LaunchLab Fuels Startups: John F. Wood Centre Welcomes Winter 2025 Cohort
This January, the John F. Wood Centre’s Hub Incubator welcomed a new cohort of student entrepreneurs into the LaunchLab program. Designed as the next step after IgniteLab, LaunchLab is a hands-on program that helps student founders refine their business ideas and develop key skills essential for growth. Over the semester, participants dive into budgeting, financing, branding, sales strategies, and investor pitch development, all while receiving mentorship and expert guidance. This program concludes with an exciting public LaunchLab Expo, where students showcase their ventures and compete in a pitch competition for cash prizes to help their business take off.
This semester, our program is made up of 10 eager entrepreneurs representing 8 start-up companies ready to take the next steps in building the foundation of their business. These founders demonstrate exceptional promise and dedication to their ventures in the Food and Beverage, Sustainable Living, Veterinary Medical Devices, Agri-Tech and Bio-Tech Industries.
Among the businesses this term is a partnership venture introducing a seaweed-based spray that extends the shelf life of produce, helping reduce spoilage and promote sustainability. In the food space, another startup is developing nutrient-packed bouillon cubes to provide a healthier, more nourishing addition to everyday meals. One company in Agri-Tech is developing a unique financial intelligence solution for farmers. Meanwhile, a kombucha company is diving into the beverage industry by crafting cocktail-inspired kombucha flavours, offering a refreshing and unique twist on this popular fermented drink. These ventures, each driven by innovation and impact, are gearing up for an exciting semester of growth and development in LaunchLab.
“Being part of the LaunchLab program is exciting, invigorating, and a little nerve racking. This semester, I’m most excited about developing my brand identity and connecting with experienced professionals. Having done all my post-secondary education in science, not business, the Hub program is crucial in helping me to formalize my ideas into a solid business foundation. This would be next to impossible for me to do alone without all of the resources and connections that the Hub has provided for me thus far."
- Sammy Rutherford, Founder of Boosted Bouillon
The LaunchLab program is designed to equip student entrepreneurs with the tools, guidance, and resources needed to take their businesses to the next level. 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 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.
“I’m thrilled to see this year’s LaunchLab cohort in action. These students bring remarkable dedication and initiative as they push their ventures forward. While in the program this term, they are learning business foundations and strategies to help bring their ideas to life. I’m looking forward to seeing the outcomes of their hard work on full display at the LaunchLab Expo, where they will showcase their innovative products and businesses to the University of Guelph community."
- Erin Young, Hub Incubator Services Manager
These student-led startups will showcase their progress at the LaunchLab Expo, a trade- show-inspired event happening on March 25th from 12-4 PM in the University Centre at the University of Guelph. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with these founders, learn more about the John F. Wood Centre's entrepreneurship programs, and vote for their favourite pitch in an exciting competition where participants will compete for additional funding to launch their ventures. Don’t miss this chance to witness the future of innovation. Register now and be part of the action!
To learn more about this exciting event and follow our founders throughout their journey, follow the Wood Centre on LinkedIn, Instagram and visit their website.