Canada's brightest student entrepreneurs shine at The Arena

The Arena 2024 Pitch Competition concluded after a thrilling 40-day battle, crowning Keeley McCormick as the champion with a prize of $10,000. Keeley, a University of Victoria Engineering and Computer Science student, impressed the judges with her innovative venture, Revyn Medical Technologies Inc. The company redesigned a vaginal speculum that prioritizes patient comfort and sustainability. 

Revyn Medical Technologies: a patient-centered solution

Founded by Keeley and a dedicated team from the University of Victoria, Revyn tackles the discomfort associated with traditional speculums. Through surveys of over 600 patients, they identified a significant number experiencing anxiety and even avoiding examinations due to speculum use. Their redesigned speculum aims to alleviate this issue while remaining effective for practitioners.

This win propels Revyn forward, allowing them to develop prototypes utilizing biocompatible materials and minimizing patient discomfort.

A fierce finale and generous supporters

Miswar Syed from the University of Waterloo won second place at The Arena with his business, Swish, which creates transparent screens that retrofit existing solar panels and can remove dust using nanotechnology. Swish allows solar panels to be cleaned multiple times a day and increases the efficiency of capturing energy, which could be especially beneficial in deserts where dust is a significant concern.

The final pitch battle between Keeley and Miswar presented a tough decision for the distinguished judges, which included Saint Mary’s alumni Shannon Byrne Susko BComm'89 BSc'92, April Howe EMBA'18, Mandhir Singh MBA'14, James “JC” Curleigh BComm’89 DComm'22 and Alexandra McCann.

Special recognition goes to Shannon's company, Metronomics, for sponsoring the competition and providing each finalist with a $10,000 award. Pat Whalen, Founder and CEO of Extension Marketing, also provided marketing support to the finalists valued at $5,000.

“Thank you to all participants for showcasing their brilliant ideas,” says Michael Sanderson, the Director of the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre. “A special appreciation to the sponsors and judges whose essential contributions ensure the success of this pitch event.”

A national celebration of innovation

The Arena 2024 was not just about one winner. It was a nationwide showcase of student entrepreneurial talent, featuring 64 students from 29 universities, coast to coast. Seven contestants from Saint Mary's University battled with fellow entrepreneurs across Canada and showcased their businesses, including Maddie Bristol (Plastarch), Storme McNeil (Smile Vodka Water), Queen-Esther Okundonor (QTress Beauty Supplies), Jayrell Diggs (SudDrop Laundry Services), Aneesa Hussain (Plane Platter), Alexia Bourgeois (Gal Pal) and Yomna Ibrahim (Sociable). Their entrepreneurial spirit was contagious, inspiring many other students who watched the competition unfold.  This outpouring of interest showed that Saint Mary's fosters a vibrant environment where anyone with a dream can take flight.

To learn more about The Arena 2024, visit the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre website or watch the competition on Facebook.

2024 Canadian Venture Capital Competition hosted at Saint Mary's

The 2024 winners in the graduate category from the University of Waterloo MBA: Zia Baig, Leo Zhang, Hisham Ismail, Hufsah Khan, Vireshaar Ragavan and Ryan Trainor.

The team from the University of Waterloo secured first place in the undergraduate category: Harry Soo, Leo Chen, Mischa Hinds, Rachel Butler, Tony Cao and Shilp Shah.

The team from the University of Toronto won second place in the MBA competition.

Team from University of New Brunswick (MBA)

VCIC judges

Team from Wilfrid Laurier University (Undergraduate)

Team from Dalhousie University (MBA)

Over 80 business students from leading universities across Canada, including the University of Alberta, University of Toronto, Queen's University and Wilfrid Laurier University, came together in Halifax recently for the Canadian Venture Capital Investment Competition (VCIC). The day-long competition held on March 1, 2024, allowed students to immerse themselves in the role of venture capitalists and demonstrate their abilities in planning and execution while gaining valuable real-world insights.

