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Supports & Services

Hanson Venture Lab

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A woman presents a seminar titled "How to Start a Business in Canada as an International Student," hosted at Hanson Venture Lab, to an audience seated in a modern classroom.

Key Details

Location

Floor 2, Room 2208

Cost

Free

Hours of Operation

The lab is currently open during events and scheduled programming. Check our calendar for upcoming sessions.

General Contacts

Mike Commito, PhD

Director, Research & Innovation

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705-566-8101 ext.7802
Pamela Drouin

Partnership Coordinator

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705.566.8101 ext.6219
Hanson Venture Lab

General Inquiries

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Hanson Venture Lab

The Hanson Venture Lab is Cambrian College’s dedicated centre for student entrepreneurship. It provides a dynamic, collaborative space where students explore entrepreneurial thinking, develop business ideas, and gain practical knowledge in launching and managing start-ups, all while building connections with industry partners who help enrich their learning experience.

  • Several people sit in the Hanson Venture Lab’s waiting area with modern chairs, some eating or using phones, while two people interact at a reception desk in the background.
  • Modern office space with high table and stools in the foreground, round tables and chairs in the background, and glass-walled meeting rooms visible—ideal for collaboration at the Hanson Venture Lab.
  • A woman stands at the front of a room speaking to a seated audience; behind her, a screen displays a Hanson Venture Lab video call presentation.
  • A person in a suit works on a laptop at a modern Hanson Venture Lab office table with plants. A neon sign above reads "Rise and Grind," while a digital display is visible on the wall in the background.
  • Seven people sit around a conference table in a meeting room, listening to a woman speaking. A screen displays "Summer Company Workshop 2023," hosted by the Hanson Venture Lab.
  • A small coffee station at Hanson Venture Lab features a coffee maker, paper cups, supplies, and a water cooler against a light blue wall with "Coffee Bar" signage and a framed quote.
  • Three people in business attire stand together in a brightly lit room at Hanson Venture Lab, with a "Rise and Grind" neon sign glowing in the background.
A presenter stands and presents to a group of people seated around a conference table in the Hanson Venture Lab, with a screen displaying “Startup your future today.”.

Workshops and Micro Courses

Through interactive workshops and a structured micro course, students build core business skills in areas such as marketing, finance, product development, and pitching. They cover the fundamentals of entrepreneurship and business development, giving students foundational knowledge to launch their own ventures. Workshops and course content are frequently enhanced by the expertise of industry partners, who participate as guest speakers and contribute real-world insights.

    A group of people sit facing two men presenting in front of a screen displaying the text "Innovate. Inspire. Pitch. Invest." at the Hanson Venture Lab's modern office space.

    Mentorship and Networking

    Students have access to one-on-one mentorship with experienced entrepreneurs, business owners, and alumni, as well as opportunities to connect across disciplines with fellow students. Industry partners play a key role by engaging directly as mentors and participating in networking events, fostering valuable student-industry connections that help students build their business networks.

      Our Mentors

      Gus Minor

      COO, Sofvie Inc.

      Edwin P. Reilly CPA,CA

      Managing Partner and Co-founder of FCR

      Kimberley Wahamaa-Deschenes

      Operations & Events Manager, Northern Ontario Angels

      Jonathan Gbedemah

      Business Owner, Jonathan’s Kingsway Pharmacy

      Chamirai Charles Nyabeze

      Co-Founder and CEO of NOBEEP

      A group of people celebrate on stage at the Cambrian Student Innovation Challenge, with confetti and balloons on the floor, sponsor logos behind them, and support from Hanson Venture Lab energizing the event.

      Events and Competitions

      The Hanson Venture Lab hosts entrepreneurial events and competitions such as the Student Innovation Challenge, powered by RBC, and hackathons that encourage creative problem-solving and business development. Industry partners are actively involved in these events, contributing as judges, advisors, or sponsors while supporting hands-on learning and showcasing industry leadership.

      A red neon "ON AIR" sign glows on a wall at Hanson Venture Lab, with a video camera and monitor in the foreground showing a recording setup.

      Collaborative Workspace and Podcast Studio

      The Hanson Venture Lab offers a flexible co-working space where students can collaborate, develop ideas, and work on entrepreneurial projects. A dedicated podcast studio offers opportunities for students to promote their start-ups or produce content focused on business and innovation. Industry partners can engage with students within these spaces, whether through student mentorship, guest podcast features, or by fostering collaboration on industry-relevant projects.

      At the Hanson Venture Lab, students gain not only the knowledge and tools to build their ventures but also direct access to community and industry partners who are invested in supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs.