Collide Validate
This free, 8-week virtual program (2 hours/week) is designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs critically test and validate their business ideas in the marketplace.
Offered in partnership with Dal Innovates, this experience equips you with the skills to engage directly with customers, refine your concept and determine whether to pause, pivot or propel your venture forward.
Eligibility
- Current students, faculty or recent graduates (within 2 years) from any university or college in Atlantic Canada
- Have a business idea you want to validate (from early-stage to well-defined)
- Teams of 1–2 members are welcome
Program details
Each session includes interactive workshops, expert-led training and personalized coaching to help you:
- Understand program expectations and master customer interview techniques (pre-training sessions)
- Explore the nine building blocks of the Business Model Canvas, with emphasis on Customer Segments and Value Propositions
- Conduct real-world customer discovery interviews to validate your idea
- Receive one-on-one coaching to refine your approach
Benefits to students
- Market research and validation: Assess product-market fit through targeted research and feedback
- Customer discovery: Gain insights directly from potential customers
- Training and networking: Learn from top innovation leaders and connect with Atlantic Canada’s entrepreneurship ecosystem
- One-on-one coaching: Weekly personalized guidance
- Fuel your business: Earn a $500 stipend upon completing all sessions, tasks, and 50 customer interviews
Program schedule
- Format: Online (Zoom)
- Dates: January 15 – March 5, 2026
- Time: Wednesdays, 6:00 – 8:00 PM (Atlantic)
- Cost: Free
- Deadline to apply: December 10, 2025
Applications are assessed on a rolling basis and may close early if spots are filled.
Questions?
Contact: or