At Northeastern University in Vancouver, we are building a space where the tech industry can meet, work, and spark innovation. Through our unique embedded industry partners program, selected teams have shared access to our campus space in downtown Vancouver and a direct talent pipeline of highly skilled graduate students. Our team works closely with all participants to build an environment that provides high value for both students and partners.
A space for co-working, connecting, and creating
Embedded partners are invited to share our campus in various capacities based on their needs and the value they add to our community. At present over 70 organizations of different sizes and stages participate. All industries are welcome, with priority given to those working in tech, sustainability, design, and other fields that have direct relevance to our students.
Each partner’s relationship to the campus is unique. Some are consistently present on campus with full- or part-time dedicated workspaces. Others might periodically use spaces for meetings or co-working days, or to host industry events and conferences. We work proactively to cultivate a mix of groups that contribute to the overall vitality of our environment.
Together with our partners and our students, we are committed to giving Vancouver’s professional sector a hub for organic networking and idea-sharing.
A shared commitment to education
Startups, enterprises, and research groups that partner with us commit to providing educational opportunities for Northeastern students. We structure these engagements to be beneficial to both the organization and the students. Companies can propose their own ideas for working with students, or can follow one of our team’s experiential learning program designs.
Our graduate students have track records of success and come from a diverse range of academic and professional backgrounds. Many offer unique interdisciplinary expertise. As talent, they are a highly qualified and ambitious pool of contributors. They are also well-supported by our academic staff and faculty as they take on projects and roles with partners.
The models that we have in place are designed to provide the maximum range of opportunities for organizations of all sizes to engage with students.
Flexible models for experiential learning
BaseCamp Studio
A 4-6 week project structure designed to immerse students in meaningful projects with our startup partners. BaseCamp engagements are centered around one clear goal or deliverable.
XN Project
Northeastern's unique model for bringing real business problems into the classroom. XN partners present students with the parameters of a project or query, and at the end of the term receive recommendations based on the students' training.
Internship and Co-op
Partners may hire students for a range from three months to nine months. These assignments are structured through Northeastern's co-op model, which gives students academic credit and educational support during their placement.
Research Capstone
Students completing their program capstone project can seek out advisors from participating partner organizations. Advisors provide valuable insights from their field of expertise through regular check ins and project reviews.
Mentorship
Partners can mentor students in a variety of ways, including being an advisor on a capstone project, offering mock interview practice, setting drop-in office hours, or allowing students to shadow an employee.
Embedded Partners: In Depth
Embedded partners: Industry-driven experiential learning directly on campus
The program is designed to connect Northeastern's experiential learning model to the thriving tech scene in British Columbia.
Read More
Accelerated co-ops power industry-ready solutions for employers
An eight-week project with embedded partner Traction Complete gave master's student Sarah Liu a deep dive into working with real world data at scale.
Read MoreJoin a community of innovation in the heart of Vancouver
Cross-pollination and sudden collaboration happen at Northeastern Vancouver every day. As part of a growing community of startups and tech giants, teams gain access to exclusive events, panels, and networking opportunities to help each other grow. This is an ecosystem built to drive new ideas and applications.
If your company would like to inquire about becoming an embedded partner, email [email protected] for more information and to set up a tour.
