ventureLAB's Blueprint initiative seeks innovative solutions to affordable housing issues in York Region

Blueprint kicks off on October 15 with a 2-day design lab followed by a 3-month incubator

YORK REGION, ON, Sept. 15, 2016 /CNW/ - Blueprint: Affordable Housing is a new initiative out of ventureLAB's communityBUILD program, calling for participants to develop innovative, sustainable solutions to affordable housing challenges facing York Region. Blueprint will kick off with a two-day 'design lab', followed by a three-month incubator, where teams of participants will utilize design-thinking processes to develop their solutions.

Picked by a team of judges, the top three solutions from the two-day design lab will be offered a spot in Blueprint's three-month incubator, where teams will continue to develop their ideas. The winning teams will also receive perks such as IBM Watson licenses, a dedicated mentor to help shape their solutions, and the potential to have their ideas implemented by Blueprint's partner organizations.

The inaugural Blueprint will take place on October 15 & 22, 2016 at Seneca College Markham Campus, and welcomes all skill levels and backgrounds including entrepreneurs, residents, corporate employees, housing experts, students and social intrapreneurs. The most important asset participants should bring is their passion to find unique solutions for existing community issues. Interested participants should apply by October 6.

In its first year, Blueprint will tackle the issue of affordable housing. A new local priority, such as youth unemployment or food insecurity, will be selected each year. This initiative is just one component of communityBUILD's broader attempt to advance social innovation in York Region.

Blueprint is supported by its academic partners, York University, Seneca College, Centennial College, Durham College, and community partners ventureLAB and United Way Toronto & York Region. Learn more about Blueprint at www.venturelab.ca/blueprint.

About ventureLAB
ventureLAB is a non-profit Regional Innovation Centre, which cultivates, supports and celebrates innovative entrepreneurs. Located in York Region, an integral leader in the Digital Corridor, ventureLAB supports entrepreneurs at all stages across York Region, Simcoe County, Muskoka District and the GTA. ventureLAB is the place where talented entrepreneurs get help bringing their innovation to market. Visit www.ventureLAB.ca for more information.

SOURCE ventureLAB

Rachel Azagury, Director of Marketing, [email protected], 905-248-2710