Entrepreneurship is for everyone: Global Entrepreneurship Week at McMaster

From finding better ways to detect cancer to manufacturing the next smart car and creating technologies for a more inclusive society, McMaster innovators are focused on finding solutions that matter to people and the planet.

Are you brimming with innovative ideas and eager to make your mark? Embrace your curiosity and take a step in your entrepreneurial journey during McMaster Entrepreneurship Week, part of a week-long global celebration of entrepreneurs starting November 18th. 

This year’s theme — Entrepreneurship is for Everyone — highlights McMaster’s commitment to making entrepreneurship accessible to all. No matter your background or experience, you’ll discover resources and the support necessary to assist you on your entrepreneurial journey. 

McMaster Entrepreneurship Week is hosted in partnership by The Forge, The Clinic, McMaster Industry Liaison Office (MILO) and Student Success Centre.  

Here are some of the events happening throughout the week and a few of the entrepreneurial resources available all year long: 

Makers Marketplace 

November 18, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm | McMaster University Student Centre, Atrium

Makers Marketplace is for students with startups or small businesses to showcase their ideas and sell products. In addition to the marketplace, various resources will be available, and staff and entrepreneurs will answer questions. No registration required.

For students interested in showcasing a startup at the event, please submit an application. Selected participants will be notified once applications are reviewed. 

Hosted by: The Forge & Student Success Centre. 

Innovation Inspo: Intro to health innovation and entrepreneurship 

November 18, 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm | The Clinic Collision Space, Health Sciences Library 

Do you have a health startup idea or are curious about innovating for healthcare? Join to hear insights from fellow McMaster entrepreneurs who transformed their ideas into startup companies. During this panel session, you’ll learn about their journeys, lessons learned and tips and tricks to get started. 

Hosted by: The Clinic | Register here 

Innovation Showcase 2024 

November 19, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm | McMaster Innovation Park 

Celebrate McMaster founders and network with industry professionals and investors. Breakfast is at 8:00 am, followed by panel talks, a keynote speaker and a pitch competition. 

Register here 

Hosted by: McMaster Industry Liaison Office (MILO) and Office of the Vice-President, Research 

Startup Survivor Pitch Competition 

November 20, 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm | L.R. Wilson Hall 

The Forge Business Incubator and McMaster are proud to present Startup Survivor, an annual Pitch Competition for student and alumni entrepreneurs. Join the action and watch as McMaster’s top five student entrepreneurs pitch their startups for $30,000 in cash prizes.  

Hosted by: The Forge | Register here 

Open House | The Clinic Health Innovation Hub 

November 21, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm | The Clinic Collision Space, Health Sciences Library 

Discover our vibrant space, enjoy snacks and grab swag while networking with entrepreneurs and innovators. All students are welcome to connect, explore and be inspired. No registration required. 

Hosted by: The Clinic   

Incubators and Startup Development Resources 

The Forge 

The Forge is McMaster University’s startup incubator and entrepreneurship hub where entrepreneurs can turn their ideas into viable businesses. The Forge offers a comprehensive range of cohort-based programs and events designed to nurture entrepreneurial talent and accelerate startup growth. Learn more  

The Clinic 

The Clinic is McMaster’s health innovation hub and equips emerging health innovators with education, resources, and support. Learn more 

McMaster Industry Liaison Office 

The McMaster Industry Liaison Office (MILO) supports the University’s researchers by facilitating collaborative research with industry partners and disseminating research results through commercialization. Learn more  

McMaster Innovation Park (MIP) 

The McMaster Innovation Park (MIP) is a research and innovation park supporting startups, business and research, and offers collaborative space to help companies grow. Learn more 

Student Success Centre 

The Student Success Centre hosts Entrepreneurship Week and offers experiential learning opportunities to inspire students looking to engage in entrepreneurship. Learn More 

Discover the full range of McMaster and community entrepreneurial supports here. 

Entrepreneurship education at McMaster  

McMaster is home to a variety of educational programs that embed learners in the real world.   

Innovation Minor 

The minor in innovation is a partnership between the Faculty of Engineering and the DeGroote School of Business and for students to learn more about innovation and develop skills to create their own enterprise. Learn more  

Experiential Learning Opportunities Resource (EXPLORE) 

Use the Experiential Learning Opportunities Resource to explore and filter experiential learning opportunities based on your goals and interests. Use the innovation filter to find opportunities to help bolster your ideas. Learn more 

Biomedical Discovery & Commercialization Bachelor-Master Program 

The Biomedical Discovery and Commercialization (BDC) program is an initiative offered by the Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences with key contributions from the DeGroote School of Business. The Bachelor-Master program equips students with the skills to become successful leaders at the forefront of scientific entrepreneurship. Learn more  

Master of Biomedical Innovation 

The Master of Biomedical Innovation (MBI) is a one-year graduate program that guides learners through the biomedical innovation and entrepreneurship process. Anchored by a series of in-person bootcamps, including clinical immersion experiences, the MBI provides the opportunity to develop a novel biomedical innovation or further develop an existing health innovation project. Whether you’re a recent graduate or a seasoned professional wanting to break out into a new industry, the MBI provides a responsive approach to the critical, emerging discipline of innovation and entrepreneurship. The MBI is based out of the Marnix E. Heersink School of Biomedical Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Learn more

Integrated Biomedical Engineering & Health Sciences 

This interdisciplinary five-year biomedical program integrates Engineering with Health Sciences. Through unique, problem-based learning, ?iBioMed students graduate ready to develop biomedical engineering solutions for real-world healthcare problems. Learn more 

Explore the full range of McMaster’s educational entrepreneurship programs here.