Saint Mary's student team wins $10,000 in second annual Innovation Cup

Jason Phonchareon, Olivian Sanderson, Stuti Sandhu — Innovation Cup 2024 winner, Sociable team

Sociable, a modern and innovative student engagement platform developed by three Saint Mary’s students, was the grand prize winner in the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre’s second annual Innovation Cup Final Competition held Friday, November 29. 

Olivian Sanderson (BComm, Accounting and Management) Jason Phonchareon (BSc, Psychology) and Stuti Sandhu (BA, Psychology) developed the start-up to address student loneliness within universities. Sociable helps students connect with each other, get peer support and gain access to campus events. A standout feature is “Pre-Connect,” which allows students to join group chats before an event. What sets Sociable apart is limiting the range of connections to students within the same school, promoting meaningful interactions and relationships within a campus community.

“When I came to university, I found it hard to make friends, and I did not have many like-minded people around me,” says Olivian Sanderson, one of the three members of the Sociable team. “Luckily, I found a group of people who aligned with me, including my co-founder, Jason Phonchareon, and we started talking about this issue.”

“The vision of Sociable is to be the platform that ends student loneliness. We want to be in every school, giving as many students as possible the opportunity to meet people that they mesh with. In a digital world, it is so important to ensure we are still fostering those in-person relationships, which is why this platform is a necessity.”

Innovation Cup finalists and judges

Ten Weeks, Ten Teams, Ten-Thousand-Dollar Prize

This is the second year for the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre’s Innovation Cup—a 10-week experiential learning program for Saint Mary’s students, where ten teams compete for the grand prize of $10,000. Each team is made up of three students from across the three faculties of Arts, Commerce and Science.

“During the ten weeks of the program, students have weekly training sessions and workshops, connect with industry experts to increase their business understanding, skills and network,” says Michael Sanderson, Director, Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre. “All while turning their start-up idea into tangible ventures.”

Judges listen to the Alaagi pitch

After three elimination rounds, three teams make it to the final round, where they give their best pitches to a panel of expert judges and a live audience. The judges for this year’s final competition were Katerina Msafari, Founder Success Lead at Tribe Network and COO of Adrigo Insights; Mike Rothenburg, Economic Development Officer at ACOA; and Bethany Deshpande, Founder of SomaDetect and business and leadership coach.

Rothenberg praised the high calibre of the pitches, saying, “The three pitches today were truly impressive, showcasing high-calibre and innovative business ideas. The presentations were polished and well-structured, highlighting each team's vision for growth and development.”

Deshpande seconds his comments and reflects, “The decision-making process was incredibly difficult, as each team demonstrated a deep understanding of their market and a compelling vision for the future. It was a pleasure to witness their hard work and dedication come to fruition."

The Sociable team will use the $10,000 towards completing their UX design, as well as legal fees, marketing and cloud storage. 

A Diverse Field of Innovators

Beyond Sociable, the competition featured a diverse range of innovative ideas. One of the finalists, Alaagi, a startup presented by Sheheryar Khan (BSc and Dip. Chemical Engineering), S M Sourav Rabbi (BComm, Finance and I.T.), and Rida Naqvi (BA, Psychology and Entrepreneurship), addresses environmental concerns by developing innovative, biodegradable bioplastics derived from seaweed.

Another finalist, Bean, an AI-powered food assistant, impressed the judges with its potential to revolutionize meal planning and reduce food waste. The Bean team, consisting of Vaishali Sachdeva (BA, Entrepreneurship), Varshitha Venkatesh (BSc, Computer Science), and Anushka Kalantri (BComm, Accounting and Finance), garnered significant audience support, earning them the “People’s Choice” award and a $1,000 prize.

Alaagi team: Sheheryar Khan, S M Sourav Rabbi, Rida Naqvi

Bean team: Varshitha Venkatesh, Anushka Kalantri, Vaishali Sachdeva

The Innovation Cup will be back next fall for young entrepreneurs to pitch their innovative business ideas! Visit the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre website for upcoming events, work and learning experiences in the Winter term.

Experience Ventures program brings 152 new experiential learning opportunities for students in Atlantic Canada

Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre Partners with the Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking to bring Experience Ventures to students across Atlantic Canada. Experience Ventures pairs students with startups and businesses nationwide – giving 2100 students real-world placement opportunities and giving businesses access to emerging talent.

The Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre at Saint Mary’s University has recently signed an agreement to be the Regional Lead Atlantic Canada partner in Experience Ventures, a national program led by The Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking at the University of Calgary and funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Innovative Work-Integrated Learning Initiative. This partnership presents 152 new experiential learning opportunities for students in

Atlantic Canada to work directly with businesses, enhancing their skill sets and gaining valuable entrepreneurial experience. – but also - There are five diverse placement opportunities, including Hackathons, Challenges, Project Experiences, Student-in-Residence, and Interdisciplinary Team Projects. In each placement, students work on real-world challenges, gaining hands-on experience while earning honorariums. Business partners get access to fresh thinking and the next generation of talent.

“Entrepreneurial thinking is essential to enriching lives and advancing prosperity in Canada,” says Anica Vasic, Senior Director of Partnerships and Strategic Initiatives at the Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking. “Our goal is to ignite an entrepreneurial mindset in students across Canada to develop the next generation of talent that will build our future. With entrepreneurial thinking as our north star, we’ve helped students across the nation step outside the classroom and gain the future-ready skills they need to thrive in the new world of work. The Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre is a recognized Canadian leader in helping nurture this entrepreneurial mindset, which is why we’re so excited to welcome Atlantic Canada into the Experience Ventures network.”

“Young people are ready to dive in, test their ideas and turn their ideas into action. That’s why we’re so proud to support Experience Ventures through the Innovative Work Integrated Learning Initiative. This is about giving students real opportunities to learn and grow, connecting them with startups and businesses from coast to coast,” says The Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth. “They’ll sharpen their problem-solving skills, gain hands-on experience and carry it forward to their future careers—whether that means launching their own business or stepping into the career they’ve dreamed of.”

How it works:

• Projects run from October 2024 to February 2025.

• Students and businesses apply through Experience Ventures at the Arthur L. Irving. Entrepreneurship Centre.

• Companies provide in-kind support.

• Both students and companies go through an onboarding process and participate in one of five types of entrepreneurial thinking placements.

“Entrepreneurship and innovation are vehicles that empower students to change the world and change themselves. Experience Ventures gives students that all-important ‘hands-on’ entrepreneurial experience, working with real businesses on real challenges and opportunities,” says Michael Sanderson, Director, Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre, Saint Mary’s University. “We are excited to work in partnership with the Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking to bring these opportunities to Atlantic Canada.

 For deadlines and details on all 152 placement opportunities, please visit our website.

• Students, please contact: paige.bigelow@smu.ca  

• Businesses, please contact: denise.benison@smu.ca  

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About The Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking at the University of Calgary

The Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking is a dynamic community centre dedicated to fostering student entrepreneurship, empowering faculty innovation, and building a network of entrepreneurial minds. Our mission is to enhance the University of Calgary’s entrepreneurial capacity, enabling our community to drive positive global change. Positioned as a catalyst, the Hunter Hub supports University of Calgary’s vision to become “Canada’s most entrepreneurial university.”

About the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre and Saint Mary’s University

The Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre at Saint Mary’s University is a creative and collaborative space open to all students in Atlantic Canada. With a focus on growth, innovation and cultivating the entrepreneurial mindset, the Centre supports students and businesses – helping both grow and prosper. In the last 5-years, more than 4,000 students and 3,000 businesses have engaged with the Centre.

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Le Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking s'associe avec Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre afin de proposer « Experience Ventures » aux étudiants du Canada atlantique.

Experience Ventures est une initiative qui connecte des étudiants avec des jeunes pousses et des entreprises établies à travers le pays. Ce programme offre à 2 100 étudiants des opportunités de stage pratique tout en permettant aux entreprises de découvrir et de collaborer avec des talents émergents prometteurs.

Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre de l'Université Saint Mary's a récemment signé un accord pour devenir le principal partenaire régional du Canada atlantique dans le cadre d'Experience Ventures, un programme national dirigé par le Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking de l'Université de Calgary et financé en partie par l’initiative d’apprentissage innovant intégré au travail du gouvernement du Canada.

Ce partenariat ouvre la voie à 152 nouvelles opportunités d’apprentissage expérientiel pour les étudiants du Canada atlantique. Ils auront la chance de collaborer directement avec des entreprises, d'améliorer leurs compétences et de gagner une précieuse expérience professionnelle. Le programme propose cinq types de stages différents : marathons de programmation, défis, expérience en projets, étudiants en résidence et projets d’équipe interdisciplinaires. Ces stages offriront aux étudiants la possibilité de s'attaquer à des défis concrets, d'acquérir une expérience pratique précieuse tout en étant rémunérés. Les entreprises partenaires profiteront de l'occasion pour se rapprocher de la prochaine génération de talents et accéder à de nouvelles idées innovantes.

