Innovation to Address Major Global Challenges

Stage: Ideation
Industry: Sustainability

Weston Family Innovation in Sustainability Lean

The Weston Family Innovation in Sustainability Lean is designed to grow the entrepreneurial mindset of participants with a focus on advancing the sustainability agenda through innovation. Through weekly workshops and personalized mentorship, participants will acquire tangible tools to establish the foundations of a sustainable startup.  

Key learnings

  • Introduction to the entrepreneurial journey

  • Understand your market and articulate your value proposition

  • Innovating and designing in sustainability

  • Measuring and reporting environmental benefits

  • Craft and communicate the key elements of a business plan

Program format

Dates: October – November 2024

Time: Wednesdays, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Hybrid program: sessions will be virtual and in-person at the Dobson Centre to accommodate our global network of speakers and mentors.


In partnership with

Weston Family Foundation

Who is this program for?

We welcome teams with:

  • at least one McGill affiliated co-founder e.g., student, faculty, staff or alumni (graduated within the last 10 years).

  • one founder who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

  • an innovation advancing the sustainability agenda and providing innovative solutions to address one of several major global environmental challenges in the fields of clean tech, nature conservation, agricultural science, renewable energy, transportation, waste management, food production, consumer goods, retail, packaging, or other multidisciplinary fields that are working to reduce the negative impact or increase positive effects on the environment.

  • alignment on how the proposed start-up follows the Weston Family Foundation’s mission of improving the well-being of Canadians​

  • multi-disciplinary backgrounds (including learners or graduates) and at least at least one technical co-founder who can build your business upon a technology or science.

  • commitment to attend all the workshops and executing the project work (required to maintain participation in the program).


Have questions about the program?

Email us at dobson.mgmt [at] mcgill.ca for more information.

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