An award-winning interdisciplinary entrepreneurship program bringing together over 40 students and 20 industry professionals to develop innovative, business-oriented solutions to real-world sustainability challenges.
What To Expect At Forward Vision
This year's theme, Sustainable Business, challenges students to move beyond solution-building and critically examine the environmental and social challenges facing their communities.
Participants from business, engineering, design, technology, and environmental disciplines work in interdisciplinary teams — supported by industry mentors and educational modules covering needs assessment, business planning, partnerships, and pitching — before presenting evidence-based, scalable solutions to a panel of judges.
Entrepreneurship for Impact
Teams develop small enterprises that address real-world sustainability challenges through a sustainability-focused symposium, learning modules, mentorship, and a capstone pitch competition.
Mentorship & Collaboration
A structured, role-based team format simulates the experience of working in a startup, with industry mentors supporting teams as they refine their ideas ahead of the competition.
Investor-Style Pitching
The program culminates in a final pitch competition where teams present evidence-based, scalable solutions to a panel of judges.
Guiding Themes
UN Sustainable Development Goals
The competition centers on three SDGs — guiding themes rather than strict parameters, giving teams the flexibility to explore a wide range of social, environmental, and business challenges.
SDG 9
Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure
Build resilient infrastructure and foster innovation that serves communities sustainably.
SDG 12
Responsible Consumption & Production
Rethink how goods are made and consumed to reduce waste and environmental impact.
SDG 17
Partnerships for the Goals
Structure partnerships that multiply impact across sectors and disciplines.
October 14–25
Program Timeline
Ahead of the Capstone Pitch Competition, teams take part in a sustainability-focused workshop followed by three online learning modules covering needs assessment, business model development, and partnership and pitch building.
Event
Date & Time
Location
Details
The Impact Lab
Oct 14 · 5:30–8:00 PM
SUB Ballroom, SFU Burnaby
Kick off Forward Vision with a sustainability-focused workshop. Hear short talks and discussion panels from established professionals, researchers, and thought leaders.
Module 1 — Needs Assessment
Oct 18 · 5:00–5:30 PM
Online
Review the criteria for the pitch presentation and learn how to run a needs assessment that grounds your solution in evidence.
Module 2 — Business Model Canvas
Oct 19 · 5:00–5:30 PM
Online
Map your idea onto the Business Model Canvas and learn how to structure partnerships. The mentor evaluation period opens — teams book meeting times with their mentors.
Module 3 — Presentation Building
Oct 22 · 6:00–6:45 PM
Online
Build your presentation and prepare for risks and mitigations questions. Mentor evaluations continue as teams refine their pitches.
Capstone Pitch Competition
Oct 25 · 10 AM–3 PM
Harbour Centre, SFU Vancouver
Present your evidence-based, scalable solution to a panel of judges, showcasing the knowledge, skills, and insights developed throughout the program.
October 25 · Harbour Centre
Pitch Competition Format
The capstone day runs from 10 AM to 3 PM at SFU Vancouver, from welcome remarks through final presentations and the announcement of winners.
Segment
Duration
Details
Welcome Remarks
30 minutes
Morning introduction, team divisions announced, agenda overview, intro video, and a keynote from our presenting sponsor.
First-Round Presentations
50 minutes
Every team pitches: 5 minute presentation followed by a 5 minute Q&A. Afterwards, teams have time to revise their slides and make changes.
Break & Scoring
30 minutes
Each team's best presentation score is taken, and scores are calculated to determine the final teams.
Final Presentations
40 minutes
The top 4 teams advance and are evaluated: 5 minute presentation followed by a 7 minute Q&A.
Keynote Speaker
10 minutes
A keynote on sustainable development and sustainable business.
Closing & Winners
20 minutes
Group photo, raffle prizes drawn, thank yous to sponsors and collaborators, and winners announced.
If the idea of social entrepreneurship excites you, we encourage you to participate in Forward Vision! Spots are limited, so be sure to register your team before the deadline.
