Entrepreneur Challenge
The way consumers shop in Canada is changing.
How would you launch a product in today's market?
Entrepreneur Challenge
The way consumers shop in Canada is changing.
How would you launch a product in today's market?
The Challenge
Prizes and recognition
The Challenge
Starting September 22, showcase your entrepreneurial talents by outlining a new product launch, using an entrepreneurial, direct-to-consumer sales model. Open to teams of Canadian post-secondary students.
How to enter
Prizes and recognition
The Challenge
Register your team and submit your ideas by November 15, to be evaluated by our judging panel of Canadian academics and industry insiders. Teams that make it to the Final Round must then submit a more detailed plan.
Prizes and recognition
Prizes and recognition
Prizes and recognition
The winning team will win cash, prizes and travel opportunities, gain public recognition and present their ideas to Canadian Academic Entrepreneur Challenge partner organizations.
The Changing Canadian Consumer Market
The way consumers shop in Canada continues to evolve as technology, new shopping habits and changing expectations influence purchasing decisions. Businesses and entrepreneurs need to understand these developments and consider how customers discover, evaluate and ultimately choose products in an increasingly connected marketplace.
How Would You Launch a Product Today?
Launching a new product requires more than simply creating something people want to buy. Entrepreneurs need to identify their target audience, understand the problem their product solves and develop a clear message. The right combination of research, positioning, pricing and communication can provide a strong foundation for entering the market.
From Idea to Market
A successful product launch begins with a well-developed idea and continues through testing, feedback and refinement. Understanding customer needs can help entrepreneurs decide which features matter most and where improvements may be necessary. Digital channels, social media, online communities and direct customer interaction can also provide valuable opportunities to introduce a new product.
Creativity, Strategy and Customer Insight
The Entrepreneur Challenge encourages participants to think about the complete product journey from the perspective of today's consumer. Combining creative thinking with market research and practical business strategy can lead to innovative approaches to launching a product and connecting it with the right audience.
Building the Next Big Idea
Entrepreneurship is about turning opportunities into action. A strong product launch requires curiosity, flexibility and a willingness to learn from customers and the market. The Entrepreneur Challenge provides a space to explore these ideas and consider how today's entrepreneurs can develop products and launch strategies that respond to the realities of modern Canadian consumers.
Supported by:
Timeline - First Round
September 22 - November 10, 2021
September 22 - November 10, 2021
September 22 - November 10, 2021
Build and register a team
To participate in the Entrepreneur Challenge you must register your team between September 22 and November 10, 2021.
September 22 - November 10, 2021
September 22 - November 10, 2021
September 22 - November 10, 2021
Receive the Competitors' Package
You will be emailed the Competitors' Package automatically when you register your team.
November 15, 2021
September 22 - November 10, 2021
November 15, 2021
Submit your ideas
You must answer all 6 questions in the Competitors' Package and submit them, along with your team member details, by November 15, 2021.
Timeline - Final Round
December 3, 2021
February 16, 2022
December 3, 2021
Advancing teams notified
If your team advances to the Final Round of the Entrepreneur Challenge the team's primary contact person will receive an email from us by December 3, 2021, confirming their progress and setting out next steps.
January 28, 2022
February 16, 2022
December 3, 2021
Final Round submissions due
For teams participating in the Final Round, detailed submissions to a further set of Entrepreneur Challenge questions are due by January 28, 2022.
February 16, 2022
February 16, 2022
February 16, 2022
Winners announced
Winners will be announced on
February 16, 2022.
Prizes and Recognition
Win $2,500 in cash prizes
Present your idea to top executives
Present your idea to top executives
The winning team will share $2,500 in cash. Members of the top 2 teams will each receive a product bundle from supporting and sponsor organizations.
Present your idea to top executives
Present your idea to top executives
Present your idea to top executives
Two members of the winning team will attend DSA Canada's Annual Conference, where they will have the opportunity to present to top industry executives.
Gain recognition
Present your idea to top executives
Gain recognition
The winning team will be named Canada's Academic Entrepreneur Challenge winners and will be featured in a media campaign to promote their idea and the CAEC.
