Online Event
Best Practices on Building Innovation Hubs for Universities & Colleges
Learn How to Transform Your Institution’s Entrepreneurial Landscape from leading experts
Date
Jul 24, 2025
Time
10:00 am - 11:30 am
Address
Online Event
Join our event to gain a comprehensive blueprint for launching and enhancing world-class startup programs. Designed for higher education leaders, faculty, and program managers, this session provides actionable best practices for fostering innovation on campus. We will explore how to build essential infrastructure, design impactful curricula, secure diverse funding streams, and leverage powerful mentorship networks. You will leave equipped with the strategies and tools needed to create a dynamic environment that enhances your institution's reputation, drives economic growth, and empowers the next generation of entrepreneurs to succeed.
What You'll Learn:
- Learn to establish the pillars of a successful startup ecosystem, including accelerators, venture funds, and centralized innovation hubs.
- Discover best practices for creating action-oriented curricula and leveraging alumni networks to provide continuous guidance and support.
- Master a range of funding strategies, from non-dilutive grants and pitch competitions to institutional venture funds and corporate partnerships.
- Understand how to forge international partnerships
Featured Experts:
- Daniel Francavilla - Innovation Partner & marketing advisor, strategist at Daniel Does Consulting: Daniel is a marketing advisor, strategist, serial founder, and mentor. A Certified Brand Strategist and professor at OCAD University, he has received a 40 Under 40 Award. Daniel helps founders and teams with branding, storytelling, and more. His latest venture, The Good Growth Company, trains social good organizations to scale their missions. He previously founded Now Creative Group, acquired by King Street Media in 2021, where he became a partner and launched CreatorClub. Daniel also runs ACCESS, a nonprofit supporting youth-led initiatives.
- Bianca Diosdado - Innovation Partner & Founder & CEO at ITRADE Innovations: Bianca Diosdado is a strategic executive and industry connector with deep expertise across technology, education, infrastructure, and cybersecurity. She has led impactful initiatives in workforce development and nation-building, particularly bridging digital and economic gaps between Latin America and South Florida. As the CEO of multiple ventures, Bianca has supported innovation in blockchain, finance, and recruitment, driving growth for companies and public-private partnerships alike. A Forbes Technology Council contributor and long-time mentor at the Founder Institute, she is also the co-founder of the QTI CESUMAS Foundation, focused on sustainable development in emerging nations.
- Nafis Ahmed - Associate Director, Entrepreneurship at YSpace, York University: Nafis Ahmed is the Associate Director of Entrepreneurship at YSpace, York University, where he leads startup and innovation programs that connect students, faculty, and regional entrepreneurs. With a strong background in university-based innovation, he has previously held roles at Ryerson University’s Legal Innovation Zone and DMZ, helping launch and scale ventures through experiential learning and design thinking. Nafis is dedicated to making entrepreneurship accessible across post-secondary institutions.
About Founder Institute:
The Founder Institute works with top universities to improve their entrepreneurship curricula, launch experienetial workforce development opportunities, and commercialize student projects.
Learn more at https://fi.co/universities.
The Founder Institute works with top universities to improve their entrepreneurship curricula, launch experienetial workforce development opportunities, and commercialize student projects.
Learn more at https://fi.co/universities.
Additional Resources:
Find more Startup Events, learn about the Entrepreneur DNA test or sign up for the Insights Newsletter to get the latest startup tips and trends.
Speakers
Platinum Partners
Local Partners
Google
Linkedin
Applications are now open
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