DREAM IT, BUILD IT, LAUNCH IT
A full day of student entrepreneurship!
We’re bringing together students from multiple North Country colleges and universities to work on new and bold ideas, and build the future!
One incredible day of creating, building, and meeting outstanding people.
The next Launch Day is happening on Nov 7, 2025.
Nominate yourself or someone else to participate!
WHAT’S LAUNCH DAY?
A unique experience where entrepreneurial-minded students come together to experiment with new business ideas.
As a student, this is your chance to:
Propel a Business Idea
Start with a concept, and discover how great it can get in just a day.
Learn via Mentorship
Get mentored by experts who’ve been in your shoes.
Build Connections
Collaborate with like-minded students and forge valuable connections.
Launch A Vision
Take the stage to present your work to professionals and peers.
This isn’t just a workshop; it’s a launchpad!
WHy Join?
If you have been invited to join, know that you are one of the only twelve students who have been nominated amongst your whole school.
This means that a professor sees something special in you and is encouraging you to further explore entrepreneurship.
So, what can you expect to get out of your day?
Incredible skills that you can use in your career.
Confidence, in yourself and your ideas.
Meeting great people who are just as driven as you are.
Taking a step closer to your dreams of entrepreneurship.
EVENT OVERVIEW
Nominate yourself or someone else to participate!
When
November 7, 2025
9am to 8pm
Where
SUNY Canton
What to expect
Work on a Real Student Idea
Before the event, participants will submit business ideas. At the start of Launch Day, you’ll join a team assigned to one of the top-voted ideas, ready to dive into a 9-hour sprint to validate and build as much of the business as possible.
Learn from Experts
Throughout the day, experienced mentors will be on hand to share mini-presentations, provide guidance, and help you overcome any challenges. It’s a fast-paced learning experience with real-time feedback from industry pros.
Mixed Teams, Diverse Perspectives
Each team will be made up of students from different colleges, giving you the chance to work with new faces and gain fresh perspectives. Together, you’ll brainstorm, problem-solve, and bring ideas to life.
Pitch in Front of a Crowd
The event culminates in a pitch session where you’ll present your concept to the entire Launch Day audience. This is your moment to showcase what you’ve built and celebrate the day’s achievements.
Gain Skills and Connections
Whether you leave with a potential cofounder, new friends from across the North Country, or just fresh insights, everyone will walk away better prepared for the world of startups.
Join STUDENTS FROM ALL across NORTH COUNTRY!
FAQ
Who is this event for?
This program is designed for students who are passionate about entrepreneurship.
We welcome participants from various academic backgrounds, including business, engineering, arts, and more.
If you’re eager to propose innovative business ideas, collaborate with peers, and develop your entrepreneurial skills, this event is for you!
Will there be transportation to SUNY Canton?
Students from Paul Smith’s, Jefferson Community College, SUNY Plattsburg, and North Country Community College will be provided transportation to SUNY Canton.
Students from schools in Potsdam and Canton will be in charge of securing their own transportation to the event.
What will be the day's agenda?
Arrival at SUNY Canton @ 9am
Meet your team & intro to the day’s agenda
Work with your team & mentors to validate, prototype, and build as much of your idea as you can in one day!
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- Who are you selling to? What problem are you solving for them & how?
- How to test your idea? What will it look like? How will it work?
- How will you make money?
- How will you explain & sell your idea?
(And, don’t worry: you’ll be supported by mini-lectures and mentors throughout the whole process)
Pitch it!
Wrap up @ 8pm
I don't have an entrepreneurship idea. Do I need one to participate?
You do not need to have an idea to participate!
A few weeks before the event, we’ll collect ideas from those who have them and offer you the chance to vote on your preferred ideas from the submitted list.
On the event day, we’ll announce the top ideas selected and reveal your team!
I wasn't invited to participate. Can I still sign up?
For this first year, participation is limited to students who have been invited to join by a professor or staff from their school.
However, if you would like to nominate someone to join for a future event (and yes, this person can be yourself), please fill up this Launch Day Nomination form.
Is there someone at my school whom I should contact if I have additional questions?
Here are the people involved from each school.
Click on their names to send them an email
SUNY Canton – Lenore VanderZee, Nick Kocher, or Bill Myers
Clarkson University – Jamey Hoose or Aïko Thurlow
Saint Lawrence University – Geoff Falen
SUNY Postdam – Greg Gardner or Shalu Wunnava
Paul Smith’s College – Diane Litynski
SUNY Plattsburgh – Rich Gottschall
Jefferson Community College – Kerry Kennett
North Country Community College – Kim Duffey
Nominate yourself or someone else to participate!
North Country Launch Day is a partnership among colleges and universities in North Country, NY.
We believe that developing an entrepreneurial mindset and skills empowers both our students and our region.
Our goal is to inspire and support entrepreneurship by inviting students to explore this exciting field, fostering a strong community, and strengthening collaboration among local institutions.