Overview

Attendees gather in Carleton University’s Nicol Building lobby during a TIM Showcase event, where student projects are on display and industry professionals network with students.

Imagine a packed hall at Carleton University buzzing with energy – over 250 people, including 14 employers actively recruiting, fill the room as innovative student projects are unveiled. This scene captures the Technology Innovation Management (TIM) Showcase, an annual event that bridges our graduate TIM program with Ottawa’s business and tech community.

At the 2025 Showcase, Carleton’s President Dr. Wisdom Tettey set the tone by calling the TIM program a “beacon… across Canada and beyond,” emphasizing how our students turn real-world challenges into real-world change. As the organizer of this event, I have witnessed firsthand the excitement, inspiration, and meaningful connections that the TIM Showcase sparks.

Each year, students, faculty, alumni and industry leaders come together to celebrate new ideas – showcasing not just projects, but the future of innovation at Carleton.

The Background

Our cause is to empower the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs by connecting student talent with the wider community. The TIM program at Carleton “embraces the new” in technology – using emerging tools to solve real problems in innovative ways. By championing this campaign, you support a culture that fosters entrepreneurial thinking and practical problem-solving, where novel ideas are transformed into solutions that benefit society. We believe that great ideas shouldn’t stay in the classroom.

The TIM Showcase provides a platform for students to bring their projects to life, demonstrate cutting-edge prototypes, and pitch ventures that address pressing challenges – from AI-driven business solutions to social innovations. Donors who care about technological innovation, education, and community growth will find this cause especially meaningful. Your support helps bridge academia and industry, ensuring that talented students with big ideas get noticed by those who can help turn these ideas into reality.

Industry partners consistently praise the caliber and creativity of our students – noting that their innovative projects “challenge conventional thinking” and push the boundaries of technology in real-world application. By supporting this campaign, you join us in inspiring change-makers and fueling an ecosystem where students, alumni, and professionals collaborate to solve real-world problems.

The Rollout

Every dollar raised will be used to enhance the TIM Showcase experience for students and the community. Specifically, funds will go toward:

• Hosting an Inclusive Event: Covering venue, equipment, and logistical costs so that the showcase remains free for all general admission attendees. Your support ensures we can welcome everyone – students, judges, mentors, and the public – at no charge, lowering barriers to participation.
• Student Project Resources: Providing materials and support for students to present their work at its best. This includes printing project posters, securing demonstration equipment, and enabling prototypes or research demos to be showcased safely and effectively. By equipping students with the right resources, we let their innovations shine.

By allocating funds to these areas, we ensure that 100% of your contribution directly enriches the student experience and the event’s reach, creating a robust platform for innovation and learning.

For information on sponsorship opportunities, please contact Dan Premachuk.

The Impact

By supporting the TIM Showcase, you are strengthening Carleton’s role as a leader in experiential learning and innovation. Students involved in the showcase benefit from an enriched educational journey – one where theory meets practice – making their graduate experience more impactful and career-relevant. Your generosity enhances the student experience by providing opportunities to learn by doing, to connect with mentors, and to turn ideas into impact. Thank you for helping Carleton continue to offer transformative learning experiences that empower students to excel and lead, both within the university and out in the wider world.

Your support creates lasting impact — academically, personally, and across the community.

Academic Impact:
The TIM Showcase is where theory meets practice. Students apply classroom learning to real innovation projects, strengthening their communication, teamwork, and presentation skills. This experiential approach deepens understanding, builds confidence, and produces portfolios that showcase applied research and innovation — assets that propel both academic and professional success.

Personal Impact:
The showcase is a transformative milestone for students. They develop leadership, entrepreneurship, and networking skills as they pitch ideas and connect with employers. At the last event, 14 companies actively recruited talent, and many students secured interviews or mentorships. The experience boosts confidence and opens doors to careers, ventures, and lifelong professional networks.

Community Impact:
The showcase bridges Carleton with Ottawa’s innovation ecosystem, linking student creativity with organizations ready to implement new ideas. Projects often tackle real community challenges — like a recent app helping newcomers access familiar goods, which won top honours for social impact. Alumni and industry mentors regularly return as judges and collaborators, completing a full circle of innovation and mentorship that benefits students and the wider community.