“Hosting this divisional VCIC provides Canadian university students with the opportunities to participate in the world of venture capital, connecting with entrepreneurs and venture capitalists within the ecosystem. We are thrilled to nurture a supportive environment for entrepreneurial talents poised to make contributions to the evolving landscape of venture capital and innovation,” says Michael Sanderson, Director of the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre.

This year marked the fourth iteration of the Canadian competition, a staple event held annually at the Sobey School of Business. The competition evaluates participants based on their thorough preparation and strategic implementation and offers a dynamic platform for students to delve into the nuances of venture capital investment. By engaging in simulated investment scenarios, students are challenged to make crucial decisions under pressure, replicating the scenarios faced by actual venture capitalists.

The 2024 winners in the graduate category are the team from the University of Waterloo MBA program, who secured the top spot and $1,000. A group of undergraduate students from the University of Waterloo secured first place in the undergraduate category with a prize of $500.

The two winning teams will compete at the 2024 VCIC Global Finals on April 12-13 at Chapel Hill, NC, USA.

Saint Mary’s University continues to solidify itself as a dominant force in the realm of university venture capital. While SMU students are excluded from competition in the Canadian division, they compete in the Northeastern Division of the Venture Capital Investment Competition against U.S. universities, frequently placing in the top ranks in both graduate and undergraduate categories.

Read more about SMU’s recent success in Boston: Students excel in Venture Capital Investment Competition.

Sobey School of Business Alumni in Residence: Wendy Luther EMBA'08

The Sobey School of Business at Saint Mary’s University prides itself as a national leader in community-focused business education. Building foundations for an equitable, prosperous and progressive community through active learning is at the heart of what we do. Our success as a leading business school is inextricably linked with the success of our students, our stakeholders and our broader communities.

The Alumni in Residence program aims to bridge the gap between academic life and the professional world by creating meaningful connections between our alumni and current students. Through this program, students have the opportunity to build relationships, receive advice and gain insights from successful alumni. The Alumni in Residence Program hosts various speaking events where students can seek advice, learn about industry trends, and expand their professional networks.

Wendy Luther EMBA’08

We are delighted to share that Wendy Luther EMBA’08, President and CEO of Halifax Partnership, is our Alumni in Residence for 2024. Wendy is one of our distinguished Alumni—in March 2023, Wendy was named one of Atlantic Canada's 25 Most Powerful Women in Business.

Wendy is a leader in economic and export development, with vast experience promoting Nova Scotia and its assets globally. Wendy joined Halifax Partnership as President & CEO in 2019. In 2023, Halifax Partnership was honoured with four Excellence in Economic Development Awards from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) including Gold for Economic Development Organization of the Year.

Before joining Halifax Partnership, Wendy was President & CEO of EduNova, a co-operative association of public and private-sector education providers committed to promoting Nova Scotia’s knowledge economy internationally. Under her leadership, EduNova was honoured with the prestigious international PIEoneer Association of the Year Award in 2017.

Learn more about Wendy Luther and explore her remarkable professional journey.

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Join us for our upcoming event with Wendy Luther on March 25, 2024

Ask Wendy Luther: Moving From Successful Student to a Stellar Professional and Entrepreneur

• Monday, March 25, 2024

• 1:30-3:30 p.m.

• Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre

  Sign up!

Students excel in Venture Capital Investment Competition

Students from the Sobey School of Business gained valuable real-world experience and excelled in the recent Venture Capital Investment Competition (VCIC) New England Regional Final held in Boston.

The graduate team, composed of students from the MTEI (Master of Technology Entrepreneurship and Innovation) and MBA programs, took home a top award. “Entrepreneurs and start-ups participate at these events and they determine the winners for Entrepreneurs Choice. Our team won due to their ability to communicate and connect,” says the team’s advisor, Brennan Daley of the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre.

Gurprit Singh, MBA student

“Being part of VCIC in Boston was a truly transformative experience for me, giving me a real-world view of venture capital, pushing my critical thinking ability and exposing me to the vibrant Boston entrepreneurial ecosystem,” says MBA student Gurprit Singh. “The experience is not just a competition, but a stepping stone into the dynamic world of venture capital, shaping my skills and expanding my network in venture capital.”

