CDL-Rockies Program Information

APPLY to CDL-Rockies

The deadline for EMBA and MBA students to apply for the CDL-Rockies course is Thursday, April 2nd, 2026 at 4:30 PM MST.

Students will be notified by Friday, April 10th, 2026 at 4:30 PM MST if they are accepted into the program.

Expression of Interest Form

Application Form

Program Overview

The Creative Destruction Lab (CDL) is a seed-stage program for massively scalable, science and technology-based companies. The program employs an objectives-based mentoring process with the goal of maximizing equity value creation.

The selected CDL ventures are supported by a class of our MBA students working with the venture founders to develop financial models, evaluate potential markets and fine-tune strategies for scaling over the course of the program. In support of the ventures, CDL students participate in two courses (one in Fall and one in Winter) - focusing on new venture financing, marketing and markets, strategy and early-stage venture operations.

Course Information

The CDL program split into two parts:

Part 1: FIN 657 New Enterprise Finance

New Enterprise Finance is designed to help students learn about venture formation, development of a viable business model, early-stage financing, and management of massively scalable ventures through a series of close interactions with early-stage technology companies and their potential mentors and investors ("G7 Fellows and Associates").

Part 2: FIN 658 Creative Destruction Lab

Advanced Seminar in Venture Development; Creative Destruction Lab - Rockies combines the application of financial and entrepreneurial theory and analysis to the development of new ventures, focusing on developing an effective scale-up model, establishing effective governance structures, negotiating with venture capitalists, and developing an exit strategy.

CDL Schedule

There are four sessions where ventures present their progress to the entire CDL –Rockies community. Attendance at each session is optional, but strongly encouraged. The dates for the 2024/25 sessions are not yet determined. 

Admission Information

The CDL course is a great opportunity for students to get experience supporting scalable science and technology based ventures.  As a student participating in CDL you'll be engaged with the ventures from the beginning.  First you will assist the CDL-Rockies team on the initial due diligence of venture applicants and then be matched with one of the ventures entering the program.   Matching is based on: 

  • Preferences of the venture; 
  • The fit between your background, skill and experience and the needs of the venture; and
  • Your own preferences

CDL-Rockies supports ventures in three streams: Prime (General), Energy and Agriculture.  Approximately 20 University of Alberta MBA students are selected to participate.

Application Process

Selection for the CDL-Rockies course is through application.  To apply you will need to complete the application form (linked below).  As part of the application, you will need to upload your resume and submit a two to three minute video that addresses the following questions: 

  • Why are you passionate about participating in CDL-Rockies?
  • How do your skills and experience position you to contribute uniquely to the ventures?
  • What do you hope to learn from the program?

Student will be selected on the basis of their passion for the program, relevance of their experience, and reflection on what they hope to learn and bring to the program.

Deadline:The deadline for EMBA and MBA students to apply for the CDL-Rockies course is Thursday, April 2nd, 2026 at 4:30 PM MST.

Apply To CDL-Rockies

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I audit the CDL courses?

No.  The CDL courses are only open to students who are selected and taking the courses for credit.

Can I take one of the two courses and still be part of the program?

Students will be selected based on being able to participate in both courses.  Based on performance in the program, students may not be allowed to continue into the second CDL course.

What courses are included in the CDL program?

CDL-Rockies is delivered via two separate MBA courses: 

  • FIN 657: New Enterprise Finance (Fall Term)
  • FIN 658: Creative Destruction Lab - Rockies (Winter Term)

What type of ventures are involved in the program?

The program is designed to support massively scalable science and technology-based ventures.  You can review a list of alumni companies of CDL to get an idea of what type of ventures might be involved in future years.

What happens if the venture that I am matched with leaves CDL-Rockies?

If your venture leaves the program, you are re-matched with a continuing venture. Students who wish to continue working with an exiting venture should consult with the course instructor and the appropriate CDL Venture Leaders.

Can participating in CDL-Rockies replace my Capstone (SEM 641) requirement?

Yes, it is possible to have FIN 658 replace your MBA capstone course requirement.  For this to be an option, you would need to be eligible to register in SEM 641 (have met all of the MBA capstone prerequisites) prior to starting FIN 658.  You will need to confirm that you would like FIN 658 to substitute for SEM 641 when you are selected for CDL-Rockies.