School 2.0 AI Business Innovation Conference & Startup Challenge
About this Event
Join high school students from across Ontario for a one-day AI business innovation conference and startup challenge designed to inspire the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, and future business leaders at the University of Toronto Mississauga.
Hosted by ICUBE UTM and The Erindale Academy, the School 2.0 AI Business Innovation Conference & Startup Challenge gives students the opportunity to learn from youth entrepreneurs, startup founders, university innovation leaders, and industry professionals — then apply what they learn to a real-world AI startup challenge.
Students may choose to participate in the full Conference + Startup Challenge, or attend as Conference Only participants to learn, network, and watch selected student pitch presentations.
No prior business, startup, or AI competition experience is required — just curiosity, creativity, and the drive to learn.
Who Should Attend
This event is designed for:
- Ontario high school students in Grades 9–12
- Students interested in business, entrepreneurship, AI, innovation, leadership, technology, or social impact
- Students who want to build real-world skills for university and future career pathways
- Students who want to explore the TEA × ICUBE UTM AI Business Innovation Program
- Teachers, parents, and community partners interested in youth innovation and future-ready education
Why You Should Join
Learn from Youth Entrepreneurs
Hear from successful youth entrepreneurs and student innovators who have real startup, pitch, grant, or funding experience. Students will gain practical insight and inspiration beyond what they can find online.
Build Future-Ready Skills
Students will develop skills in:
- AI literacy
- Entrepreneurial thinking
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Critical thinking
- Problem-solving
- Pitching and presentation confidence
Experience Real Innovation
Challenge participants will work on an authentic AI-related business or community challenge and learn how ideas can become practical solutions.
Connect with Mentors and Leaders
Students will have opportunities to connect with:
- ICUBE UTM representatives
- Youth entrepreneurs
- Startup founders
- Industry professionals
- Mentors
- Like-minded students
Compete for Awards and Scholarships
Challenge participants may compete for:
- ICUBE UTM Innovation Award — $500 Cash Prize
- AI Business Innovation Course Scholarships
- Additional sponsored awards and recognition opportunities
Two Ways to Participate
Option 1: Conference + Startup Challenge
For students who want to attend the conference and participate in the afternoon Startup Challenge.
Participants will:
- Attend the AI Business Innovation Conference
- Learn from youth entrepreneurs, founders, and innovation leaders
- Work in teams to solve a real-world AI innovation challenge
- Receive mentor feedback during the challenge session
- Present their solution to judges
- Compete for awards, prizes, and scholarship opportunities
Team Format: 2–4 students per team
Students may register with a team or indicate that they are looking for teammates.
Option 2: Conference Only
For students who want to attend the conference but do not wish to compete in the Startup Challenge.
Conference-only participants will:
- Attend the morning conference
- Learn from youth entrepreneurs and innovation leaders
- Join networking and innovation exchange activities
- Meet mentors, university representatives, and industry partners
- Watch selected student pitch presentations, depending on the final event format
- Explore AI, business innovation, and university pathway opportunities
Registration Deadline
Register by: October 31, 2026
Spaces are limited. Early registration is encouraged.
What to Bring
Students participating in the Startup Challenge should bring:
- Laptop or tablet
- Charger
- Notebook or paper for brainstorming
- Water bottle
- Student ID, if available
Guest Wi-Fi will be provided during the event.
Consent & Media
Parent/guardian consent is required for student participation.
Photo and media consent will also be collected during registration. Photos and videos may be taken during the event for school, partner, and promotional purposes.
Sponsorship Opportunities
We welcome sponsorship and partnership support for:
- Student awards
- AI platform or token credits
- Technology resources
- Mentorship
- Event materials
- Future student scholarships
Organizations interested in supporting youth AI innovation and entrepreneurship are welcome to contact the organizing team.
Questions?
For event inquiries, please contact:
The Erindale Academy
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 905-232-1576
Website: www.teacademy.ca
Agenda
🕑: 09:00 AM - 09:30 PM
Sign-in & Networking
Info: Students, speakers, mentors, judges, and guests arrive. Participants check in and connect before the program begins.
🕑: 09:30 PM - 12:00 AM
AI Business Innovation Conference
Info: Students will hear from youth entrepreneurs, startup founders, university innovation leaders, and industry professionals. The morning conference will introduce students to AI, entrepreneurship, innovation, startup pitch experience, community impact, and future-ready skills.
Topics highlights:
AI and the future of business
Youth entrepreneurship stories
Startup pitch experience
Innovation and community impact
University pathways and business innovation opportunities
🕑: 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
Lunch & Startup Challenge Briefing
Info: Lunch is sponsored by The Erindale Academy.
During this session:
The challenge case will be introduced
Students will watch an example of an effective pitch
Judging criteria will be explained
Challenge rules and expectations will be reviewed
Students may ask questions before the challenge begins
🕑: 12:30 AM - 04:00 PM
AI Startup Challenge, Mentorship & Pitch Presentations
Info: Challenge participants will work in teams to develop AI-powered entrepreneurial solutions to a real-world business or community challenge.
During this session, students will:
Analyze the challenge case
Develop an AI-driven solution
Build a simple business model or implementation plan
Prepare a short pitch
Receive mentor feedback
Present their ideas to judges
The final pitch format will be confirmed based on the number of registered teams. Depending on registration, teams may present in one shared round or in smaller judging groups.
Conference-only participants may join networking and innovation exchange activities during the challenge period and may be invited to watch selected pitch presentations.
🕑: 04:00 PM - 04:30 PM
Awards & Closing Ceremony
Info: Awards, scholarship recognition, closing remarks, and group photo.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
CAD 0.00