Déclaration du Hunter Hub

« La pensée entrepreneuriale est essentielle pour enrichir la vie et promouvoir la prospérité au Canada », déclare Anica Vasic, directrice principale des partenariats et des initiatives stratégiques au Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking. « Notre objectif est d'inculquer un esprit entrepreneurial chez les étudiants à travers le Canada. Nous sommes fiers de former laprochaine génération de talents qui bâtira notre avenir. En adoptant la pensée entrepreneuriale comme fil conducteur, nous aidons les étudiants de tout le pays à développer les compétences nécessaires pour réussir dans le monde du travail moderne. Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre est un chef de file reconnu dans le développement de la pensée entrepreneuriale. Nous sommes ravis d'accueillir le Canada atlantique au sein du réseau Experience Ventures. »

Déclaration de l'honorable Marci Ien, Ministre des Femmes, de l'Égalité des genres et de la Jeunesse

« Les jeunes sont prêts à se lancer, à tester leurs idées et à les concrétiser. C’est pourquoi nous soutenons avec fierté Experience Ventures à travers l'initiative d’apprentissage innovant intégré au travail. L'objectif est de fournir aux étudiants des opportunités concrètes d'apprentissage et de développement, en les connectant avec des jeunes pousses et des entreprises établies à travers tout le pays. Ils amélioreront leurs compétences en résolution de problèmes et acquerront une expérience pratique précieuse qu'ils pourront appliquer à leurs futures carrières, qu'il s'agisse de créer leur propre entreprise ou de décrocher le poste idéal. »

Comment ça marche :

• Les projets se dérouleront d'octobre 2024 à février 2025.

• Les étudiants et les entreprises postulent via Experience Ventures sur le site internet de Arthur L.

Irving Entrepreneurship Centre.

• Les entreprises offrent un soutien en nature.

• Les étudiants et les entreprises passent par un processus d'intégration et participent à l’un des cinq types de stages de pensée entrepreneuriale.

• Les entreprises intéressées par les prochains stages doivent postuler avant le 17 octobre sachant que les places sont limitées.

Citation du Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre

« L'entrepreneuriat et l'innovation sont des leviers puissants qui permettent aux étudiants de transformer le monde et de se transformer eux-mêmes. Experience Ventures offre aux étudiants cette expérience entrepreneuriale essentielle, en travaillant avec de vraies entreprises sur des défis et des opportunités concrets », déclare Michael Sanderson, directeur du Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre à l'Université Saint Mary's. « Nous sommes ravis de travailler en partenariat avec le Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking pour offrir ces opportunités au Canada atlantique. »

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À propos du Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking de l'Université de Calgary

Le Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking est un centre communautaire dynamique dédié à promouvoir l'entrepreneuriat auprès des étudiants, à encourager l'innovation académique et à créer un réseau d'esprits entrepreneurs.

Notre mission est de renforcer la capacité entrepreneuriale de l'Université de Calgary pour favoriser un changement positif à l'échelle mondiale. Le Hunter Hub soutient la vision de l'Université de Calgary de devenir « l'université la plus entrepreneuriale du Canada. »

À propos du Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre et de l'Université Saint Mary's

Le Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre de l'Université Saint Mary's est un espace créatif et collaboratif accessible à tous les étudiants du Canada atlantique. En se concentrant sur la croissance, l'innovation et la culture entrepreneuriale, le Centre soutient activement les étudiants et les entreprises dans leur développement et leur réussite. Au cours des cinq dernières années, plus de 4 000 étudiants et 3 000 entreprises ont collaboré avec le Centre.

Students innovate retail at Market Price Hackathon

Students pitching their ideas for Market Price’s business strategy in winter

A team of students who won the first place at the Hackathon with Matthew Smith BComm’18 and Lauren Ferguson BComm’20

Matthew Smith BComm’18 and Lauren Ferguson BComm’20 kicking off the event with their presentations

Lauren Ferguson BComm’20 working with students

Students brainstorming for presentations

More than 30 undergraduate students from Saint Mary’s, Dalhousie, Mount Saint Vincent and NSCAD gathered for the two-day Market Price Hackathon held on October 30 and November 6. The event brought together talented students to take on an engaging challenge: boosting foot traffic during the winter months for an alumni-owned retail business, Market Price.  

