Italia360
Italia360 is an 8-week intensive program designed to empower early stage founders as they move from ideation to launch. Through hands-on workshops, peer accountability, expert mentorship and clear pathways, founders validate their ideas, build functional MVPs, refine their brand and go-to-market strategy and deliver competitive pitches.
Italia360 is dedicated to empowering ambitious first & second-generation immigrants and Italian-heritage student entrepreneurs, equipping them with the mentorship, resources, and community needed to turn their ideas into successful businesses.
Where Heritage Meets Entrepreneurial Ambition
Italia360 is more than a program — it's a launchpad for founders who carry more than one world with them. Over 8 weeks, you will turn your business idea into something real: validated, positioned, and pitch-ready. Whether you're first-generation, second-generation immigrants or Canadian with Italian heritage, you will leave with hands-on experience, dedicated mentorship, and a community that lasts well beyond the program.
At Italia360, you will get
Weekly 1-on-1 sessions (30–45 min) with experienced founders, operators, and investors who push your thinking forward.
8 in-person workshops covering concept validation, customer discovery, business modelling, MVP development, legal basics, branding, and pitch training.
Optional biweekly peer circles to share progress, get unstuck, and build real relationships with fellow founders in your cohort.
Deliver a polished pitch to a panel of judges and investors at the culminating Pitch Day event on August 31 / September 1, 2026.
Join a growing network of Italian-heritage entrepreneurs across Canada. What you build here lasts beyond the 8 weeks.
8-Week Roadmap at Italia360
Get a glimpse of what your 8 weeks look like with Italia360 this summer, from your first day as a cohort to the moment you pitch in front of investors.
Meet your cohort and set your roadmap for the 8 weeks ahead.
Test your assumptions before you build.
Turn real interviews into decisions that stick.
Map your revenue, costs, and value proposition.
Build the confidence to pitch anyone, anywhere.
Ship something real — fast enough to learn from.
IP, incorporation, and founder agreements — simplified.
Position your offer and close your first customers.
Final rehearsal — walk in polished and ready.
Present to investors and celebrate what you've built.
Timeline
From your first application to your final showcase — here's the full journey.
Applications open
May 1st, 2026
Applications Close
May 22nd, 2026
Program kick-off day
June 22nd - 24th, 2026
Program Duration
June - August 2026
Demo day
September, 2026
Application process
Step: One
Applications for the 2026 cohort open on May 1st! Stay tuned.
If you have any questions about the application process, email us at yspace@yorku.ca
Step: Two
Short-listed candidates will be invited to interview in early June.
Step: Three
The selected participants will be notified in mid June with program kick off and orientation in late June.
Program eligibility
To qualify for the program, individuals must:
- First or second-generation immigrant or Canadians of Italian heritage/descent
- Current post-secondary student (returning to school in Fall 2026) or recent graduate (graduated in 2026)
- Early stage founder in technology or technology ventures
- Have a clearly defined problem and proposed solution (ideation or MVP stage)
- Passion to validate and launch their business
- Commitment to participating in the full program (attendance at virtual check-ins, weekly in-person workshops, Launch Event and Pitch Day are mandatory)
- Be open to feedback, learning, and peer-to-peer collaboration
Frequently asked
Applications Open Soon!
Applications for 2026 cohort open on May 1st. Stay tuned!
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Contact us
For more information, please contact us at
yspace@yorku.ca
416-736-2100 ext. 44940
