| Overall Rating | Gold - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 67.05 |
| Liaison | Jessica Krejcik |
| Submission Date | May 26, 2017 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Concordia University
IN-4: Innovation 4
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.00 / 1.00 |
Justin
Powlowski Associate VP, Strategy & Operations Office of Research |
Title or keywords related to the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome:
A brief description of the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome:
District 3 is an accelerator of innovation which enables entrepreneurs and their teams to make a dent in the world. There is a strong focus on social entrepreneurship at District 3. 3 of the coaches are specifically dedicated to working with entrepreneurs interested in creating business with measurable social impacts. The design fellow specializes in sustainability design processes (ecologically and socially).
By animating a collaborative ecosystem, District 3 puts the necessary tools, resources and knowledge in the hands of innovation leaders in order for them to move from idea to impact with confidence. At District 3 we believe that sustainable societies are built on the backs of smart, informed, and ambitious entrepreneurs. The Center is an answer to students increasing demand on experiential learning opportunities.
The Centre's goals are to:
- Attract and retain talented students
- Develop innovation and entrepreneurship skills
- Support product development
- Collaborate with Concordia’s alumni as experts and mentors
This accelerator brings together people who collaborate, create and innovate. District 3 provides coaching, access to cutting-edge technologies and apprenticeship-style learning.
The majority of its startup clients — called makers — are recent university graduates who possess the necessary time, experience and financial support required to launch a new business. District 3 is allowing Concordia to deepen its community outreach. Of its clientele:
40 per cent are Concordia University alumni
25.9 per cent are alumni of L'École de technologie supérieure (ETS), Université de Sherbrooke and the general public
19.4 per cent are HEC Montréal alumni
11 per cent are McGill University alumni
2.5 per cent are Université de Montréal alumni
1.2 per cent are Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM) alumni
The majority of District 3 volunteers are students, faculty, staff and alumni. District 3 volunteers have included 500 Concordia students, 45 external contributors who represent organizations, 36 external contributors and seven coaches.
A brief description of any positive measurable outcomes associated with the innovation (if not reported above):
- To date, 15 District 3 startups have raised close to $5 million in funding.
- The combined value of District 3 startups is estimated at $30 million.
- District 3 startups have created over 100 jobs.
- Sixty-five District 3 teams are currently being coached.
In 2014, District 3’s innovative aspect was recognized at the International Partnership Network (IPN) conference held in Brussels by winning two awards related to the development of entrepreneurship skills and transforming the educational experience of students.
The campus and public engagement impacts are significant and an important success to model for other programs in the future.
A letter of affirmation from an individual with relevant expertise:
Which of the following STARS subcategories does the innovation most closely relate to? (Select all that apply up to a maximum of five):
| Yes or No | |
| Curriculum | --- |
| Research | Yes |
| Campus Engagement | Yes |
| Public Engagement | Yes |
| Air & Climate | --- |
| Buildings | --- |
| Dining Services | --- |
| Energy | --- |
| Grounds | --- |
| Purchasing | --- |
| Transportation | --- |
| Waste | --- |
| Water | --- |
| Coordination, Planning & Governance | --- |
| Diversity & Affordability | --- |
| Health, Wellbeing & Work | --- |
| Investment | --- |
Other topic(s) that the innovation relates to that are not listed above:
The website URL where information about the innovation is available:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.