Leading the change for People, The Planet and Prosperity
Registration deadline: Sunday, April 27
Beginning of program: Monday, April 28
Next online & in-person activities
| Activity | Date and time (All hours Eastern time) | Reservations |
|---|---|---|
| It’s a go! Beginning of the training program | ONLINE Monday, April 28 • Noon | Registration is now closed |
Overview of the training program
| Week | Dates | Topic |
|---|---|---|
| Week 5 | May 26 | Deadline for project submission (Access GLOBAL to submit) |
| May 30 | Announcement of selected projects on the Cooperathon Linkedin page. |
Are you an industry leader who leads the change?
Collaborate with Cooperathon [Watch the video]
Cooperathon : The what & the why
Cooperathon it’s the platform for the creation of impact entrepreneurs and the competition with the greatest potential for societal impact in Canada, powered by Desjardins.
Our mission is to connect citizens, communities, entrepreneurs, researchers, academics & large institutions to develop, together, a socially responsible future.
The 9th edition of Cooperathon: Innovation at heart to lead the change
When your idea generates a global social impact, it means that you take part in a more human and sustainable prosperity, that is to say a shared prosperity. Participate and lead the change!
Cooperathon is a 6-week training program, extending to 8 weeks for those who successfully complete all the steps, and includes:
- Workshops led by renowned experts and, moreover, with multiple educational resources in the entrepreneurial field.
- Leveraging scientific and technological innovations for the success of ambitious entrepreneurs.
- Support from a network of exceptional mentors, from multiple provinces of Canada, and subject-matter experts from different industries.
- Specific training for the best teams selected during the journey, including solid preparation to present your project in the best possible way, in the form of a Pitch competition, in front of a jury made up of major players from the country’s best incubators and accelerators!
- Turn your idea into a project that integrates at least one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals
Overview of Cooperathon in numbers, since 2016…
+16 M
PEOPLE
joined on social media
+6,500
PARTICIPANTS
citizens & experts
from all fields
+100
PARTNER
ORGANIZATIONS
+550
MENTORS &
VOLUNTEERS
+700
INSPIRING
STORIES
Why participate in Cooperathon?
- Experience entrepreneurship and launch an impactful startup
- Integrate a network of professionals, mentors & experts
- Become a social and economic changemaker
- Understand how Data and possibly Artificial Intelligence could be used in your project when you may not have even considered it!
- Access to a wider network of contacts
- Prizes in cash and support by leading organizations and industry experts
Global, the collaboration platform of Cooperathon
Our true platform of open and social innovation where, throughout Cooperathon, you will be able to access training, mentors, the calendar of activities as well as exchange with other participants and teams… In short, you are just one click away from the whole community!
The journey
An exciting and fast-paced training journey designed for aspiring entrepreneurs that either have an idea or do not, and without a working prototype at the time of registration for the competition.
Advantages
- • Mentoring by industry professionals
• Group & private meetings with challenge partners
• Structured training journey to launch a startup
The first part of the program ends with the submission of a dossier presenting your solution, how you integrate into at least one of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals, your team and your prototype.
If your project is selected, you’ll continue the adventure in the Alpha+ track, which will prepare you for the pitch competition in front of a jury!
Key dates
Several activities will take place at the beginning of 2025 before the kick-off of the Cooperathon – Entrepreneurs Alpha Journey in Spring.
Among the most important are the Networking & Team Formation Sessions: these offer a unique connection opportunity.
Project leaders present their ideas to attract the talent they need for their team. In turn, the talents will have the chance to showcase their skills and interests in order to fit into a project that matches their values and expertise.
The 2025 Open Innovation Challenges
Thriving Cities
How can science, data, AI, and related technologies empower Canadian municipalities to address critical urban challenges—such as resource management, equitable access to services, and resilience to environmental and social stressors—ultimately enhancing quality of life for all residents?
Healthy Futures
How can we leverage AI, data analytics, and innovative technologies to improve access, efficiency, and patient outcomes within Canada’s healthcare system, including mental health services, ultimately fostering a healthier population?
Smart Food Systems
How can we leverage AI, data analytics, and innovative value chain models to optimize Canada’s food supply chains—reducing waste, strengthening local sourcing, and ensuring equitable access to nutritious foods?
Manufacturing the Future
How can we harness AI, IoT, and advanced technologies to enhance productivity, sustainability, and workforce development in Canada’s manufacturing and industrial sectors—propelling them toward an Industry 4.0 future?
Tech/AI Solution
How can we develop Tech or AI solutions that meet the real needs of local communities while ensuring their accessibility, transparency and positive societal impact?
Impact Solution
How can we develop innovative solutions that place societal impact at the heart of their business model while remaining economically viable?
Low Tech Solution
How can we create innovative solutions that draw on Low Tech principles to address social and environmental challenges, while promoting resilience, sustainability and accessibility for all communities?
Are you ready to lead the change for People, the Planet and Prosperity ?
Open Innovation Challenges based on 3 wide themes:
People, Planet, Prosperity
Cooperathon participants are called upon to create innovative solutions to the challenges proposed by our Open Innovation Partners, leveraging data science or Artificial Intelligence to meet the challenges of people, planet and prosperity.
Thank you to our Program Leaders
Are you an industry leader who leads the change? Become a partner or sponsor of Cooperathon
Without our partners and sponsors, there would be no Cooperathon.
We are looking for industry leaders who share our passion, values and vision to make this edition the most impactful yet.