IgniteLab Sparks Innovation: John F. Wood Centre Welcomes Fall 2025 Cohort
On September 25, 2025, the Hub Incubator at the John F. Wood Centre welcomed a new cohort of students with business ideas into the IgniteLab program. IgniteLab is a dynamic 10-week program every fall term, designed to support early-stage business development by providing aspiring entrepreneurs with the foundational tools to validate their ideas and determine if they have a viable product that can thrive in the market. Throughout the program, student founders refine their ventures through tailored education, one-on-one coaching, direct mentorship and receive $1000 in funding to help unlock their full potential.
This fall, we are thrilled to welcome 14 dedicated founders representing eight innovative companies, who demonstrate exceptional promise and dedication to their ventures in the Tech, Food & Beverage, and Equine sectors.
This term’s ventures span a diverse range of innovative ideas—from health-conscious food products and functional culinary enhancements to student-focused digital tools and advancements in recreational equipment. These student-led businesses reflect a strong emphasis on wellness, usability, and modernizing traditional practices.
“I’m thrilled to welcome this year’s IgniteLab cohort. The founders selected really stood out with innovative products that are both unique and full of potential. As they work through market validation, they’ll uncover key insights into the real-world potential of their ideas. I’m excited to see what they discover about their businesses and the impact they could make in the world.
—Erin Young, Hub Incubator Services Manager
The IgniteLab program embodies the Wood Centre's commitment to fostering the next generation of innovative and visionary entrepreneurs. Throughout the program, the young entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to work with a mentor, who will help them gain valuable insights into the development of their business idea for their target customers, best practices, and potential challenges that they might face in their respective industries. This mentorship will also provide personalized guidance to the founders on refining their business models, enhancing their pitches, and developing strategies to effectively navigate the competitive landscape. Additionally, mentors will share their own experiences, offering invaluable lessons learned that can help the founders avoid common pitfalls and accelerate their growth. Through access to mentorship and a strong network, the Wood Centre aims to equip these young founders to make significant strides in their respective industries.
At the end of the program, the students will participate in a pitch competition for additional funding to support their validated businesses. Follow us on our social media to watch their entrepreneurial journeys unfold.