Saint Mary’s participates annually in the Global Venture Capital Investment Competition (VCIC), the world’s largest venture capital competition with over 120 university and graduate school teams competing. VCIC is the only place where students get to be VCs for the day, and startups get an immersion in the fundraising process. The SMU teams compete against U.S. universities in the Northeast region and are judged by their preparation and thoughtful execution as a VC firm.

Top (L-R): Sorav Sogy, Ankit Mittal. Bottom (L-R): Shakkharatul Haque Mehad, Jacky Chiu, Shri Subramanian, Gurprit Singh, Sruthi Ganesapandian, Jack Poirier, Sidney Nuwahereza, Oscar Lu, Brennan Daley.

Sorav Sogy, BComm student

Bachelor of Commerce student Sorav Sogy says, “It's not studying; you're actively managing a Venture Capital (VC) fund as an associate. This involves making investment decisions, raising funds, attending conferences and building crucial relationships with entrepreneurs and VCs. You're making a real impact by working alongside industry leaders, facilitating co-investment deals, and learning directly from senior partners and associates at local VC firms. It’s as real as it gets.”

The university’s excellence in venture capital is well established through consistent winning performances in global competitions, expert faculty dedicated to mentoring students, and successful graduates who often pursue careers in this exciting field.

Mark Raymond, Interim Dean of the Sobey School of Business, notes that the teams from Saint Mary’s are the only Canadian teams competing at this elevated level against teams from prominent U.S. universities including Babson, Dartmouth and Notre Dame. “We are known for giving our students amazing opportunities. This is an example of how SMU students gain an entrepreneurial mindset and are equipped with the knowledge, insights, real work experiences and network to lead and make a positive impact.”

Saint Mary’s students, staff and faculty are paying it forward by hosting a national competition in Halifax in March for other Canadian teams who would otherwise not gain these lessons in entrepreneurship and innovation. "Hosting the Canadian regionals provides an opportunity for students from other schools to compete and engage with our vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem," notes Daley.

Students tackle health care, food security issues with Wicked Problem Lab awards

Students present their ideas at the LeaderVision Atlantic Wicked Problems Lab Awards

Four Saint Mary’s students are gearing up to tackle some thorny issues in health care, food security and sustainability thanks to an award program from the Wicked Problems Lab.  

Now in its second year, the LeaderVision Atlantic Wicked Problems Lab Awards (sponsored by SMU alumnus Douglas Coll BComm’89), provide $2,500 to two undergraduate students who present a compelling idea to address a challenging problem. The Wicked Problems Lab grants two additional awards of the same value to one graduate and one undergraduate student.  

“Wicked problems, like poverty or climate change, are by definition almost impossible to solve because they are complex and always evolving, with no real end point,” says Dr. Mat Novak, a professor in the department of Geography and Environmental Studies and director of the Wicked Problems Lab. “But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t work to address them. These awards inspire and encourage students to work towards solutions.” The Lab supports the students by providing data, analytical software and expertise. 

Twelve projects vied for the award this year. The successful candidates began working with Drs. Novak and Matsumoto–the WPL’s Research Analyst–shortly after they were notified of their prize and will continue to develop and implement their idea this winter. Surveys, spatial analysis and census data will help inform their projects along with meeting local partners to carry out their ideas. Students will showcase their projects at the end of the term. 

Congratulations to the winners:

Lydia Lee 
Bachelor of Commerce, Sobey School of Business 
Project: Sustainable Seconds 

Sustainable Seconds aims to address food insecurity by delivering affordable and sustainable home meal kits. Using second products from local farmers and donated ingredients to create affordable and sustainable meal packages, it’s a cost-effective solution with pre-measured ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes.

Sorav Sogy 
Bachelor of Commerce, Sobey School of Business 
Project: CARE ETA 
 
Sorav Sogy, along with fellow BComm students Vaishali Sachdeva, Ishaan Singh and Aarav Sen Mehta, want to tackle healthcare wait times through the development of an interactive app. CARE ETA aims to improve the experience of patients waiting in lengthy queues in emergency hospitals by implementing a real-time system that lets people stay informed about their status.

