IDEA START

Your Idea can change the world!

IDEA START is UM’s dedicated hub for entrepreneurship in all its forms. Offering a unified hub to access cutting-edge technology, tailored mentorship, and collaborative spaces, Idea Start provides a foundation to grow innovative ideas into viable successful ventures.

IDEA START streamlines the entrepreneurial journey for UM students, faculty, researchers, alumni and staff. Ignite your spirit of entrepreneurship with a culture of innovation and creativity that is accessible, empowering, impactful, and leading to societal change.
Ideas start here!

Have an interesting idea to share, or want to receive IDEA START news? Click the button to request a meeting and stay up to date with the IDEA START team.

Connect with IDEA START

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IDEA START

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Events

IDEA START Venture and Innovation Community

Join us at IDEA START Office for our community of practice meetup where we'll focus on our individual journeys and opportunities to connect!

Why Attend?

  • Networking: Connect with like-minded individuals and explore collaboration opportunities.
  • Learning and Knowledge Sharing: Gain insights from experienced practitioners on new venture creation, fundraising, and navigating regulatory frameworks.
  • Skill Development: Enhance your entrepreneurial and innovative skills through shared experiences and practical solutions.
  • Thought Leadership: Contribute to establishing thought leadership in the region and drive innovation and entrepreneurship

Featuring Special Guest Mentor: Michelle Cameron, Owner/CEO of Dreamcatcher Promotions

Visit the IDEA START HQ !
Wednesday, March 26, 2025
4:30 pm - 7:30 pm

IDEA START, University of Manitoba
Smart Park, 2nd Floor
100 - One Research Road

Register today!
 

Upcoming Event Dates

  • IDEA START Venture and Innovation Community

Past Events

IDEA START AI Seminar

Session 1: Generative AI in Your Day-to-Day - Capabilities, Caution & Change

Session 2: Generative AI in Research & Innovation: Insight, Integrity & Impact

Featuring: Dr. David Gerhard, Department Head, Computer Science, University of Manitoba

Monday November 18, 2024
11:30 am - 2:00 pm
Smartpark Innovation Hub, 100 Innovation Drive
 

IDEA START Venture and Innovation Community Launch

Join the inaugural community meetup with guest speaker Mike Legary, Founder, Investor

  • Fundraising Secrets for Early-Stage Startups 
  • Founder Game: Rapid Ideation Fun! 
  • Connect with Mentors, 
  • Investors & Experts Discover the Community & Become a Member!

Wednesday November 27, 2024
4:30 pm – 7:00 pm
VW SOCIAL CLUB, UMSU University Centre, 65 Chancellors Circle
 

Team

  • image of moe levy

    Moses (Moe) Levy, Director

    Coming from a 30+ year career in business, government, education, and the charitable sector, Moe has always held a deep passion for entrepreneurship. Moe led initial development for the Stu Clarke Centre for Entrepreneurship with Asper School of Business and was instrumental in establishing Canada’s first business incubator initiative as Executive Director of the Enterprise Manitoba Program.

    Moe was recognized in 2023 with a UM Distinguished Alumni Lifetime Achievement Award.

  • image of rajeev

    Rajeev Koyal, Program Manager

    Rajeev is an experienced business founder, innovator and executive who recently worked for NASSCOM in India, where he was integral in onboarding over 400 start-ups. Rajeev is excited to bring his skills to promote entrepreneurship, innovation, and knowledge mobilization on UM campuses, to enable innovators and entrepreneurs of all interests and skill-levels to explore, build and scale their next project or venture.

Get Started

Explore the power of Ideas!

IDEA START is located on the main floor of UMSU University Centre, adjacent to the food court.

Operating Hours: 10am – 1pm every Friday or Email Rajeev: rajeev.koyal@umanitoba.ca
 

Partnerships

Although additional community partners will be invited to join IDEA START, current partnerships include:

  • Stu Clark Centre for Entrepreneurship
  • North Forge Technology Exchange
  • UM Centre for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning (CATL)
  • UM Faculty of Science
  • Office of the Vice-President (Research and International) - Partnerships, Knowledge Mobilization, & Innovation (PKMI)
Asper
NF
CATL
FoS
UM PKMI