Concordia University
IN-4: Innovation 4

District 3 is an accelerator of innovation which enables entrepreneurs and their teams to make a dent in the world. There is a strong focus on social entrepreneurship at District 3. 3 of the coaches are specifically dedicated to working with entrepreneurs interested in creating business with measurable social impacts. The design fellow specializes in sustainability design processes (ecologically and socially). By animating a collaborative ecosystem, District 3 puts the necessary tools, resources and knowledge in the hands of innovation leaders in order for them to move from idea to impact with confidence. At District 3 we believe that sustainable societies are built on the backs of smart, informed, and ambitious entrepreneurs. The Center is an answer to students increasing demand on experiential learning opportunities. The Centre's goals are to: - Attract and retain talented students - Develop innovation and entrepreneurship skills - Support product development - Collaborate with Concordia’s alumni as experts and mentors This accelerator brings together people who collaborate, create and innovate. District 3 provides coaching, access to cutting-edge technologies and apprenticeship-style learning. The majority of its startup clients — called makers — are recent university graduates who possess the necessary time, experience and financial support required to launch a new business. District 3 is allowing Concordia to deepen its community outreach. Of its clientele: 40 per cent are Concordia University alumni 25.9 per cent are alumni of L'École de technologie supérieure (ETS), Université de Sherbrooke and the general public 19.4 per cent are HEC Montréal alumni 11 per cent are McGill University alumni 2.5 per cent are Université de Montréal alumni 1.2 per cent are Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM) alumni The majority of District 3 volunteers are students, faculty, staff and alumni. District 3 volunteers have included 500 Concordia students, 45 external contributors who represent organizations, 36 external contributors and seven coaches.

- To date, 15 District 3 startups have raised close to $5 million in funding. - The combined value of District 3 startups is estimated at $30 million. - District 3 startups have created over 100 jobs. - Sixty-five District 3 teams are currently being coached. In 2014, District 3’s innovative aspect was recognized at the International Partnership Network (IPN) conference held in Brussels by winning two awards related to the development of entrepreneurship skills and transforming the educational experience of students. The campus and public engagement impacts are significant and an important success to model for other programs in the future.