In collaboration with the David Sobey Retail Centre and the Experience Ventures team at the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre, this hackathon offered students the unique chance to dive into the world of retail innovation. They were mentored by Market Price’s own dynamic founders, Matthew Smith BComm’18 and Lauren Ferguson BComm’20, who provided hands-on guidance from start to finish, as well as by retail expert Rameesh Venkat, Director of the David Sobey Retail Centre. Market Price's unique branding, inspired by a fish market, tells a visual story that students thoughtfully integrated into their Hackathon concepts. This narrative, woven into Market Price’s space and branding, served as a critical design anchor for student teams as they developed ideas. 

Students tackled their task with innovative ideas, ranging from immersive in-store experiences to community-driven events. They used entrepreneurial thinking to craft strategies that would draw in customers despite Halifax’s chilly winter. One unforgettable idea came from a student team who proposed an attention-grabbing “Break the Ice” event. Their concept? Encasing a pair of Market Price’s signature sneakers in a giant block of ice displayed outside the store during winter. Shoppers and passersby would have the chance to chip away at the ice, with the lucky first person to fully break through winning the shoes. The idea sparked excitement among mentors and students alike, showcasing the team’s creative approach to engaging the community and drawing in new customers. 

“The Market Price Hackathon was incredible!” shared one student participant. “Being able to work with real business owners like Matt and Lauren while getting direct input on our ideas really gave us a taste of the entrepreneurial world.” 

"It was great to be part of it. We learned a lot from the students, and it was really nice to get involved with the community and our alumni connection [at Saint Mary’s University]," says Lauren. “I definitely recommend other businesses participate in the Experience Ventures Hackathon, especially small businesses in the community—it really gets you involved and sparks some great ideas,” Ferguson added. 

More opportunities are coming for you! Spots are limited—find our upcoming events and sign up today here. 

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Experience Ventures, powered by the Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking at the University of Calgary, enables post-secondary students to make an impact alongside real-world innovators through entrepreneurial thinking placements. Experience Ventures is funded by the Government of Canada and is delivered in partnership with post-secondary institutions nationwide. Saint Mary’s University’s Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre is the Regional Lead Atlantic Canada partner in Experience Ventures. 

Read more: Experience Ventures program brings 152 new experiential learning opportunities for students in Atlantic Canada  

Innovation Sprint: from classroom to community—students gain hands-on learning and make impact

Students ignite change at L’Arche Homefires with innovative solutions.

Students learning about one of the L’Arche Homefires’ programs, Applewicks

Students and L’Arche Homefires

Ryan Oxner (L’Arche Homefires Rep) and a winning team of students from Saint Mary’s and Dalhousie, Iram Shaikh, Noof Al Shehhi and Pari Mehra

Ryan Oxner (L’Arche Homefires Rep) with a team composed of Krutik Chaudhary (Dal), Yash Roushan (Dal) and Luke Mainwaring (Acadia) who won the third place

Ryan Oxner (L’Arche Homefires Rep) with a team of Acadia students Patrick Stanbrook and Tyler Kennedy who won the second place

Students brainstorming solutions and preparing for their presentation

Last week, a dynamic group of 19 students from Saint Mary’s University, Acadia University, Dalhousie University and Mount Saint Vincent University joined forces in an Innovation Sprint to address a real-world challenge faced by L’Arche Homefires, a local organization dedicated to creating inclusive communities for adults with developmental disabilities. Innovation Sprints are led by the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre, a leader in bringing students and businesses together to solve problems.  

L’Arche Homefires offers a variety of programs, including Applewicks, where adults with special needs create beautiful handmade products, such as candles, to generate revenue. However, the organization was seeking innovative solutions to enhance its online presence, optimize its retail operations, and increase foot traffic.

Through a series of collaborative workshops, brainstorming sessions, and expert mentorship, the students delved into the heart of L’Arche Homefires’ challenges. They explored potential strategies to address major concerns around sales and growth strategy for their store and helped build a strong business plan.

A team of students—Iram Shaikh and Pari Mehra from Saint Mary’s and Noof Al Shehhi from Dalhousie—impressed L’Arche Homefires with an innovative solution. They built a list of proposed weekly activities and a timeline from November to December, improving brand awareness and increasing revenue streams. At the end of the day, the team ultimately won first place with a $1,000 cash prize.

Participating students said, “Learning everything about L’Arche Homefires was very impactful.” “Having the learning experience with L’Arche Homefires, but also learning about a part of our community was incredible.” “A major takeaway is that practice will make progress.” By participating in Innovation Sprints, students gained invaluable practical skills, made connections with industry professionals and contributed to the growth and success of local businesses.