Melissa Alvarez Del Angel 
Bachelor of Science, Psychology major 
Project: Palm Oil Reduction and Healthier Food on Campus 

Melissa Alvarez Del Angel is promoting healthier food options to the SMU campus. In response to the environmental impact of widespread palm oil production, Melissa has proposed a comprehensive strategy for reducing the use of palm oil and advocating for healthier food alternatives at SMU.

Hasib Ahmed 

Master of Technology, Entrepreneurship and Innovation 
Project: Wellnex 

Hasib Ahmed is developing a platform to make blood collection more accessible. This project seeks to enhance urban and rural mobility by introducing a doorstep blood sample collection service facilitated by a visiting nurse/phlebotomist, eliminating the need for individuals to commute to the hospital.

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About the Wicked Problems Lab 

Established in 2020, the Wicked Problems Lab harnesses the power of data and advanced analysis to address the world’s wicked problems. 

The lab is equipped with the latest software and curated datasets and is staffed with a full-time analyst to help address your wicked problem.  

The lab offers: 

• One-on-one research help 

• Undergraduate and graduate-level problem-based learning activities 

• Workshops, seminars and group training 

• Self-directed tutorials for data and software, including GIS 

• Community-research help assistance 

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Related stories: 

• New award aims to help solve wicked problems 

• Wicked problems of food insecurity  

Students compete to win $10,000 with innovative ideas

Innovation Cup winners Plastarch Packaging

Judges hear student pitches

Innovation Cup 2023 participants and judges

Team GalPal

Team CareETA

Team SeaCycle

The Innovation Cup, a 10-week experiential learning program, was launched at the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre this fall. Thirty Saint Mary’s students from the faculties of Arts, Commerce and Science competed for a grand prize consisting of $10,000 to develop their start-up idea and a summer job opportunity. Through the weekly events, the participating students connected with industry experts to increase their business understanding, skills and network. 

After several elimination rounds, four teams made it to the semi-finals on December 8:

• GalPal, a safety-enhancing mobile application that empowers women to stay alert and stay safe;

• SeaCycle, a water filtration system designed to remove plastic waste, ranging from water bottles to microplastics, using a multistage gravity filter, while also providing automated water quality reports;

• CareETA, a comprehensive digital platform revolutionizing healthcare by providing real-time insights for waiting room well-being;

• Plastarch Packaging, a bioplastic alternative made from set-to-be-wasted root vegetables, solves the need for environmentally friendly cutlery and food packaging.

The semi-finals saw these teams give their best pitches to the panel of judges, who did not hold back with their questions and feedback. Following a 15–minute discussion, the judges decided that GalPal and Plastarch Packaging would move to the finals.

The finals, also on December 8, were energetic and both teams had improved pitches to present to the panel. With two unique and fascinating business ideas, the judges and the audience had a tough time choosing the winner.

Ultimately, the winner of the first Innovation Cup was Plastarch Packaging, with a team comprised of Madeline Bristol, Susan MacInnis and Mya MacDonald. The team had a compelling pitch, backed by the numbers and validation, paired with the team’s passion for developing sustainable solutions.

The Innovation Cup will be back next fall for all the young entrepreneurs to pitch their innovative business ideas!

Student launches Black haircare and beauty supply vending machine on campus

Queen-Esther Okundonor

Students, friends and staff celebrating together

Group photo with everyone who was at the launch event including Dr. Summerby-Murray, Professor Rohini Bannerjee and staff from the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre

Event attendees looking at the new vending machine

Queen-Esther with the QTress Beauty Supplies vending machine on campus

Queen-Esther Okundonor, a fourth-year Marketing and Finance student from Nigeria, has a passion for helping people. This passion led her to launch her new business, QTress Beauty Supplies, a vending machine located in the Loyola Academic Building on campus. QTress Beauty Supplies aims to provide convenient and easy access to hair and beauty care products for the diverse student body at Saint Mary’s University and Halifax at large. 

