FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 15, 2025
Venture Northern College: Student Innovation Challenge Launches to Inspire the Next Generation of Innovators
Timmins, ON — Northern College, in partnership with the Northern Ontario Angels (NOA) and Timmins Economic Development, is proud to launch the Venture Northern College: Student Innovation Challenge — a new initiative designed to empower the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs across Northeastern Ontario.
The Challenge officially launches on October 23, 2025, with a Virtual Information Session from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., where participants will learn more about the challenge and how to apply. Applications open the same day and close January 6, 2026, with finalists presenting their ideas at the Live Pitch Event on March 26, 2026, at Northern College in Timmins.
Focusing on the theme “How might we improve safety and well-being, efficiency, environmental impact, or community outcomes in Northern Ontario’s mining industry through innovation?”, the Challenge invites Grade 11–12 students, Northern College students, and alumni to turn ideas into actionable solutions.
“At Northern College, we’re proud to nurture talent that drives innovation and positive change in our region,” said Dean Lessard, Senior Vice-President, Academic, Northern College. “The Student Innovation Challenge provides our students — and local high school learners — with an opportunity to showcase their creativity while addressing real challenges in Northern Ontario’s mining industry.”
The Challenge is a joint initiative between Northern College, the Northern Ontario Angels, and Timmins Economic Development. Together, these partners are connecting education, investment, and entrepreneurship to create new pathways for young innovators. Participants will receive guidance from experienced mentors as they develop their ideas into investor-ready opportunities.
“The Northern Ontario Angels are excited to support this initiative that helps young innovators turn ideas into investment-ready opportunities,” said Ian Lane, Executive Director of Northern Ontario Angels. “It’s about sparking entrepreneurial thinking and empowering students to see where their ideas can have a real-world impact in Northern Ontario.”
Through Timmins Economic Development’s Investor Ready program, students will also gain hands-on business development experience to help translate their concepts into practical, scalable ventures.
“Through the Investor Ready program, we’re equipping students with the knowledge and tools they need to take their concepts from the classroom to the market,” said Ross MacDonald, Business Development Specialist, Timmins Economic Development. “The Student Innovation Challenge is a great way to inspire the next generation of problem-solvers and connect them with the business community.”
The Challenge will culminate in a high-energy live pitch competition at Northern College’s Timmins Campus on March 26, 2026, where student teams will compete for $3,000 for first place sponsored by Link North and The Business Enterprise Centre, $2,000 for second place, and $1,000 for third place. The event will also feature a networking reception, keynote presentations, and interactive displays that highlight innovation in action across the region.
Tune In and Get Involved
The excitement begins with a live interview on KINZ and KLOMP featuring Dean Lessard, Ian Lane, and Ross MacDonald on October 16 at 7:00 p.m., streamed on the KINZ and KLOMP Facebook page.
To register for the virtual information session, visit: Eventbrite Registration.
Eligibility
Open to:
- Grade 11–12 students in Northeastern Ontario
- Northern College students and alumni
For more information, please visit the Venture Northern College: Student Innovation Challenge event website.
Media Inquiries
Katie Law
Marketing & Events Coordinator, Northern Ontario Angels
[email protected] | 807-228-3124
Partnership Inquiries
Kimberley Wahamaa-Deschenes
Operations & Events Manager, Northern Ontario Angels
[email protected] | 705-207-2658
Al Paquette
Business Development Consultant, The Business Enterprise Centre
[email protected] | 705-360-2600 ext. 7084
Michelle Cole
Manager, Quality, Strategy and Analysis, Northern College
[email protected] | 705-235-3211