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 About Innovation Sprint

Innovation Sprint is a short, focused event that brings business and keen, creative students together to generate ideas and solutions to business problems.  During the Innovation Sprint, participants:

• engage in time-sensitive bursts of intensive problem-solving and developing business solutions;

• receive insightful resources and mentorship, helping them address business challenges; 

• learn how to facilitate rapid and effective outputs to challenges they may face in their business. This is a unique entrepreneurial experience that can be translated into their own chosen fields;

• collaborate with students from across Atlantic Canada from various faculties and disciplines.

At the end of the Sprint, businesses choose the winning teams. First-place winners receive $1,000, second-place winners receive $700, and third-place winners receive $300.

Enactus students count down to the World Cup in Astana, Kazakhstan

Gabe Martin

Gabe Martin is Co-President and a lead presenter for Enactus Saint Mary's at the Enactus World Cup. He is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Entrepreneurship and a minor in Political Science. As an active member of the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre, he credits the Centre with “helping him find out what he was good at and get better at it.”

We asked Gabe to share with the SMU Community what the team has been working on for the upcoming Enactus World Cup in Astana, Kazakhstan.

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Last May, Enactus Saint Mary’s competed against 49 schools from across Canada at the Enactus Canada National Exposition in Toronto. For the first time in the team's 20-year history, Saint Mary’s was named Canadian national champions. The team will represent Canada in Astana, Kazakhstan, from October 2 to 4, competing against 29 teams around the world.

Enactus presenters share their presentation at the university’s send-off celebration on September 24

As our team prepares to travel to Kazakhstan, our focus is split on many different tasks, including competition prep, continuing to run our businesses, and helping new members get involved for the upcoming school year. Throughout the team, there is a high level of excitement for both the competition and the other activities that will take place this year. In September, the team provided a market value of $20,000 of food to students and the wider community completely for free!

Once we arrive in Kazakhstan, the team will compete in three rounds before a world champion is named. It is exciting to note that Saint Mary’s University will also represent Canada in the early-stage competition at the World Cup, and two of our team members, along with a student from Dalhousie, will represent Canada in the iTwin4Good challenge. During the competition, you can follow the team’s journey through the Enactus and Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre’s social media channels.

The team has received these opportunities because of the work put in by countless individuals on many businesses. Two of these projects that the team will be highlighting in Kazakhstan are Square Roots and Plastarch. Square Roots is a business focused on addressing the issues of food waste and food insecurity in Canada by purchasing farmers' “seconds” produce and providing it to communities for a 56% discount compared to grocery store prices. Plastarch is developing a bioplastic alternative to restaurant single-use items out of potato starch.

The Enactus Saint Mary’s team

Representing Canada at the Enactus World Cup is a huge undertaking for the team, but it is an opportunity we could not be more grateful to have. The history of Enactus Saint Mary’s goes back more than 20 years; hundreds of students have come through the program and laid the foundation for this team to be in the position we are today. Enactus makes a lifelong impact on everyone who gets involved. Many students from past years who deserved to have won the national title put us in the position we are in now, so when 22 of our students go to Kazakhstan to represent Enactus Saint Mary’s, it is for every student that was ever a part of the program.

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About Enactus

As a global organization, Enactus gives students the opportunity to apply creative problem-solving through entrepreneurship to some of the world's greatest challenges. This is summed up through their value statement: “Young leaders everywhere use innovation and business skills to ensure that all people thrive in a sustainable world.” Enactus Canada is an independent organization under the global brand and consists of 76 post-secondary institutions across the country. It is responsible for organizing and running regional and national-level competitions every year.

Enactus Saint Mary’s is heading to the World Cup!

Enactus Saint Mary’s at the 2024 National Exposition

The countdown is on…Enactus Saint Mary’s, who won the Enactus National Exposition in May, is headed to Kazakhstan for the World Cup competition from October 2-4!  

Enactus is the largest student leadership organization in the world and strives to solve environmental, social and economic issues through entrepreneurial action. Enactus chapters from around the world work to address global issues and showcase their successes through regional, national and worldwide competitions.   