Before opening in October, Queen-Esther had spent three years thinking about starting her own beauty supply business after learning about other vending businesses. At first, she was hesitant to make business plans while balancing her schoolwork and tuition payments, but she decided to give it a try.

Although Queen-Esther faced some ups and downs throughout the journey of planning and envisioning her business idea, she did not give up on her project. Instead, she worked harder. She learned to pivot when things did not work out. To Queen-Esther, the whole process was worth it because she was able to meet many supporters and gain a community.

This fall, friends, students, staff and faculty, including Saint Mary’s President Robert Summerby-Murray, gathered at the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre and celebrated the launch of QTress Beauty Supplies. The new vending machine, which carries a variety of beauty and hair care products for different hair and skin types, is located on the first floor of the Loyola Academic Building.

The story of Queen-Esther’s entrepreneurship journey inspired many students, igniting a spark of motivation and encouraging them to chase their own dreams. “When you look your best, you feel your best, and this should not be only a luxury,” says Queen-Esther.

Watch a CTV News story about Queen-Esther Okundonor and QTress Beauty Supplies: Easy access to Black beauty supplies | CTV News

Alumnus brings local holiday tradition to life through 3D printing

Woody the Talking Christmas Tree (Paul Hollingsworth/CTV Atlantic)

It's that time of year again when the mall fills with holiday shoppers, dazzling lights and a magical talking tree from the North Pole. Woody, the talking Christmas tree, returned to the Mic Mac Mall in Dartmouth in 2021, after a 15-year hibernation. Woody has a fresh new look, and it's not just because he's been getting plenty of beauty sleep.

Mohammed Issa BComm’16

Mohammed Issa BComm'16, the founder of Eureka Technologies Inc., has restored life to Woody's face through 3D printing. Woody also owes his magical abilities to Eureka Technologies Inc., who designed and built all the mechanical elements that bring Woody to life.

Although Rome was not built in a day, Woody was constructed in just two weeks. The mall had initially contacted Eureka Technologies Inc. in March of 2021 to inquire if they could take on the Woody project but then decided to move forward at the end of October.

"Woody arrives at the mall the day before Remembrance Day and wakes up the day after (November 12). So, we only had two weeks to construct and assemble Woody," says Mohammed.

No stranger to challenges, he was confident that his team would deliver.

Mohammed was a mature student studying for a Bachelor of Commerce degree at Saint Mary's. With three small children at the time, he enrolled in the business program to gain the knowledge required to start a completely different business venture he had in mind.

"I purchased my first 3D printer intending to create a prototype for my new business idea. However, I realized I could also generate extra income by providing 3D printing services using Kijiji." This led to the birth of Eureka Technologies Inc. in 2015. As a full-time student, Mohammed utilized his entrepreneurial spirit to support his family with his printer, which ultimately led to the success of his business today.

Today, Mohammed is passionate about growing the entrepreneur in others, and he does so by collaborating with the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre. Together, they offer a robotics class where Eureka Technologies Inc. provides each student with 3D-printed robot kits. The students get to build and program their robots in this class.

"Learning entrepreneurship through this class is expanding the mindset of our students from diverse backgrounds across different faculties," says Mohammed.

Mohammed's dedication to Saint Mary's students and his entrepreneurial mindset is evident through his active participation in the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre. The Saint Mary's University Alumni Association has recognized his exceptional work with Eureka Technologies Inc. and his unwavering support for young entrepreneurs by awarding him the Alumni Entrepreneur of the Year for 2023.

"I plan to continue giving back to the community and supporting students the way that I was helped as a student," said Mohammed, expressing his gratitude for the recognition of his efforts.

To learn more about Eureka Technologies Inc., visit www.eurekatec.ca/about.

Check out Woody's Twitter account to join in on the magic!

Launch of new partnership to support diverse student entrepreneurs

Participants celebrating the first Diversity Equity Inclusion & Belonging (DEIB) event and the generous gift by TD Bank Group

Natasha Fernandes, Project Manager, TD Inclusion Initiative; Michael Sanderson, Director, Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre; Peter Owusu, Account Manager, TD; Stephanie Tennant, District Vice President, TD; Jennifer Auld, Vice President, Atlantic Region, TD; Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray, President of Saint Mary's University.

