Startup Studio

This term, Startup Studio at the University of Victoria once again showcased what’s possible when engineering and business students collaborate to build real ventures around solving real problems.

Offered jointly by the Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science and the Gustavson School of Business, Startup Studio is an interdisciplinary, AI-enabled course that immerses students in venture creation from day one. Over just 12 weeks, mixed teams of software engineering and business students formed startups, identified market needs, built prototypes, tested assumptions, iterated, and pitched their ideas to mentors and members of the local innovation ecosystem.

“Our students didn’t just learn entrepreneurship—they practiced it,” said Dr. Margaret-Anne Storey (Engineering and Computer Science), reflecting the course’s emphasis on hands-on, real-world application.

This year’s cohort exceeded expectations. Several teams plan to continue developing their ventures beyond the course, and a number are already receiving enthusiastic interest from potential investors, which reflects both the quality of the ideas and the strength of the learning model.

Startup Studio is intentionally designed at the intersection of engineering and business. Engineering students contribute technical depth, systems thinking, interaction design, and rapid prototyping skills, while business students bring customer discovery, competitive market planning, business model analysis, monetization tactics, and a go-to-market strategy. Working side by side, students learn how to translate technical innovation into viable, scalable ventures.

“Seeing ventures continue with investor interest shows what’s possible when our students are given the latest tools and confidence to create new value,” said Dr. Claudia Smith (Gustavson School of Business).

This year’s teams explored challenges ranging from community engagement tools and AI-enabled service platforms to applications in travel planning, task management, sports technology, and home inspection. Through rapid iteration cycles, they focused on problem–solution fit, monetization strategies, and real user feedback.

A defining feature of Startup Studio is its practical use of generative AI. Students used AI tools throughout the term to accelerate both technical and business goals, supporting customer research, value mapping, prototyping, innovative design, and product deployment. Rather than treating AI as an abstract concept, the course positions it as a hands-on collaborator in real venture creation.

The term culminated in a pitch event attended by mentors, investors, and members of the local tech community. Judges highlighted the teams’ professionalism, creativity, technical capability, and readiness to continue building beyond the classroom and enter the marketplace.

Three ventures are now moving forward through UVic’s Co-op Entrepreneurship Program, enabling student founders to dedicate a full work term to venture development with mentorship and institutional support.

With strong momentum from this year’s cohort, Startup Studio continues to position UVic as a leader in interdisciplinary entrepreneurship education. The program will run again in Fall 2026, with expanded mentorship, deeper integration with UVic’s innovation ecosystem, and additional support for students using generative AI in venture development.