The Saint Mary’s University team was named the 2024 Enactus National Champions in May 2024 by the country’s largest experiential learning platform, Enactus Canada, and a judging panel comprised of top Canadian CEOs. The Enactus Saint Mary’s team has been building toward this championship, having placed in the top 4 in the National Championships 11 of the last 13 years. “We are immensely proud of the Saint Mary’s Enactus team,” says Robert Summerby-Murray, President of Saint Mary’s University. “These students are passionate change-makers, driven to do business well and for the good of the world.“

The team was recognized for their ability to enable social, environmental and economic impact through entrepreneurial action. Their success stems from a passionate commitment to fostering positive change through two key projects:  

Plastarch

This pioneering business tackles the escalating problem of plastic waste by offering a sustainable alternative for restaurant food packaging and utensils. Their solution lies in an affordable, durable and food-safe bioplastic crafted from an unexpected source—potatoes slated to be discarded. Plastarch not only mitigates plastic pollution but also promotes a circular economy by finding a valuable use for food waste.  

Square Roots

This initiative addresses the twin issues of food waste and food insecurity. At the farm level, 30% of harvested produce is dumped into landfills due to cosmetic imperfections despite being perfectly healthy. Square Roots rescues this "imperfect" produce that would otherwise be discarded, offering it at affordable prices to those with limited access to healthy food. The team recently received a $100,000 investment from the Government of Nova Scotia for expansion, and their goal is to operate in more than 50 locations across Canada and the US by 2026. 

““Enactus Saint Mary’s University is a model of team success and social entrepreneurship. We are proud to have them represent Enactus Canada at the World Cup. From their leadership on Square Roots to their innovative ideas on uses for potato waste and single-use utensils, we are confident the team will be a top competitor amongst the 29 other countries represented at the World Cup.””

— Catherine Fowler, President and CEO of Enactus Canada

Enactus team members get ready to cheer on the Saint Mary's presenters at the National Exposition

The team, led by Co-Presidents Gabe Martin and Courtney Dingle, along with Susan MacInnis and Paige Bigelow BComm’24, features 27 students from the Sobey School of Business, Faculty of Arts and Faculty of Science. Twenty-one students will make the trip to the World Cup, along with staff from the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre, to pitch their business ideas to a panel of judges. Saint Mary’s is the only university representing Canada in this competition with support from the Saint Mary’s community, Halifax Mayor Mike Savage and Premier Tim Houston BComm’92.

“Representing Canada on the world stage is beyond exciting,” says Courtney Dingle. “We had the opportunity to go to the Enactus World Cup last year, and what an incredible opportunity it was to collaborate and come up with new ideas for the world’s biggest challenges.”

“This year, we are so excited that we can showcase our work to that global audience and find new ways to collaborate to help us scale our impact across the world,” says Gabe Martin. Hear more from Gabe’s perspective in this piece he shared with the SMU community: Enactus students count down to the World Cup in Astana, Kazakhstan.

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Enactus Send-Off Celebration

Enactus Saint Mary’s students, program alumni, staff and supporters joined together for a Send-Off Celebration on September 24. Global presenters wowed the crowd with their award-winning presentations. Others, including President Robert Summerby-Murray, shared words of encouragement as the team prepares for the global competition. Below is a photo gallery of the event.

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Support Enactus Saint Mary’s 

To ensure that 21 of Enactus Saint Mary’s students can travel to Kazakhstan and continue to develop their groundbreaking projects, we are seeking your generous support. Every donation, no matter the size, will make a significant difference. Let's show the world the incredible talent and innovation that Saint Mary's University has to offer! Support the team

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Meet the team

Meet some of the Enactus Saint Mary’s team members who are headed to Kazakhstan in October.

Gabe Martin

Hometown: Ottawa, ON

Program: Entrepreneurship and a minor in Political Science

Team role: Co-President

Read more

Susan MacInnis

Hometown: Sydney, NS

Program: Double degree in Finance and Computing Science

Team role: Outgoing Co-President

Read more

Jonzel Robichaud-Lorde

Hometown: Moncton, NB

Program: Accounting and Global Business Management

Team role: Global presenter

Read more

Olivian Sanderson

Hometown: Pugwash, NS

Program: Accounting and Management

Team role: Presenter and Project Manager

Read more

Rashid Khan

Hometown: Ballia, India

Program: MBA

Team role: Co-Vice-President of Tech

Read more

David Campbell

Hometown: Tantallon, NS

Program: Entrepreneurship and Computing Information Systems

Team role: Co-Vice-President of Tech

Read more

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Follow for updates

Watch rounds of competition in Kazakhstan this October on the live stream of the Enactus World Cup!