PhD student Tanner George, Lilia Sanchez and their artwork

MTEI student Manish Shinde and MSc student Julie Dayrit with their business HerBiome Skincare

Ashwin Razdan, Katerina Msafari and their business Adrigo Insights

Queen-Esther Okundonor (right), Marketing and Finance co-op student, and her business QTress Beauty Supplies

Tashauna Reid, Psychology and Biology student, and her business College Creative Curations

Students and Tia Upshaw

Students networking

Keynote speaker Dr. Rohini Bannerjee

Jennifer Auld, Vice President, Atlantic Region, TD, gives remarks at the panel discussion

Panelists Tia Upshaw, Ritika Saraswat, Emo Ikede MBA'13 and Sehmat Suri BComm'19 BA'19

Panelists, staff from the Arthur L. Iring Entrepreneurship Centre and guests from TD

The Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre at Saint Mary’s University is pleased to announce the launch of the TD Entrepreneurship Inclusion Initiative, which was made possible through the generous gift of $200,000 by the TD Bank Group. This two-year pilot is designed to amplify the support of diverse student entrepreneurs, advance the entrepreneurial mindset and innovate business models. Three key initiatives include:

• The Ignition Program —a 10-week program offering training, mentorship, resources and networking;

• The Student Entrepreneurial Experience Bootcamp (SEE) —providing students with a transformational learning experience and an opportunity to develop their own businesses with resources and funding;

• Diversity Equity Inclusion & Belonging (DEIB) events —promoting collaboration and celebration within and beyond our diverse entrepreneurial network.

"Helping create an environment where everyone can adapt, thrive and reach their full potential is extremely important to us at TD. By supporting the TD Entrepreneurship Inclusion Initiative, through the Sobeys School of Business and the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre, we know that we will contribute to providing entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds with the right tools to realize their dreams," says Jenn Auld, Vice-President Atlantic Region, TD Canada Trust.

 The program will leverage the expertise and passion of the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre, creating a holistic support environment for diverse entrepreneurs. Michael Sanderson, Director of the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre said, “The TD Entrepreneurship Inclusion Initiative is a significant milestone for our students and the broader entrepreneurial community. This initiative represents an important step towards creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for our students and aspiring entrepreneurs. It aligns perfectly with our mission to foster innovation, diversity and excellence in the entrepreneurial community.”

The first TD Entrepreneurship Inclusion Initiative event, TD Connect: Celebrating Diversity Through Entrepreneurship, was held on October 26. This event provided a platform for students to connect and engage with a diverse cohort of entrepreneurs and professionals. It highlighted the endeavours of eight student entrepreneurs and a panel discussion featuring accomplished and diverse business leaders. With an attendance of over a hundred enthusiastic students, the event emphasized the importance of DEIB in the entrepreneurial world.

 Learn more about the programs and events offered by the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre and the spaces in the new Sobeys Inspiration Hub.

$5-million gift energizes entrepreneurship at Saint Mary's University

Students Lydia Lee, Joe Yurchesyn, Director Michael Sanderson and Jada Joseph tour the new Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre under construction

Supporting their deep commitment to student success and educational excellence, Arthur, Sandra and Sarah Irving, along with the Arthur L. Irving Family Foundation and Irving Oil, have announced a transformational gift of $5 million to accelerate the expansion of Saint Mary's University's Entrepreneurship Centre. In recognition of this generosity, the space will be named the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre.  

 A concentration of entrepreneurial excellence at Saint Mary’s University, the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre, its programs and activities, is unique in the Atlantic region. The centre attracts students from all disciplines, connecting them with professors, researchers and Entrepreneurs-in-Residence, and enables them to explore their entrepreneurial ambitions, develop their skills, and build important relationships. 

