Paul Kingsmith

Lethbridge College’s Centre for Applied Research and Innovation and its partners are inviting the community to campus during the next few weeks for a host of different hands-on learning opportunities and entrepreneurship training programs.

 

Two of the programs are focused on aquaponics, a growing academic discipline which combines aquaculture (farming fish or other aquatic species such as shrimp, lobster, mussels or oysters) and hydroponics (growing plants by feeding them nutrient-rich water in a controlled environment and using either natural or artificial light).

The other two programs are designed to help budding entrepreneurs and people with great ideas for start-up businesses.

“These events provide tremendous opportunities for students to engage with industry and advance their careers where they will learn important skills, connect with each other and meet successful business owners and entrepreneurs from across Alberta” says Gina Funicelli, Lethbridge College’s Dean of the Centre for Applied Research and Innovation.

The events include: 

  • The Economics of Aquaponics: Understanding Costs and Returns in an Emerging Industry, which will be held all day on Thursday, Oct. 27.

     

    • This full-day, interactive workshop will be held in RH1000 and will feature interactive speakers, a panel forum and networking reception featuring trade fair displays, product samples, door prizes, wine pairings and opportunities for sensory testing aquaponics products and more. This course, which can be followed by the Aquaponics Systems Workshop on Oct. 28 and 29, provides a wealth of knowledge and ample opportunity to ask questions. To register, call (403) 320-3323.
       
  • Aquaponics Systems Workshop, which will be held on Friday, Oct. 28, and Saturday, Oct. 29

     

    • This workshop helps develop the aquaponics expertise and knowledge of those looking to get into, or who already have their hands wet, in these integrated plant production methods. The two-day course provides the foundational basis on which you can successfully construct and operate your own aquaponics system. It will include topics such as seeding, fish handling, water quality, pest management and system design and operation. To register, call (403) 320-3323.
       
  • Free, three-day business start-up workshop, which will be held from Friday, Oct. 28 to Sunday, Oct. 30. Final pitches are scheduled from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 30.

     

    • “3 Day Startup” is a 72-hour, learning-by-doing campus workshop that teaches entrepreneurial skills in an extreme hands-on environment. Brought to you by NAIT and RINSA and hosted by Lethbridge College, the idea is simple: start a company over the course of three days. This free event is open to all students, staff and community members. Participants will progress through a series of modules, in a learning-by-doing environment, that include: ideation, team formation, customer discovery, rapid prototyping, and pitch workshops. More information can be found online.
       
  • Entrepreneurship Discover Program. Register before Nov. 7; first session starts on Friday, Nov. 10, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

     

    • This is a series of free workshops for aspiring entrepreneurs. The Regional Innovation Network of Southern Alberta (RINSA) is hosting the Entrepreneurship Discover Program which teaches entrepreneurs how to engage customers and discover their motivations, preferences and needs. Participants will be expected to deliver a 60-second pitch, conduct customer interviews, share the results with peers/advisors at each session and mould their business model on a weekly basis. For further information, please contact Christine Picken by email or at 403-320-3202 ext. 5787.