Follow the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre and Enactus Saint Mary’s on social media for more updates:  

• Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

• Enactus Saint Mary’s on Facebook and Instagram.

Saint Mary’s University to welcome young scholars as new Shad Canada partner

High school students from across Canada can now apply for a distinct summer academic experience at Saint Mary’s University thanks to a new partnership with Shad Canada. As a Shad campus, Saint Mary’s will host Shad’s STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) and entrepreneurship program for students in grades 10 and 11.

“Every summer, more than 1,500 students come to Shad to discover new areas of study, access post-secondary academics, business and community leaders, and reach new heights of personal development,” said Tim Jackson, Shad Chief Executive Officer. “We are thrilled to have Saint Mary’s join the team to deliver an incredible program steeped in entrepreneurship, research and international collaborations.”

Shad students collaborate for 27 days to design solutions to real-world problems such as food security, water management, or waste. Saint Mary’s hands-on approach to these challenges, combined with its robust business, science, mathematics, and arts programs, will provide a solid foundation for supporting students in their Shad design challenge.

“Shad Canada’s focus on entrepreneurship and community-building aligns with Saint Mary’s strategic priorities,” said Saint Mary’s President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray. “We are thrilled to partner with Shad and welcome young scholars from across Canada to Saint Mary’s and Halifax.”

Students from across Canada apply to participate in Shad programs. Once selected, students are paired with a university away from their home community and live on campus for the duration of the program. To learn more about Shad or to apply for the 2025 program, please click here.

For more information about the Shad Saint Mary’s program, contact Laura.Stiles-Clarke@smu.shad.ca.

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About Shad Canada

Shad Canada is a STEAM and entrepreneurship program for students in grades 10 and 11. During the month-long program, students live on campus and participate in a real-world design challenge that prepares them to take on social and economic challenges. Shad’s program is transformational and life-changing, and many Shad alumni go on to innovate and start their own businesses. Shad has 26 campus partners, a network of more than 23,000 program graduates and has been running STEAM programs since 1980. Learn more at shad.ca.

RBC Talent Hub at Saint Mary’s hosts virtual series on immigrant entrepreneurs

Omena Babalola MBA’92

This summer, the RBC Talent Hub is offering a virtual series highlighting the experiences of immigrant entrepreneurs in Canada.

This informative series, led by distinguished professional and Alumni-In-Residence Omena Babalola MBA’92, promises valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and those interested in Canada's diverse business landscape.

Located within the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre, the RBC Talent Hub is a cornerstone for student success and fostering entrepreneurial spirit. Through co-operative placements, targeted training programs and mentorship opportunities with leading Canadian professionals, the Hub equips students with the skills and experience necessary to thrive in the job market.

Omena Babalola possesses a wealth of expertise in diverse areas such as management, accounting, finance, risk management, audit and information technology. For the past eighteen years, she has lent her auditing expertise to Manitoba Hydro, specializing in information technology, contracts, and operational engagements.

Upcoming events include:

• July 8: Immigrant Entrepreneurs: Driving Innovation and Growth in Canada

• July 22: Resilience and Resourcefulness: Traits of Successful Immigrant Entrepreneurs in Canada

• August 19: The Impact of Diversity: How Immigrant Entrepreneurs Enrich Canada's Business Landscape

Saint Mary’s wins Enactus National Social Entrepreneurship Competition

The Saint Mary’s Enactus team will represent Canada at the World Cup 2024 in Astana, Kazakstan this October

Congratulations to Enactus Saint Mary's students for being named the 2024 Enactus National Champions! The Enactus Canada National Exposition, held in Toronto from May 14 to 16, featured teams from 49 institutions across Canada.

Enactus Canada is a registered charity providing programs to inspire post-secondary students to initiate and operate socially and environmentally positive enterprises. This is the first time the Saint Mary’s team has taken the top prize. As a result, the team is thrilled to be representing Canada at The Enactus World Cup 2024 in Astana, Kazakstan, from October 2 to 4, 2024, with teams from 33 different countries.

In addition to receiving the top honour, the Enactus Saint Mary’s team was named National Champions for two topic challenges, the Innovation and Impact Challenge and the TD Entrepreneurship Challenge, while achieving National Runner-up status in the Canadian Tire Environmental Sustainability Challenge. Additionally, individual recognition came for team member Courtney Dingle, who was named Project Manager of the Year. This achievement is a direct result of their unwavering dedication and the development of impactful projects that address pressing social and environmental issues.

