Posters
This category includes Research Posters and Infographics.
10-minute presentations
Oral presentations that include digital slides (think PowerPoint).
10-minute performances
Can include spoken word, song, music, dance, or drama.
3-minute Slam
Oral presentations that use everyday language. Similar to the idea of an 'elevator pitch'.
Photography
Exhibits of research and creative activity.
Rant (like-Rick)
"Everyone should rant. Ranting not only makes you feel better but occasionally, as my mother proved to me many times, you might get results—justice, satisfaction or a fudge stick."
2 minutes. Make a point. Intelligently.
Podcasts
More info coming soon! But basically, you will provide the digital file and we will offer it on our website for folks to check out. Oh yes, there will be prizes too!
Three Minute Thesis
Just for grad students in a degree program. Present your thesis in 3 minutes!
VIU SPARK Pitch Competition
10 minutes to unlock funding, feedback, and future opportunities.
The VIU SPARK Pitch Competition is a guided entrepreneurship experience that helps students and recent graduates turn ideas into clear, confident pitches, supported through workshops, 1:1 mentoring, and a live pitch event during CREATE.
This competition is designed for early-stage ideas. You don’t need a finished business or business plan, just a willingness to learn, test, and refine your idea.
Participants will:
- Develop a clear and compelling pitch
- Receive guidance through workshops and 1:1 mentoring
- Build confidence presenting to a live audience
- Gain feedback from judges, faculty, and community partners
- Connect with the VIU innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem
This is more than a pitch, it’s a preparation journey.
Applications are open to:
- Current VIU students
- Recent graduates
- Student-led teams (Teams may include community members, but must be student-led.)
- A structured preparation program
- Weekly workshops focused on practical entrepreneurial skills
- Access to 1:1 mentoring (for selected participants)
- A live pitch event during CREATE
- Up to 20 participants will be selected
- Participation is limited to ensure access to 1:1 mentoring
- Selected participants must meet at least one of the following:
- Attend a minimum of two workshops, or
- complete two 1:1 mentoring sessions.
Social & Community Impact
- Social enterprises
- Non-profits with a revenue model
- Indigenous, environmental, or community-focused initiatives
Business & Innovation
- For-profit startups
- Product- or service-based ideas
- Technology, health, sustainability, creative, hospitality, and related fields
- February 19 – Info Session: B305|R440 at 1 pm (a recording will be available)
- March 2 – Application deadline
- March 6–27 – Weekly preparation workshops
- March 27 – Finalist selection (5 finalists)
- March 30 – Live Pitch Event at CREATE
Prizes may include monetary and/or in-kind awards such as:
- Cash prizes
- Mentoring packages
- Business support services
- Community partner opportunities
We know applying to a pitch competition can feel like a big step, especially if you’re early in your idea journey.
If you have questions or want to talk things through before applying, feel free to reach out to VIU SPARK team at peggy.janssens@viu.ca