Every November, Global Entrepreneurship Week lights up the entrepreneurial world - and this year, UNB is bringing an action-packed line-up of events to Fredericton and beyond. From keynote talks and investor sessions to workshops, networking, and startup mixers, there’s something for students, founders, researchers and community members alike.
10 a.m. – 12 p.m.: Kick-off with a keynote speaker.
2:30 – 4:00 p.m.: The Uncertainty Advantage with Scott Stirrett (who left a career at Goldman Sachs to launch Venture for Canada, raised over $80 M, and is now sharing what he’s learned).
3:00 – 4:00 p.m.: Meet the VC featuring Katie Ko (Associate at Ripple Ventures) — a candid window into how VCs evaluate startups.
11 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.: Entrepreneurship Fair (UNB Fredericton, Student Union Building) — meet representatives from IBEC, JHSC, McKenna Institute, NBIF, Mitacs, JEDI, Planet Hatch / Ignite and more.
12 – 1 p.m.: Lunch & Learn with Sam Poirier.
4 – 5:30 p.m.: A repeat of The Uncertainty Advantage session, again.
10 a.m. – 12 p.m.: Coffee Convo at JHSC — drop-in to learn about research commercialization, corporate innovation, tech transfer programs.
12:30 – 1:30 p.m.: Workshop Protect Your Idea (IP essentials: patents, trademarks, trade secrets) led by Dr. Andre Pelletier (Regional IP Counsellor, NB).
9:00 a.m.: Global Info Session on the MTME Program (online).
Noon – 1:00 p.m.: Info Session — the Breakthru Startup Pitch Competition from NBIF (learn how you could win up to $200K).
2 – 3:00 p.m.: Info Session on the Fraser Student Venture Fund (up to $75K, student & venture-growth focus).
3 – 4:00 p.m.: Fireside Chat with Emily Corey (President of Corey Nutrition), and later 4 – 5:00 p.m.: Fireside Chat with Blair Hyslop & Rosalyn Hyslop (co-CEOs of Mrs Dunster’s) — two Atlantic Canadian success stories + networking mixer (with pizza!) afterwards.
12 – 1 p.m.: McCain Speaker Series — featuring Cathy Simpson (CEO of TechImpact), sharing insights on NB’s tech ecosystem and how innovation is driving regional growth.
GEW isn’t just a collection of events - it’s a strategic platform for building connections, exploring new pathways, and supporting innovation at every stage:
For students: It’s a chance to network, find teammates, understand startup funding, and explore tech pathways.
For researchers and faculty: It’s a moment to connect with commercialization support, find partners, and engage with new venture opportunities.
For founders and entrepreneurs: It means access to tools, workshops, pitch opportunities, investor insights, and region-wide support.
For the New Brunswick ecosystem: GEW helps strengthen ties across industry, education and government — positioning the province as a vibrant place for innovation and growth.
Register for sessions you’re interested in - many are free and open to all students, alumni and community members.
Bring your questions, curiosity and ideas - whether you have a startup concept, want to join a team, or just learn more.
Use GEW to explore opportunities: startup funding, IP knowledge, networking mixers, pitch competitions and discover how your next step might look.
Spread the word: Invite classmates, colleagues, coworkers - the more voices, the better the ideas!