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Riipen Labs: Cohort Breakdown

Riipen Labs connects students across Canada with simulations of real-world employer projects, allowing them to gain hands-on experience in a controlled space. This article details important dates for students throughout their simulation projects.

Updated this week

What is a Cohort?

A cohort refers to a group of students who participate in a specific term of the Riipen Labs program. Each cohort operates within set dates, during which students engage with their lab projects. This structure allows for organized timelines and ensures that students can collaborate effectively. Students and employers must apply to participate in each cohort.

Open cohorts

  • January 2026: January 26th - February 13th

  • March 2026: March 16th - April 3rd

  • April 2026: March 30th - April 17th

Dates and cohort availability are subject to change.

January 2026 Cohort

Lab projects must align with following cohort schedule:

December 1st, 2025:

Students Invited to Confirm Eligibility and Submit an Application

Selected students are invited to confirm their eligibility by completing their application. Visit our application process help article for more details.

January 19th - 22nd, 2026:

Student Verification Period

Students who are successful in the application process will receive an invitation to verify their identity. Failure to verify within this timeframe will result in removal from the cohort.

January 22nd, 2026:

Student Invitations Sent

Students are invited to join the cohort, set up their payment accounts and press “Start” on their projects to be ready for Monday’s kick-off!

January 26th, 2026:

Project Start Date

Projects officially begin. Students will begin following the milestones as they are set out in the cohort. Failure to complete the milestones as intended may result in removal from the cohort.

February 13th, 2026:

Project Completion

All projects must be completed by this date. Visit 4. Guide to Completing a Riipen Labs Project for more details.

March 2026 Cohort

Lab projects must align with following cohort schedule:

February 2nd, 2026

Students Invited to Confirm Eligibility and Submit an Application

​Selected students are invited to confirm their eligibility by completing their application. Visit our application process help article for more details.

March 9th-12th, 2026:

Student Verification Period

Students who are successful in the application process will receive an invitation to verify their identity. Failure to verify within this timeframe will result in removal from the cohort.

March 12th, 2026:

Student Invitations Sent

Students are invited to join the cohort, set up their payment accounts and press “Start” on their projects to be ready for Monday’s kick-off!

March 16th, 2026:

Project Start Date

Projects officially begin. Students will begin following the milestones as they are set out in the cohort. Failure to complete the milestones as intended may result in removal from the cohort.

April 3rd, 2026:

Project Completion

All projects must be completed by this date. Visit 4. Guide to Completing a Riipen Labs Project for more details.

April 2026 Cohort

Lab projects must align with following cohort schedule:

February 2nd, 2026

Students Invited to Confirm Eligibility and Submit an Application

Selected students are invited to confirm their eligibility by completing their application. Visit our application process help article for more details.

March 23rd-26th, 2026:

Student Verification Period

Students who are successful in the application process will receive an invitation to verify their identity. Failure to verify within this timeframe will result in removal from the cohort.

March 26th, 2026:

Student Invitations Sent

Students are invited to join the cohort, set up their payment accounts and press “Start” on their projects to be ready for Monday’s kick-off!

March 30th, 2026:

Project Start Date

Projects officially begin. Students will begin following the milestones as they are set out in the cohort. Failure to complete the milestones as intended may result in removal from the cohort.

April 17th, 2026:

Project Completion

All projects must be completed by this date. Visit 4. Guide to Completing a Riipen Labs Project for more details.

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