Accelerate Student Entrepreneurship

An opportunity for donors and partners to support our emerging entrepreneurs and double their impact. Through the True Blue Fund, the University is committing $2.5 million to match donations in support of student and recent alumni awards, fellowships and entrepreneurial activity through campus accelerator funds.

Universities play a huge role in fostering the innovation that drives economic and social prosperity for all Canadians. Among the top three universities in the world for research output, U of T’s excellence in cutting-edge fields such as AI, blockchain, cleantech, machine learning, and regenerative medicine is virtually unmatched.

Situated in one of the world’s fastest growing technology hubs, in recent years, the University of Toronto has launched an astounding number of successful companies, products and services. A challenge remains, however: many U of T startups lack the funding required to develop their innovative ideas for market.

Help unlock the potential of tomorrow’s innovators and entrepreneurs by making a gift in support of the highest priority needs of any of the accelerators.

Make a gift

To find out more about the True Blue Fund matching opportunities, please contact:To find out more about U of T Entrepreneurship, please contact:
Glenn Best, Associate Director, Major Gifts
glenn.best@utoronto.ca
416-978-2540
Jon French, Director, U of T Entrepreneurship
jon.french@utoronto.ca
416-978-8434

U of T’s Innovation Ecosystem

U of T’s campus-linked accelerator and incubator programs are serving students and faculty from all disciplines and levels of experience. Click here to learn more.

Current Initiatives & Funding Opportunities

ADAMS SUSTAINABILITY INNOVATION PRIZE

Committee on the Environment, Climate Change, and Sustainability (CECCS)

Do you have a sustainable student-led idea, project or startup? Apply for the Adams Sustainability Innovation Prize – an annual competition offering $25,500 in prizes to recognize, reward and accelerate U of T’s most innovative sustainability ideas. Ideas may be for market-based products or social innovation solutions.

Learn more here: pheedloop.com/ceccssustainability/site/innovationprize/

AFRICAN IMPACT INITIATIVE

The Bridge (UTSC)

African Impact Initiative is an organization dedicated to creating a platform for all students, young professionals and groups who are passionate about actively contributing to the development of the African community.

Learn more here: africanimpact.ca

CASSELS FOURLINES WOMEN IN ENTREPRENEURSHIP FUND

University of Toronto Entrepreneurship

The Cassels Fourlines Women in Entrepreneurship Fund is used to support women in entrepreneurship, creating and enhancing opportunities for students across the entire U of T entrepreneurship community. This opportunity is open to U of T incubator / accelerator programs only by application (contact melanie.langemeyer@utoronto.ca for more information). 

DONGJUN WANG FAMILY TRUE BLUE PRIZE

University of Toronto Entrepreneurship

As part of the RBC Prize for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, the top 10 finalists who advance to the pitch competition will be eligible to win an additional $4,000 People’s Choice prize thanks to the generous donation of the Dongjun Wang Family.

Learn more about the RBC Prize

THE HATCHERY FUNDING (VARIOUS)

Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science

The Hatchery, out of the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, provides a comprehensive suite of programs and services designed to help students with entrepreneurial ambitions form teams, develop new competencies and launch their Startup companies.

Students can apply to one of the five programs: Hatchery NESTHatchery LaunchLabStart@UTIASHatchery AlumniHatchery Social. If you have any further questions, please visit us at uoft.me/hatchery.