Events
MCE Matchmaking Night: Building Teams That Build Startups
What Is MCE Matchmaking Night?
MCE Matchmaking Night is a fun, fast-paced networking event where student founders and students come together to connect with potential startup partners. Whether you have an incorporated business, a startup idea, a valuable skill set, or simply an interest in entrepreneurship, this night is all about meeting the right people to build something meaningful together.
If you’ve ever thought, “I need a co-founder to take my business to the next level,” “I have a great idea, but I can’t do it alone,” or “I don’t have an idea yet, but I’d love to join a startup,” this event is for you.
Event Details:
Date: Tuesday, February 10, 2026
Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Is This Event for You?
Yes!—if you:
Have a startup or startup idea and are looking for a co-founder or teammates from different disciplines.
Have an idea but feel you can’t do it alone or lack experience or expertise in a specific area or industry.
Have skills or expertise (technology, design, business, marketing, research, etc.) and want to join a startup team.
Are curious about entrepreneurship and want to explore the startup ecosystem.
No idea yet? No problem. Your skills and passion may be the missing piece your future co-founder is looking for.
What to Expect
Get ready for a structured but relaxed matchmaking experience designed to help you connect quickly and naturally:
- 30-second self-introductions so everyone gets to know who’s in the room
- Speed networking sessions to meet potential co-founders and teammates
- Themed networking tables based on interests and skill sets
- Idea Wall to share your vision and find your match
- Business cards to exchange with your best connections
- Pizza and drinks to keep the conversations going
Bring your passion, share your skills, and meet the people who want to build startups with you!
Click the registration link below to register—it’s free!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who can attend this event?
This event is open to all Memorial University students from any discipline, including undergraduate, graduate, and PhD students. Whether you have a startup/startup idea, skills you want to contribute, or simply a curiosity about entrepreneurship, this event is for you.
It’s especially suited if you:
Have a startup or startup idea and are looking for a co-founder or teammates from different disciplines.
Have an idea but feel you can’t do it alone or lack experience or expertise in a specific area or industry.
Have skills or expertise (technology, design, business, marketing, research, etc.) and want to join a startup team.
Are curious about entrepreneurship and want to explore the startup ecosystem.
2. Do I need to have a business idea to attend?
No! You don’t need a startup or business idea to join. Your skills, expertise, and passion could be the missing piece your future co-founder is looking for. This event is a fantastic opportunity to get involved in entrepreneurship, gain experience, and contribute to exciting startup projects.
3. What happens at the event?
MCE Matchmaking Night is a structured yet relaxed and fun matchmaking experience designed to help you connect quickly and naturally. The evening includes:
30-second self-introductions
A quick mic round where participants share:
- Who you are
- Your discipline
- What you’re looking for
- Optional: If you’re a founder, your business idea in one line
Example:
“Hi, I’m Maya, an engineering student building a wearable for chronic pain tracking. I’m looking for a nursing student or a business student with experience in health markets.”
Speed Networking Sessions
Participants will engage in 3-minute rotations, with a bell and a countdown timer to keep things moving. Each rotation pairs you with a new partner, giving you the chance to meet multiple people quickly. Don’t worry if you run out of things to say—icebreaker cards will be available on the tables to guide your conversations and help you connect naturally.
Themed networking tables
After the structured portion, you can enjoy an extended free-networking session with themed tables based on interests and skill sets (e.g., fitness, healthtech, software development) during refreshments.
Idea Wall
The Idea Wall is a space where founders and students can post sticky notes to make potential co-founders or teammates visible. The wall is divided into four quadrants:
- I Need a Co-Founder With—Founders list the skills or expertise they are looking for in a co-founder.
- I Want to Join a Team—Share your skills, experience, and the types of ideas that excite you.
- I Have an Idea—Want to Join Me? – Briefly describe your startup idea and the problem it solves.
- Skills I Need for My Startup—Founders list specific skills or knowledge they need to grow their venture.
Add your skillset, idea, or requirements under the appropriate quadrant along with your name, so potential teammates can easily connect with you.
Business cards exchange
You’ll receive 5 business cards to share with your best connections from the event.
Pizza and drinks!
Fuel your conversations and networking in a relaxed atmosphere.