Experience Ventures National Network Unites in Calgary to Shape the Future of Entrepreneurial Learning
By Kelly Oehlerking
Partners from across Canada gathered to share insights, explore innovation, and strengthen collaboration.
Experience Ventures network members from across Canada came together in Calgary on October 27–28, 2025, to connect, collaborate, and chart the path forward for the year ahead. Hosted by the Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking at the University of Calgary, the two-day national meeting brought together representatives from 13 partner institutions to share best practices, explore innovative approaches, and celebrate the continued impact of entrepreneurial thinking placements across the country.
Strengthening the Network
Now entering its fifth year, Experience Ventures, powered by the Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking and funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Innovative Work-Integrated Learning Initiative (I-WIL), continues to empower post-secondary students to make an impact alongside innovators.
Through entrepreneurial thinking placements, the program enables students to develop key skills while contributing to Canada’s innovation ecosystem. To date, the network has delivered over 8,500 of these meaningful opportunities across its national partner institutions.
This year’s national meeting reinforced the spirit of collaboration at the heart of the program. Partners discussed successes, challenges, and new strategies to enhance the student and venture experience, emphasizing how shared learning helps elevate the collective impact of the network.
Collaboration and Community
At the heart of the Experience Ventures program is the sense of community the network fosters. With 14 post-secondary institutions across the country, the program thrives on collaboration and shared learning.
“My biggest takeaway from the national meeting was realizing how deeply connected we all are in our efforts to make this experience more meaningful for participants,” says Mandana Abedini, Experience Ventures Program Manager at Conestoga College.
“Each school faces similar challenges but approaches them in creative and inspiring ways. It was a powerful reminder that we are part of a collective movement to strengthen the Experience Ventures program and expand opportunities for students across Canada.”
That spirit of collaboration guided the discussions throughout the two-day meeting, inspiring new ideas and reaffirming the shared mission of creating meaningful, hands-on learning experiences.
Exploring New Frontiers: AI and Innovation in Learning
A highlight of the event was an interactive session on AI and Experience Ventures, which invited partners to consider how artificial intelligence can be leveraged to enhance program delivery, engagement, and student experience. The discussion underscored a growing focus on innovation, exploring ways to integrate new tools and technologies while maintaining the human connection central to the program’s success.
Supporting Ventures: Lessons and Best Practices
Another key session focused on supporting ventures, where partners exchanged insights and lessons learned from their work with startups and community innovators. Conversations centered on how to strengthen relationships, create value for ventures, and ensure mutual benefit for both students and hosts. The dialogue reinforced the program’s commitment to collaboration and continuous learning.
Building Momentum for 2026
Day two of the meeting featured network-wide discussions on shared goals and upcoming initiatives. The day closed with a series of partner presentations highlighting standout success stories and innovative approaches from across the country.
As Experience Ventures looks ahead to 2026, the network remains focused on growth, inclusion, and impact. By fostering connection among students, ventures, and institutions, the program continues to inspire entrepreneurial thinking and help students gain the confidence to create change.
“Our priority for the year ahead is pushing the boundaries of what this network can achieve for both students and ventures,” said Anica Vasic, Senior Director of Partnerships and Strategic Initiatives and leader of Experience Ventures. “Together with our partners, we’re exploring how AI and emerging technologies can further support venture engagement, strengthen program delivery, and create richer experiences for students. By investing in innovation and reinforcing the support we provide across the entire ecosystem, we’re positioning Experience Ventures to be stronger, more connected, and even more impactful in the years ahead.”
The annual national meeting once again demonstrated the strength of the Experience Ventures network, a community united by a shared commitment to empowering the next generation of innovators through meaningful, hands-on experiences.