Celebrate Social Innovation Week with UCalgary Oct. 11-14

Moving academic discovery into solutions that benefit families, communities, and society is at the heart of the work we do here at UCalgary. Oct. 11 to 14 is Social Innovation Week, a mashup of activities, conversations, stories, and celebrations.

SI Week puts the spotlight on those who help advance social innovation-based work, projects, research, and enterprise. The week’s lineup boasts events hosted by members across Calgary’s vast social innovation ecosystem.

Karen Benzies, director, social innovation initiative and professor, Faculty of Nursing, says the week is an opportunity to learn more about social innovation, connect with the community, and converse about fostering social innovation across academia, society, industry, agencies, systems, and government.

“It’s exciting to be part of the innovation ecosystem here at UCalgary. It is also time to think differently about how we approach our work. Convening with the community we intend to serve is the first and most important step,” says Benzies.

“The innovative work we do forges solutions that address a social need creating positive social change and impact.”

Register now for Social Innovation Week

Whether you are a social innovator, founder of a social enterprise, researcher, community member, or want to learn more about social innovation, there’s an activity for you.

Check out SI Week’s full program, or browse the events below.

Oct. 11
O’Brien Institute: Social Innovation for Public Health. Explore the topic of social innovation in the framework of public health.

Social Impact Technology: What is it, and Why Should We Care? Explore the intersection between social purpose and technology development.

Ask Me Anything About Social Entrepreneurship. Curious about social entrepreneurship? Trying to solve a social problem? Ask our team of experienced professionals.

Oct. 12
Namada: A Resource Tool for Social Innovators & Entrepreneurs. A digital tool that helps social changemakers easily find resources and supports available in Alberta.

Petronas International Speaker Series: Security vs. Climate: What is Canada’s Role?

Building Personal and Professional Resilience in Social Innovation. The impact of mental health and how to develop tools and strategies to foster resiliency skills.

Navigating an Unpredictable Future. How do we navigate uncertainty, build incredible relationships, and thrive?

Oct. 13
Creating and Supporting Community Partnerships. Gain insight into the partnership process and learn about granting opportunities that support knowledge mobilization and partnerships in their early stages.

Social Innovator Celebration. Celebrate the entrepreneurs and innovators working to build a better future for Alberta (and beyond)! Visit our exhibition, share your story, connect, and help shape the Social Innovation Hub.

Oct. 14
Data Science: Data for Good. How data can be used to drive missions, strategies, and policy change for social good.