Future Enterprise Lab
Speculative Fiction, Strategy and Creative Entrepreneurship
Imagine Toronto in 2055. What would you create?
Future Enterprise Lab is an 8-week venture design program for OCAD U students and alumni interested in entrepreneurship, creativity, and future thinking.
Combining speculative fiction, strategic forecasting, and venture design, this program invites participants to imagine possible futures for Toronto and explore what kinds of businesses, collectives, nonprofits, creative practices, and community initiatives might be needed in the decades ahead.
Through guided readings, collaborative workshops, horizon scanning, scenario planning, and venture development activities, participants will explore emerging social, technological, economic, environmental, and cultural trends and develop enterprise concepts designed for a changing city.
25 OCAD U students and alumni will be selected to participate in this fully funded entrepreneurship program.
Program Dates
Live Online Sessions:
Tuesdays, 6:30 PM–8:30 PM (ET)
- October 6, 2026
- October 27, 2026
- November 10, 2026
- November 17, 2026
- November 24, 2026
Reading & Working Weeks:
- October 13, 2026
- November 3, 2026
No live class. Participants will focus on reading, reflection, and venture development activities.
In-Person Intensive Workshop:
October 20, 2026
10:00 AM–4:00 PM
RBC Centre for Emerging Artists & Designers (CEAD)
OCAD University, 115 McCaul Street, 3rd Floor
Lunch provided.
Graduation Showcase:
December 1, 2026
6:00 PM–8:00 PM
RBC Centre for Emerging Artists & Designers (CEAD)
OCAD University, 115 McCaul Street, 3rd Floor
What You'll Learn
- Strategic forecasting and horizon scanning methods
- Scenario planning for entrepreneurs
- Future-focused venture design
- Emerging trends shaping Toronto's future
- Creative entrepreneurship and innovation
- Future-oriented customer and marketing strategies
What You'll Create
By the end of the program, participants will develop:
- STEEV Horizon Scan
- Scenario Planning Document
- Customer Avatar Profile
- Future-Fit Marketing Plan
- Venture Concept Presentation
Attendance & Participation
Participants should plan for approximately 4–6 hours per week, including live sessions, reading, and project work.
To receive a Certificate of Completion, participants must:
- Attend the in-person workshop
- Attend at least five program sessions
- Complete program activities and final deliverables
- Participate in the final presentation showcase
Who Should Apply?
This program is open to OCAD U students and alumni, including:
- Artists
- Designers
- Makers
- Writers
- Creative freelancers
- Entrepreneurs
- Cultural workers
- Social innovators
- Collective and cooperative builders
No business experience, forecasting experience, or existing venture is required.
Apply
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Application Deadline: September 10, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET
Participation is fully funded through support from the City of Toronto's Business Incubation and Commercialization Grant Program.
