Launch your own startup in the MDM
With the support of faculty, dive into developing your own venture. You will pitch your idea in front of an industry panel, giving you a competitive, real-world experience. Successful teams can access funding from CDM and the MITACS Accelerate Entrepreneur grant, along with scholarships like the Venture Internship Award and Gerri Sinclair Award.
How It Works
Form a team of 3-4 people within your cohort with a balanced skillset.
Pitch your idea to an industry panel in March. This is a competitive process and only successful teams chosen by the panel can move on to the next step.
If successful, work on your venture during the Summer and Fall terms—with option to extend to an additional Spring term—instead of working on a client project.
![Students pitching to industry panel](/sites/default/files/styles/default/public/2024-08/DSCF8970.jpg.webp?itok=XfcwNDHt)
Develop your venture in a supportive environment
Gain invaluable mentorship and guidance from industry experts, alumni, and faculty as you build and launch your startup. CDM offers a safe and supportive space for you to explore your entrepreneurial ideas while achieving your academic and professional goals.
Access premier technology accelerators
Tap into premier tech accelerators like SFU’s VentureLabs and resources such as SFU’s Charles Chang Institute for Entrepreneurship. Unlock the tools and knowledge needed to transform your ideas into impactful ventures.
![SFU Venture Labs](/sites/default/files/styles/default/public/2024-08/SFU%20Venture%20Labs.jpg.webp?itok=gKgBiLjr)
"Faculty provided a lot of advice and feedback that helped us deliver a successful pitch. Once we started working on our idea, faculty gave us very useful technical suggestions and even introduced us to industry experts who provided connections and guidance."
Peggy Kwong, Frugi
"The collaborative community at CDM fostered networking opportunities and creative problem-solving, which were crucial in developing our app Neesh. Their support helped us navigate the complexities of user-centered design and project management."
-Ying Lai
Explore MDM Ventures
![Frugi team presenting venture pitch](/sites/default/files/styles/card_header_image/public/2024-03/23.png.webp?itok=Dmt6w0Tj)
![Ethica_Team_Pic.png Ethica_Team_Pic.png](/sites/default/files/styles/card_header_image/public/upload/student_projects/thumbnails/Ethica_Team_Pic.png.webp?itok=i_wLoK4P)