 “We are inspired by Saint Mary University’s deep and caring commitment to their students,” says Sandra Irving, who holds an honorary degree from the university. “We’re very proud to support their work to lead in entrepreneurial education with the development of the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre–a place we hope will spark innovation, inspire collaboration and help to make students’ dreams a reality.” 

 The state-of-the-art centre will encompass the second floor of the Sobeys Inspiration Hub, designed to be an entrepreneurship and innovation superhighway with traffic in all directions between the Sobey School of Business, as well as the faculties of arts, science and graduate studies. The centre will encompass a range of innovative and collaborative spaces including a digital prototyping lab and a podcasting studio, in support of excellence in student programming including open innovation, the Entrepreneur-in-Residence program and world-class competitions. 

 “At Irving Oil, we are proud to support a diverse network of students, where they will have access to mentorship from business experts, innovative technology and educational opportunities to help them realize their full potential,” says Irving Oil President Ian Whitcomb. “Saint Mary’s University is renowned for educational excellence and developing young business minds that support the region’s talent pool.”  

 “This generous gift from the Arthur L. Irving family, the Arthur L. Irving Family Foundation, and Irving Oil will expand our student programs, developing the full potential of student entrepreneurs and empowering them to lead change and build a better world,” says Saint Mary’s University President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray. 

 The Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre’s new home is currently under construction and is the centrepiece of the $43-million Sobeys Inspiration Hub, which is slated to open in the fall of 2023. 

 “My dad is passionate about business, about people–our employees at Irving Oil, our customers,” says Sarah Irving, Executive Vice President of Irving Oil. “The Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre recognizes his life’s work to create opportunities in Atlantic Canada and inspire others to do the same. Thank you to Saint Mary’s University for this very special honour in his name–to long inspire our entrepreneurial leaders of tomorrow.”  

The provincial, national and international networks and connections that the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre fosters will benefit Saint Mary’s University, the community and the Atlantic Region. The young entrepreneurs who bring their energy and ideas to the marketplace will be contributing to a robust and innovative economy for the entire region.   

“We are deeply grateful for the enriched student experience and enhanced programming enabled by the deep generosity of the Irving family,” says Entrepreneurship Centre Director Michael Sanderson. “Their belief in the mission of the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre, their commitment to student scholarship and entrepreneurship, and their generosity enable us to enhance Saint Mary’s University’s national reputation and international reach as a leader in entrepreneurial education.” 

Student entrepreneurs vie for top spot in SMU’s national pitch competition

Who has the best entrepreneurship idea in Canada? Tune into the 2023 Saint Mary’s University March Madness Pitch Competition to see aspiring student entrepreneurs present their ideas and hone their pitching skills in a bid to win cash and prizes valued at over $19,000.

Now in its third year, the March Madness Pitch Competition is run by the Saint Mary’s University Entrepreneurship Centre and aims to give student entrepreneurs the chance to acquire skills, resources and training to jumpstart their businesses. Modelled after the NCAA March Madness basketball competition, the month-long virtual event sees 64 students from across Canada compete head-to-head in brackets as they strive to be declared the best in the country.

In the Final Round, the top two pitchers square off to deliver their most compelling, four-minute pitch. Final pitches and live Q&A are judged by a panel of nationally renowned entrepreneurs.

This national competition is a major draw for Canada's top student entrepreneurs. It features twenty-four universities from coast to coast, from as far west as the University of Victoria and the University of Alberta, to participants from central Canada such as the University of Waterloo, Carleton University, and Western University. Eastern Canada is also well represented with many participants, including HEC Montreal, Mount Allison University, Saint Mary's University and the Memorial University of Newfoundland.

Thousands of viewers from around the world will tune in online to support their favourites and follow the action. To keep up to date on all the latest teams, pitches and results, visit https://smuec.ca/march_madness/ or www.facebook.com/smuec.ca for the live streams.

A place for possibility: the new Saint Mary’s University Entrepreneurship Centre

Saint Mary’s University Entrepreneurship Centre team members review and discuss the building plans. From right to left: Jada Joseph, Project Manager; Natasha Fernandes, Student Project Assistant; Michael Sanderson, Director and Chirag Narang, Project Manager.

