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Launch Your Big Idea (LYBI)

Turn your startup idea into a Real Venture

The Launch Your Big Idea (LYBI) program supports U of T undergraduate students in moving from ideation to execution through workshops, mentorship, and venture capital exposure — culminating in a final pitch for seed funding.

About the Program

Led in collaboration by the Rotman Commerce Entrepreneurship Organization (RCEO), Rotman Commerce Sales Group (RCSG), and Rotman Commerce Venture Capital Club (RCVC) — with support from Rotman Commerce Student Life — LYBI gives students the tools, network, and confidence to build viable startups.

Through core workshops, fireside chats, mentorship check-ins, and community engagement, students gain practical experience in:

Innovation & Ideation
Sales & Go-to-Market Strategy
Venture Capital Thinking & Execution Readiness

Eligibility

The Entrepreneurship StartUp Program is open to all Rotman Commerce students. You can apply individually or as part of a team of any number of members, but at least 50% of your members must be Rotman Commerce students. Not all applications will be accepted.

Commitment

Success in this program in terms of both prize money and learning requires that you:

Attend the preparation sessions. You will also be expected to employ additional resources that will be provided on writing a business plan.
Practice and refine your pitch
Present your pitch to an expert panel of faculty, industry experts and alumni

Timeline

The program runs from Fall 2025 to Winter 2026, beginning with promotion, outreach, and info sessions in September, followed by applications, interviews, and cohort selection in October. From November to March, participants take part in a series of workshops, fireside chats, and mentorship activities, culminating in Final Pitch Day in March.

Prizing

Winning students/teams will receive their share of up to $10,000 towards the achievement of any business objective. Your business idea should involve products or services that are socioeconomically beneficial to society and be consistent with the missions and the values of the University of Toronto.

You’ll also be offered a mentorship opportunity for post-competition support.

If you are interested in the program and have questions contact bhavya.dhawan@utoronto.ca