About STIC

Objective:

The development and diversification of Alberta’s knowledge based economy is critical for the future health of our economy and our quality of life. Engaging post secondary students in the skills of technology entrepreneurship and business plan development is crucial for the development of our knowledge based economy. The Student Technology Innovation Challenge (STIC) represents an educational opportunity for all Calgary’s post-secondary students to learn the skills of technology entrepreneurship and provides an opportunity to apply those skills through a student technology business plan competition.

Over the course of 8 months (Sept.05-April 06), post secondary students in Alberta will have the opportunity to attend an educational seminar series with guest speakers from Alberta's corporate community, which will be used to promote participation and educate students in the process of technology business plan development. At the conclusion of the seminar series, student groups will be invited to apply their technology business plan development skills by submitting a 3-page business proposal to be reviewed by a committee. The best technology business proposals will be selected and these semi-finalists will be invited to submit a 7-10 page proposal for the next selection round. STIC will match semi-finalist student groups with local technology entrepreneurs (mentors) to aid in the further development of their technology based business proposals. The review committee will then select three to five student groups for the final proposal competition. These finalists will present 15 min. oral presentations to the review panel; an audience of local entrepreneurs, angel investors and venture capitalists. The winning group will be given a cash award and a technology commercialization service package to catalyze the formation of a technology company based on the students business proposal.

Alberta’s post secondary institutions, in addition to corporate Alberta have been extremely receptive to the STIC; a number of major sponsors have committed to providing guest speakers for a seminar series, mentors, facilities, in-kind services, and cash donations. STIC is very excited about the opportunity of challenging Alberta's leaders of tomorrow, in making their visions a reality, and embracing the Alberta spirit that will continue to drive technological and innovative success into the future.

Goals of STIC

• To provide a seminar series that will educate Alberta’s post secondary students on technology business plan development and entrepreneurship.
• To create the necessary networks and provide the resources (cash & technology commercialization services) to catalyze the growth of viable and sustainable technology companies in Alberta.