Saint Mary's University has a rich history of fostering economic growth in Atlantic Canada and the people who are the driving force behind it, and its Sobey School of Business is synonymous with entrepreneurial success. More than 75 start-ups have been created by Saint Mary’s students, faculty members, alumni and partners in the past five years alone.  

Building on this strong track record of helping launch new businesses, and with the generous support of the university’s donors and supporters, the Saint Mary’s University Entrepreneurship Centre (SMUEC) is preparing to move into its new home in the Sobeys Inspiration Hub. Set to open in fall 2023, this 43,000-square-foot four-storey building is the cornerstone of a 62,000-square-foot capital project that extends from the Sobey School of Business to the Loyola Academic Building.  

"We envision a space that provides a full suite of services that enable students to take a start-up or business idea from concept to actualization—all in one place on campus," says Michael Sanderson, the Director of SMUEC. " We are a place for people to come together and develop entrepreneurial skills that can help further their studies and career. 

With a focus on growth, innovation and cultivating the entrepreneurial mindset, the Saint Mary's University Entrepreneurship Centre is committed to helping the Atlantic Canadian economy grow and prosper. A university-wide and interdisciplinary support centre, SMUEC's physical expansion will support the vast array of programming, such as training, mentorship and coaching, offered by the centre and provide the foundation to expand and fill the growing demand for their services. 
 
“I am so honoured to have been supporting students through their entrepreneurial experiences over the past two years,” says Shannon Byrne Susko BCom’89 BSc’92, a former Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Saint Mary’s and the Founder and CEO of Metronomics. “The new space for the Saint Mary’s University Entrepreneurship Centre will allow for further collaboration between faculties, and also bring in an additional level of innovation that we’ve been working towards with initiatives such as the March Madness Pitch Competition.” 

As the Sobeys Inspiration Hub takes shape, so does the entrepreneurship centre’s new home. What remains constant is that a variety of opportunities that will be made available to entrepreneurial-minded students and faculty from across all faculties. 

The services envisioned include: 

• digital prototyping lab 

  • This area will be dedicated to digital product design, enabling students to ideate and create prototypes in a virtual environment using state-of-the-art prototyping software. 

• podcasting studio 

  • From weekly podcasts to influencer videos, this space is open for booking to support students creating original content for online audiences. 

• collider spaces 

  • Open collaboration spaces that are modular and feature additional smaller areas to focus on different styles of collaboration and projects. 

• incubator space 

  • A start-up area dedicated to supporting local community businesses and emerging entrepreneurs as they move on from the idea phase.  

• dedicated interdisciplinary space.  

"While the exact nature and dedicated areas may change, we are focused on providing opportunities for our students, faculty, staff, alumni and local community to come together and exchange ideas," shares Sanderson. 

Alumni and the local community play a critical role in the support and services provided by the SMUEC. From the entrepreneurs and alumni-in-residence programs supported through the philanthropic investment of the RBC Talent Hub to guest speakers and mentorship, SMUEC connects students with the larger community. Through co-operative education and internship placements, training, Entrepreneurial Mindset Success Certificate, and experts, the RBC Talent Hub provides students more hands-on learning opportunities. The skills developed through this program give students a leg up in the job hunt and help them to excel in the workplace post-graduation.  

"From my time as a student to now working at the entrepreneurship centre, our alumni and connection with the local entrepreneurship community have been so important to supporting students," says Leslie Arsenault Bcomm’19, Project Manager with SMUEC. "I've seen student-led businesses receive key advice from community mentors at vital times in their growth. I've heard from students and alumni whose careers and businesses wouldn't exist without what they learned at Saint Mary's University and the support they received from SMUEC."  

"We are excited to create new memories and opportunities for collaboration and innovation," says Monique Boudreau, the Manager of Operations and Community Engagement with SMUEC. "We've received great feedback and insights from different university areas to get to this stage, and we are incredibly grateful for that support. We can't wait to celebrate the opening of the Sobeys Inspiration Hub, the Exchange and the new entrepreneurship centre."