections, and gain essential business skills. If you are interested in entrepreneurship, innovation or startups, this program is for you!

2026 Review

Startup 101 Bootcamp Finale took place on Tuesday, March 24, 2026 and was delivered in three parts. This program introduced U of R students, postdocs and faculty to the world of entrepreneurship and startups, while bringing the Saskatchewan ecosystem into the University.

The first two sessions involved introductory and exploratory learning of entrepreneurship that was open to anyone to participate. We heard from the incredible Saskatchewan Ecosystem!
Day 1, January 24

Business Model Canvas with Bruce Anderson
Market Validation Techniques with Dr. Emily Duncan
Intellectual Property Basics with Andrew Doan from ORPI and Dr. Fatima Daragh from MITACs
AI for Early-Stage Startups with Dr. Peter Moroz
Rookie Mistakes: Common Pitfalls of Early-Stage Founders: A panel with local founders about the mistakes they or other have made early on and how to avoid it: David Akinmade from LaRoye AI, Jessica McNaughton from MemoryKPR, Hayyan Daoud from BOMS, and Mike Lenzen, Veronica Chan, Gabriel Martinez and Jeremy Foster from Open Path Partners!

Day 2, February 28:

Mastering the Edge: Inspiring Action Through Motivation by Deborah Walker
The Startup Ecosystem Partner Pitches: Five-minute (or less) presentations from early-stage startup supports: Cultivator powered by Conexus, Open Path Partners, McKercher LLP, Saskatchewan Startup Institute, Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan (WESK), Startup TNT and more!

Winners

The third and final day, our driven individuals presented their startup ideas in a compelling pitch to a panel of industry judges, showcasing their creativity, determination, and entrepreneurial spirit. With big prizes up for grabs, the stakes were high, and the energy was electric! Thank you to our judges: Trevor Tessier from BDM, Kaitlyn Hebert from AiSask, and Shakirat Edoho a founder of Atare Foods and LIN Nutrition Health.

Winner:

Campus Nav
- Bernadette Magalong, Laura Cookson, Arisha Mazhar, Xander Boutin, Kadence Meredith, Emma McKay, Hilda Cruz, and Claudia Fallas.
- An interactive, real-time GPS campus navigation tool designed to help students find their way with ease.
- $4,000

2nd Place:

BB+
- Hila Mahmoudi
- A discreet, credit card-sized wearable heating device delivering adjustable heat therapy for menstrual and musculoskeletal pain.
- $3,000

3rd Place:

Newruva
- Tirth Thummar, Grace Kalu-Umeh, Bukunmi Fatimehin that are all apart of Enactus Regina!
- Transforming food and agricultural waste into sustainable materials to help clean up pollution.
- $1,000

People's Choice:

Agrovision
- Dm. Mehedi Hasan Abid, Eftakharul Alam Bhuiya, and Md Khaled Hossain
- Using drone technology and AI to detect crop disease in real time, providing farmers with actionable insights and expert support.
- $1,000

NEW Innovaiton and IP Awards:

Scam Shield
- Sathyajit Loganathan
- Real-time, AI-powered scam detection with localized context and privacy-first analysis.
- $500
Nuturaa by Shivam Soni who is apart of Enactus Regina!
- AI-powered procurement intelligence helping food banks predict price spikes and purchase smarter.
- $500

.

2027 Details

Throughout the Bootcamp (3 days), attendees will work alongside like-minded individuals to develop their business concepts and create a compelling pitch. At the end of the program, participants will have the chance to present their ideas to industry judges, gaining valuable feedback and exposure, as well as a chance to win money to develop your startup. This Bootcamp is ideal for those looking to take the next steps toward launching a startup.

What you will gain:

Insights into startups and entrepreneurship
Enhanced business communication skills
Effective market validation techniques
Expanded professional networks
Skills to craft a winning pitch
Personalized mentoring from industry experts

Please Note:

All faculties are welcome to join!
Spots are limited and participants are selected based on their idea, skillset, ability to fully commit to the Startup Bootcamp and area of study. Participant selection will prioritize graduate students.
*Cash prizes/money* will be applied to your student account. Faculty and staff are ineligible to win prizes.

If you would like more information, please email: gate.innovation@uregina.ca

Previous Startup 101 Bootcamps

2026

Business Model Canvas with Bruce Anderson
Market Validation Techniques with Dr. Emily Duncan
Intellectual Property Basics with Andrew Doan from ORPI and Dr. Fatima Daragh from MITACs
AI for Early-Stage Startups with Dr. Peter Moroz
Rookie Mistakes: Common Pitfalls of Early-Stage Founders: A panel with local founders about the mistakes they or other have made early on and how to avoid it: David Akinmade from LaRoye AI, Jessica McNaughton from MemoryKPR, Hayyan Daoud from BOMS, and Mike Lenzen, Veronica Chan, Gabriel Martinez and Jeremy Foster from Open Path Partners!

Day 2, February 28:

Mastering the Edge: Inspiring Action Through Motivation by Deborah Walker
The Startup Ecosystem Partner Pitches: Five-minute (or less) presentations from early-stage startup supports: Cultivator powered by Conexus, Open Path Partners, McKercher LLP, Saskatchewan Startup Institute, Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan (WESK), Startup TNT and more!

Day 3, FINALE! March 24: Our driven individuals presented their startup ideas in a compelling pitch to a panel of industry judges, showcasing their creativity, determination, and entrepreneurial spirit. With big prizes up for grabs, the stakes were high, and the energy was electric! Thank you to our judges: Trevor Tessier from BDM, Kaitlyn Hebert from AiSask, and Shakirat Edoho a founder of Atare Foods and LIN Nutrition Health.