Venn Innovation and Université de Moncton (Campus Shippagan or UMCS) are working together to boost entrepreneurship within the province's student community.

Their new partnership will see increased collaboration between Venn Garage, which is Venn Innovation's non-cohort-based incubator program, and the UMCS incubator program for entrepreneurial students with an idea. 

The UMCS program provides students with a theoretical understanding of the entrepreneurial journey and the hands-on experience required to lead innovative projects. Venn Garage will help eligible students in the UMCS incubator advance their skills through coaching, mentorship, workshops, and networking opportunities, both locally and globally.

"The UMCS incubator allows young entrepreneurs to hone their business ideas, and to be mentored to navigate uncertain waters when starting a business. I am amazed to see to how the incubator’s projects have become anchored in the local ecosystem. Through partnerships like this, we increase the chances of growth for local companies.” said Yves Bourgeois, Dean of Studies at UMCS, Shippagan, in a statement.

Technology-enabled projects that go through the UMCS incubator are eligible to participate in the Venn Garage program. Venn's mentors will offer support virtually and in both official languages.

"At Venn Innovation, we recognize that innovative ideas come from everywhere, and students bring fresh perspectives to existing challenges. We look forward to using this opportunity to bridge the gap between academic and entrepreneurial experience to help UMCS students in their journey," said Alicia Grayeb, Program Manager, Startup Services.

Teams enrolled in this program will also get access to Venn's proprietary platform to grow and operate their business.

According to Doug Robertson, President and CEO of Venn Innovation, "This is a step forward to drive the region's economic growth. Technology is the driving force of the future and we are pleased to work with UMCS to support entrepreneurs across the province who are a part of creating the future of New Brunswick."

Patrick Tiam, an information technology and leadership student at UMCS and president of the PhénoMène student entrepreneurs club, said the incubator acts as an essential tool to support and guide project leaders.

"I now feel supported with the mentorship and resources made available through this partnership,” he said.