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Slingshot Innovation Academy
where bold ideas take flight
At Branksome Hall's Slingshot Innovation Academy, students gain the tools to think like entrepreneurs and problem-solvers. Tackling real-world challenges, they collaborate, prototype and pitch ideas—guided by industry experts and powered by technology.
Through teamwork, leadership and hands-on experience, students don’t just imagine the future—they build it.
register for summer 2025
Our Programs
Venture Lab: Entrepreneurship and Leadership
In partnership with DMZ
Venture Lab empowers you with the confidence, skills and mindset to turn ideas into action and inspire others. Through team-building, mentorship and hands-on problem-solving, you’ll learn to make smart decisions, communicate effectively and think like a startup leader. Whether leading a team, launching an initiative or stepping up in your community, this is your opportunity to unlock your leadership potential.
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Artificial Intelligence Lab
In partnership with SureStart
Are you ready to shape the future and make a meaningful impact? This dynamic program aims to introduce young people to the foundational concepts of AI and generative AI and to foster creativity through hands-on technology applications. You’ll discover how to harness emerging technologies for impactful solutions, turn ideas into reality, solve real-world challenges and have fun while learning.
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Our Partners

SureStart
SureStart collaborates with leading educational institutions such as MIT RAISE and Carnegie Mellon University, as well as organizations like the Global Learning Council, to deliver innovative AI learning experiences to K-12 and college-age students globally.

DMZ
DMZ is ranked the No. 1 university-based tech incubator in the world by UBI Global. Located in Toronto, DMZ helps tech startups build great businesses by connecting them with customers, capital, experts and a community of entrepreneurs and influencers.
Virtual information session
Want to learn more about our amazing AI Lab and Venture Lab summer programs? Watch this recording of our information session where representatives from our program partners at SureStart and DMZ provide details.
Watch NowFAQs
Founded by Branksome Hall, the Slingshot Innovation Academy propels students on a learning trajectory like no other, as they tackle real-world problems, gain hands-on experience, learn from industry experts and discover technology-driven solutions to re-invent the world as we know it.
At the heart of its creative approach is teamwork, building leadership, marketing and presentation skills to enable students to turn their ideas into realities. Rigorous standards and a comprehensive approach mean brighter careers for our students.
Young, innovative and curious minds ages 13–16 who have an interest in leadership, entrepreneurship and/or artificial intelligence will benefit from the programs.
No previous experience is required.
Yes, both programs will require students to bring their own device.
Here are the minimum requirements:
- Operating system: Windows 10 or 11 or macOS 11.7+ (no iPads/tablets as some Slingshot Innovation Academy software requires full laptop operating systems)
- Memory (RAM): 8 GB minimum, 16 GB recommended
- Processor (CPU): Intel Core i5 processor or higher, AMD Ryzen 5 or higher, or Apple M1 or higher
- Storage (SSD): 256 GB or higher
Necessary software for the Slingshot programs will be provided, with instructions on how to download it before the first day. IT Support will be provided once the program begins, as needed. If you have any questions about the above requirements, please email slingshotia@branksome.on.ca.
Those registered for the Venture Lab program will visit DMZ’s headquarters at Toronto Metropolitan University to explore proven business models and network with a vibrant community of experts, influencers and entrepreneurs. They will travel there as a group via public transit. Details will be provided to families in advance of the program start date.
Venture Lab: Upon finishing the program, participants will earn a certificate of completion and a digital badge to include on their LinkedIn profile showcasing their elevated leadership skills and potential.
Artificial Intelligence Lab: Upon finishing the program, participants will earn a certificate of completion, and be equipped with a portfolio showcasing their completed projects and an enhanced resume highlighting their technical skills and experiences.
We accept Visa/Mastercard and eChecks.
All cancellations must be made in writing to the Slingshot Innovation Academy by email at slingshotia@branksome.on.ca.
For cancellations prior to February 14, 2025, a full refund will be issued.
For cancellations prior to or on March 31, 2025, a full refund, minus a $500 administrative fee, will be issued.
Cancellations on or after April 1, 2025 are not eligible for a refund unless the cancellation is related to medical reasons for the participant and accompanied by a doctor’s note, at which point a partial refund of up to 50% may be granted, at the discretion of Slingshot Innovation Academy. Please reach out to us about the information required in a doctor’s note supporting a refund request. These partial medical refunds are only available for students who must miss three or more consecutive days of the course. No refund is available for full or partial day absences due to inclement weather or any course activities/field trips not fully utilized.
Please note that should you cancel a session and you are eligible for a refund, the 2.4% processing fee for credit card payments is not refundable at any time for any reason. Branksome Hall and the Slingshot Innovation Academy reserve the right to cancel/change any program at any time, in which case a full refund will be issued for any payment previously made in relation to that program. You will be notified by email of any changes or cancellations.
Please reach out to us by email to discuss any accommodations your child may need to fully participate in the program. We will do our best to support your child in achieving the maximum benefit from the program.