The Enactus Saint Mary's National Team –David Cambell, Jonzel Robichaud-Lorde, Gabriel Martin, Olivian Sanderson and Rashid Khan with the Enactus Canada trophy

The National team pitching their presentation at the Final Round of the competition

The Enactus Saint Mary’s team members in Toronto

The team members cheering at the Enactus Canada National Exposition

The National team and staff from the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre: (L-R) Gabriel Martin, Olivian Sanderson, Jonzel Robichaud-Lord, Michael Sanderson, Jason Turner, Rashid Khan, David Campbell, Brennan Daley

The Enactus Saint Mary’s team members in downtown Toronto

Enactus Saint Mary’s alumni Mitch Harrison BComm’17 cheering the Enactus Saint Mary’s team

Exemplifying Innovation and Sustainability

Enactus Saint Mary's success stems from a commitment to fostering positive change through two key projects:

• Plastarch: This pioneering business tackles the escalating problem of plastic waste by offering a sustainable alternative for restaurant food packaging and utensils. Their solution lies in an affordable, durable and food-safe bioplastic crafted from an unexpected source—potatoes slated to be discarded. Plastarch not only mitigates plastic pollution but also promotes a circular economy by finding a valuable use for food waste.

  A team representing Plastarch won the Innovation Cup, which was organized by the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre in the fall of 2023.

• Square Roots: This initiative addresses the twin issues of food waste and food insecurity. At the farm level, 30% of harvested produce is dumped into landfills due to cosmetic imperfections despite being perfectly healthy. Square Roots rescues this "imperfect" produce that would otherwise be discarded, offering it at affordable prices to those facing limited access to healthy food. The team recently received a $100,000 investment from the Government of Nova Scotia for expansion, and they aim to expand to more than 50 locations across Canada and the US by 2026.

Measurable Impact Through Passionate Effort

The team's relentless efforts and exceptional presentations impressed a panel of esteemed Canadian CEOs who recognized the projects' potential to generate significant social, economic and environmental impact in Nova Scotia. Notably, Enactus Saint Mary's has demonstrated their success in the past year through:

• People: creating four jobs, empowering 27 entrepreneurs, and providing access to nutritious food for 6,300 individuals.

• Planet: a substantial 130,025 pounds of food waste diverted from landfills, a remarkable reduction of 88,055 kilograms of CO2 emissions, and conservation of 19,226,926 litres of water.

• Prosperity: fostering entrepreneurial spirit by launching three new businesses and generating $337,246 in revenue.

Reflecting on the team's success, Enactus Saint Mary's Co-Presidents Susan MacInnis and Paige Bigelow BComm’24 said, "We are incredibly impressed by the team's dedication and resilience over the past year. Each member has contributed their time and creativity to establish new social enterprises and innovate existing ones. Placing first at the Enactus Canada National Exposition for the first time in Saint Mary's history could not have been possible without the support from all the members and alumni who are part of the Enactus Canada Network, Saint Mary's University, and most of all, the community. As we prepare to represent Team Canada at the World Cup in October, we are honoured and excited to continue our impact, fueled by collaboration and a shared commitment to positive change."

Saint Mary’s University mourns the passing of Arthur L. Irving

The Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre at Saint Mary’s University

The Saint Mary’s University community joins business and community leaders across our region and our country to mourn the passing of Arthur L. Irving, one of Canada’s most respected business and community leaders and a prominent and visionary philanthropist.  

Arthur Irving, Sandra Irving DCL’10 and Sarah Irving, along with the Arthur L. Irving Family Foundation and Irving Oil, made a transformational gift of $5 million to the Saint Mary's University's Entrepreneurship Centre. In recognition of this investment, the centre was renamed the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre.  This generous gift showcases a deep commitment to student success, educational excellence and the development of future business leaders.  

“With the passing of Arthur L. Irving, we have lost an iconic figure in Canadian business and a highly respected son of Atlantic Canada,” said President and Vice-Chancellor Robert Summerby-Murray. “Arthur’s life and legacy exemplify entrepreneurship, business acumen and dedication to community and philanthropy. Saint Mary’s University is honoured to be home to the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre where his legacy will continue through our student entrepreneurs who are being empowered to lead change and build a better world. I want to express my condolences to the family, particularly to Sandra Irving and Sarah Irving, on the immense loss that Arthur Irving’s passing represents.”  

We invite the campus community to sign a book of condolences that will be available in the lobby of the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre on May 15.

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.