Startup Accelerator Program
I started as a Marketing Director, where I built the website and the branding for IOB. Later, I took on the position of Vice President, where I was responsible for IOB execution and leading the program.
ABOUT
Innovation OnBoard (IOB)
Established in 2017, Innovation Onboard (IOB) is a Canada-wide student-led initiative that fosters entrepreneurship and interdisciplinary collaboration among science, engineering, and business students. This 6-month program includes 10 workshops, lectures, an innovation fair, and a pitch competition with cash prizes.
IOB consists of:
Entrepreneurship Workshops & Networking Events
Innovation Fair
Start-Up Idea Competition
PROBLEM
We are lagging in entrepreneurship!
There is untapped entrepreneurial potential at the University of British Columbia, stemming from a lack of entrepreneurial culture and opportunities that foster innovation in Canada compared to the USA.
SOLUTION
Platform for Collaboration & Innovation
A platform where aspiring entrepreneurs can learn, find co-founders, receive mentorship, and compete to test-drive their early-stage startup ideas, with the chance to win cash prizes to kick-start their ventures.
User Research
Target Audience
Our target audience consists of UBC students with backgrounds in business, science, or engineering. Given this diverse academic mix, it was crucial for us to ensure that our branding and website would be appealing to these groups. Additionally, our website serves as a vital marketing tool for raising funds, necessitating a professional and polished appearance.
To better understand our participants, we reviewed data from previous years and conducted a survey. The survey aimed to gauge the level of interest in innovation and gather insights into what our participants value most in a program like ours. This data has been instrumental in tailoring our offerings and ensuring that we meet the needs and expectations of our audience.
DELIVERABLES
My Responsibilities and Achivments
During the execution of IOB 2023-2024, I took on several key responsibilities:
Building the Branding for the Innovation Onboard Platform: Developed and established the branding strategy for IOB, ensuring a cohesive and impactful identity across all communications and materials.
Developing the Website: Created a robust website that served as a central hub for directing sponsors and participants, enhancing accessibility and engagement.
Managing Social Media Channels: Oversaw and managed various social media channels including LinkedIn, Instagram, Eventbrite, Flickr, and others. Implemented strategies to increase visibility, engagement, and outreach.
Creating Figma Projects: Developed comprehensive Figma projects containing marketing guidelines, over 15 different pitch decks, and sponsorship packages. These assets were designed for easy transferability to future students, ensuring continuity and consistency in promotional efforts.
achievements
What Our Team Achieved
Our achievements, highlighted in the slides I developed (below) for our final event, include establishing a robust platform offering lectures and workshops that facilitated collaboration opportunities. We successfully hosted an Innovation Fair and Final Pitch Competition, where teams showcased their innovative ideas. These slides recap the accomplishments of IOB 2023-2024.
IMPACT
Result for 2023-2024
RETROSPECTIVE
Reflection
This journey has been incredibly rewarding, and I've gained valuable insights into project leadership. Here are a couple of key takeaways:
Be proactive: Taking initiative and leading without waiting for instructions not only accelerates progress but also empowers the team to achieve results efficiently.
Communication is key: Openly sharing thoughts and ideas with the team fosters a collaborative environment where feedback and diverse perspectives contribute to better outcomes.
nEXT STEPS
Taking IOB Canada-wide
IOB's success at UBC was remarkable. With significant interest from students at the University of Toronto, IOB has expanded, becoming a nationwide initiative. This expansion highlights the growing enthusiasm and support for entrepreneurship and interdisciplinary collaboration among students nationwide.
Interested in becoming a mentor for IOB?
If you're interested in mentoring a team for IOB, please leave your information here, and I'll reach out to you.
