Bootcamp
Everyone has ideas, launch yours at VeloCity
The VeloCity National Bootcamp is an opportunity for 30 post-secondary students across Canada to join our students in experiencing uWaterloo’s exclusive VeloCity program.
Surrounded by some of Canada’s most talented high tech entrepreneurs, VeloCity offers students an intense term of exploring their ideas and launching them to the marketplace. VeloCity’s residence provides a unique chance to build a national network of entrepreneurial support.
Join us and experience everything the most exciting startup community in Canada has to offer young entrepreneurs.
What happens during the VeloCity National Bootcamp?
VeloCity is a residence where 70 of the most promising student entrepreneurs from across Canada will live from May-July.
The program will kicks-off with an entire week devoted to brainstorming ideas and getting to know the other resident entrepreneurs, building relationships and realizing promising business ventures. We will have speakers, mentors and former VeloCity residence offering motivating talks and advice. Toward the end of the week these ideas are built into products, during an intense coding weekend, and then presented to an audience for critical feedback at our start of term event.
Each week students will advance their business idea, presenting a new feature or new application to an audience of entrepreneurial peers. The program will provide student the opportunity to network with the local entrepreneur community, within and outside of VeloCity. Through these events participants will develop key skills, build stronger connections with other entrepreneurs and understand the user experience of their product from audience feedback on their software.
How many spots? How do I apply?
We have reserved 40 spots in the VeloCity residence for Waterloo students; either those enrolled in classes wanting to take part in the normal VeloCity program or regular stream students wishing to take part in the National Bootcamp program. The remaining 30 spots have been reserved for students from other post-secondary institutions for the VeloCity National Bootcamp program.
To qualify for the VeloCity National Bootcamp you must be a current student at any post-secondary institution in Canada. An application form must be filled out with a reference letter from a faculty or staff member of their post-secondary institution and submitted on the VeloCity webpage. All applications will be considered and qualified candidates will be interviewed over video conferencing.
The ideal student is one with the passion to turn an idea into a startup. If you are a student that has demonstrated the ability to build something that certainly helps, bonus points if you have already sold something you have built to customers.
We aren’t looking for startups to apply; we want individuals that are hungry for a startup experience but don’t know where to start or who to start it with.
You can apply here: https://uwvelocity.wufoo.com/forms/velocity-national-bootcamp-application-form/
University of Waterloo students can just apply through the normal application form found on our site, just mention you want to be part of the VeloCity National Bootcamp in the application.
Sponsorship of this event
We are currently looking for sponsors of this term at VeloCity so that we can make term along with our events even better and provide transportation to students to other startup community events in Toronto and maybe even Montreal. Information on how you can support young entrepreneurs at VeloCity is here.
Frequently asked Questions
What if I am currently a University of Waterloo student?
University of Waterloo students can just apply through the normal application form found on our site, just mention you want to be part of the VeloCity National Bootcamp in the application.
How much does it cost?
Residence fee of $2,681 is required.$2700 for three months (May to end of July).
does not include the bus or the gym fee!
Is there any funding available to me if I apply?
No. We do not subsidise the residence fee, nor do we provide funding for entrepreneurial ideas. VeloCity functions as a support system for students to grow their own business, part of this involves entrepreneurs finding their own funding.
Will I be matched with a mentor?
Mentors are very important and helpful to the success of any entrepreneur. However, since you are starting an idea the most valuable mentors are your peers and that is something we work hard at making the cornerstone of the VeloCity experience. There will be experts and mentors on hand but the matching is not something we control.
Will I have to share a room with another student?
No. VeloCity has 70 single residence style bedrooms.
Is food included in the cost?
No. VeloCity has fully functional kitchens for students to use on a daily basis. We will provide food for some of our events, however each student is responsible for their own food.
Where is the closest grocery store?
University of Waterloo Housing and Residences offers a shuttle and you can always order online.
Is there parking for my vehicle?
Parking is available at a minimal cost right next to the residence. This can be arranged through Parking Services and once accepted to VeloCity we would be happy to provide any help required.
