Pitching is a core skill for any entrepreneur. Whether you’re addressing potential investors, presenting at a hackathon, or showcasing an academic project —delivering a clear and compelling pitch is crucial.
The VR Pitching Bootcamp is a 2½-week long hybrid, multimodal bootcamp designed to help students master the art of pitching business and venture ideas. Combining web-based interactive AI simulations with immersive Virtual Reality environments, the bootcamp offers a unique, hands-on learning experience to building communication skills. Participants receive real-time AI-generated feedback, virtually simulated environments, investors, Q&A, and engage in expert-led sessions both online and in person.
This program supports Centennial College students in building essential soft skills for entrepreneurial success—in school, at incubators, and beyond.
Upcoming 2025 Bootcamp: July 22nd – Aug 07th
What makes this bootcamp special?
- Public Speaking Mastery Certification: As part of the bootcamp, students will complete a short online course on public speaking through the VirtualSpeech platform. Upon completion, participants can request an official certificate to recognize their achievement.
- Immersive Learning: Virtual Reality & Web-based Interactive simulations to put you in the most real life-like practice sessions.
- Intelligent & Interactive: AI integration for real time feedback, avatar interaction, analysis report.
- Embodied Learning: Body language, eye contact and impromptu speech guided training.
- Multimodal Format: Both asynchronous and synchronous online learning, web-based 3D platform as well as VR headset based workshop.
- Keynotes: Learn from experts in the field
- One-on-one guidance: Fully guided experience from the COIE team
- Practice multiple pitch types and scenarios: Learn how to pitch for different scenarios, environments, audiences and constraints
AI x XR for unlocking your true potential
Artificial Intelligence isn’t just a buzzword but a powerful tool for growth when used with purpose. That’s exactly what this bootcamp is designed to do. AI-powered speech analysis, personalized feedback, and dynamic Q&A simulations are integrated into every step of your learning journey. These tools help you sharpen your delivery, improve clarity, and build confidence, tailored to your unique strengths and challenges.
You’ll also have access to a rich library of immersive Virtual Reality environments, from presenting on a brightly lit stage in front of a large audience with a teleprompter, to pitching in a boardroom across from senior executives, or seizing a chance moment in an elevator with a high-stakes investor. Each setting is crafted to simulate real-world pressure and help you practice staying composed, clear, and persuasive.
Whether through web-based experiences or with a VR headset, you’ll train in the environments that matter, so when the moment comes, you’re not just ready — you’re unshakable.
Learn to pitch anytime, anywhere.
Pitching is about more than just making beautiful PowerPoint slides, it’s about being ready for any scenario that can move your idea forward and make real impact. The VR Pitching Bootcamp prepares you for the full range of real-world pitching environments:
- Boardroom & Conference Room Pitches
These are traditional presentation-style pitches followed by Q&A. While common, they can be anxiety-inducing due to high expectations, passive or critical audiences, and the need to balance storytelling with clarity, all while staying calm under pressure. - Elevator Pitches
Short, spontaneous, and often informal, these one-on-one interactions require you to think quickly, communicate clearly, and adapt on the fly. Despite their brevity, they can have major payoff if delivered effectively. - Investor Challenges / “Shark Tank”-Style Pitches
These high-pressure, high-stakes scenarios are designed to test your ability to respond to tough, rapid-fire questions from potential investors. They demand confidence, clarity, and deep knowledge of your idea and market.
Pitch with Clarity, Confidence and Conviction. By exposing you to all these formats, the bootcamp ensures you’re not just prepared, but ready to own the room, no matter the setting.
👇 Check out what our student participants have to say!
Program structure:
- Day 1 – Foundations of Powerful Communication (2.5 hours, virtual)
Kick off your journey with the core principles of impactful storytelling, public speaking mastery, and a full onboarding into your VirtualSpeech toolkit. With special keynote from Nancy Wilson, Founder and CEO at the Canadian Women’s Chamber of Commerce. - Day 2 – Workshop Your Pitch with the COIE Team (1 hour, virtual)
A checkpoint to assess progress, answer questions, provide mentorship, troubleshoot tech issues, and ensure you’re set up for success. - Day 3 – Delivering a Standing Ovation (2.5 hours, virtual)
A deeper dive into building your pitch deck and refining your presentation skills with expert coaching and personalized feedback. With special keynote from Ron Tsang, professor at The Business School, Centennial College, and author of “From Presentation to Standing Ovation: 15 Actionable Ideas to Achieve Massive Influence”. - Day 4: VR Pitching Day: Practice, Pitch & Awards (full day, in-person)
Put on your VR headset and practice your pitch in a realistic, immersive environment. Get instant feedback, refine your delivery, and boost your confidence before taking the stage in a live pitch competition. Present in front of judges, receive final feedback, and win prizes!
**Note: You must be able to commit to all 4 sessions to complete the bootcamp. Time commitment over the 3 weeks is estimated at 30 hours, including 17 hours as part of an online Public Speaking Mastery course and certification. Spots are limited to 20 participants.
Who should sign up?
All Centennial College students are welcome—whether you’re simply curious about entrepreneurship and public speaking, looking to sharpen your existing skills, or already have a business or idea and want to perfect your pitch.
That being said, this bootcamp is ideal for:
- Startup founders preparing for investor or client presentations.
- Aspiring entrepreneurs looking to strengthen their storytelling and public speaking skills.
- Intrapreneurs within medium to large companies pitching new ideas or initiatives.
- Anyone seeking to improve presentation and communication skills through hands-on practice.
Each cohort of the bootcamp is limited to only 20 participants—so don’t miss your chance!
**Note: External participants are welcome to apply as well, although priority will be given to Centennial College students due to limited spots. External applicants will be notified 5-7 days in advance of the program should they be accepted.
Do you need an original business idea to participate?
No—but we encourage it! You’re welcome to use your existing business idea, pitch an existing business idea that is not your own or develop your own business idea for this bootcamp. The focus is on building the soft skills needed to deliver a clear, confident, and compelling pitch—regardless of the idea itself. Whether you’re pitching your original concept or refining an existing one, the goal is to practice and grow.
Prerequisites & Requirements
To get the most out of the VR Pitching Bootcamp, participants are expected to meet the following requirements:
- Full Participation: Students must attend all scheduled online and in-person sessions throughout the bootcamp.
- Personal Computer Access: A laptop or desktop computer (Windows or Mac) is required for completing online modules and simulations.
- Online Course Completion: All participants will receive access to a structured online learning platform. A list of required modules will be shared, and progress will be tracked. These must be completed before the final day.
- Final Day Attendance: On the last day, participants are required to attend a full-day, in-person workshop at Centennial College’s Progress Campus. This includes extended use of VR headsets to practice in simulated pitch environments.
- In-Person Pitching Participation: All participants must take part in presenting their pitch in-person on the final day. This pitch will be scored by judges, who will present awards to the top pitchers.