Student behind AI ranching technology wins $10,000 grand prize in The Arena 2026
Haden Harrison, a Bachelor of Commerce student from the University of Calgary, has been named champion and awarded the $10,000 grand prize in The Arena, Saint Mary’s University’s national pitch competition.
After 31 days of intense competition, with over 64 participants from 41 post-secondary institutions across Canada, Haden emerged as this year’s champion with his innovative agtech startup, Agrivanna, which provides AI-powered virtual fencing and comprehensive herd management solutions tailored for large-scale Canadian ranching.
Haden presents his pitch on Agrivanna at The Arena
“The Arena has been a highly professional and very well executed event, truly one of the best I’ve been a part of. Competing in a unique bracket-style format is something I had never experienced before, and in the spirit of innovation and trying new things, this structure has been both enlightening and a lot of fun,” says Haden. “It has also pushed us to sharpen our story, pressure-test our business model, and connect with an incredible community of founders, mentors, and supporters.”
The Arena, presented by the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre at Saint Mary’s University and sponsored by Metronomics, is a high-stakes, high-energy pitch showdown. Sixty-four of Canada’s most promising student entrepreneurs compete live, under pressure, for the title of the nation’s top innovator and a $10,000 prize.
Modelled after the NCAA March Madness championship, The Arena unfolds in a bracket-style competition from March 3 to April 2. Each matchup is a standalone battle—fast, focused and decisive. Pitches are delivered live. Judges deliberate in real time. Winners advance. All matches are streamed online, drawing audiences from across the country.
Throughout March, participants competed in a head-to-head pitch competition, presenting their ventures to panels of expert judges. In total, $17,000 in prizes were awarded: $10,000 to the first-place winner, $5,000 to the runner-up, and $1,000 each to third and fourth place. Prizes were sponsored by Metronomics, founded by Saint Mary’s alum Shannon Byrne Susko BComm’89 BSc’92,
“We’re thrilled to be presenting The Arena for the sixth year in a row. The Arena isn’t just a competition. It’s where Canada’s next innovators step into the spotlight,” said Michael Sanderson, Director of the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre. He adds, “The Arena would not be possible without partners such as Shannon Byrne Susko. We are also so thankful to our elite panel of judges, who, with their vast range of expertise, bring invaluable experience to the competition.”
This year, the judging panel featured seven distinguished judges representing the vast range of Canada’s business landscape. Alongside Shannon was Mark Brand, Chef & Social Impact Entrepreneur, Upward Kitchens; Janice Buchanan, Director of Marketing & Agency Services, Irving Oil; Jennifer Grimm, Founder, LUX Beauty; Catherine Bagnell Styles, Co-Owner, Gallery on Lincoln; Dr. Michael Khan, President and Vice-Chancellor, Saint Mary’s University; and Diane Lafontaine, Chief Marketing and Corporate Strategy Officer, BDC.
“The Arena is where bold ideas meet real-world pressure,” said competition judge Diane Lafontaine. “It was exciting to watch the final competitors rise to the moment and prove they’re ready to build something that matters.”
Impressed with both finalists, Metronomics awarded the second-place winner, Meghan Brar from the University of Guelph, an additional $5,000, bringing this year's prizes to $22,000.
Since its launch in 2021, The Arena has awarded over $93,000 in prizes and showcased more than 380 student ventures from across Canada. With a focus on growth, innovation and cultivating the entrepreneurial mindset, the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre continues to support the next generation of founders.
Final round of The Arena 2026 features top student innovators from across Canada
After four weeks of head-to-head competition and standout pitches, The Arena 2026 is heading into its final round, bringing together some of the top student entrepreneurs from across Canada.
Now in its sixth year, The Arena, hosted by the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre, has grown significantly in both reach and reputation, with a record 41 post-secondary institutions participating. What began with 64 student competitors has now narrowed to just two finalists, each representing the increasing ambition and innovation of student founders nationwide.
Moving into the final round of competition are Haden Harrison from the University of Calgary and Meghan Brar from the University of Guelph.
Haden founded Agrivanna, an agtech startup providing AI-powered virtual fencing and comprehensive herd management solutions tailored for large-scale Canadian ranching.
Meghan created Belaris Biotech, a medtech venture focused on advancing regenerative medicine through smart drug-delivery systems.
While both ventures are in different industries, they share a common goal: building solutions that are innovative, scalable and meaningful. Their final pitches will test not only their ideas but also their ability to clearly communicate and execute them under pressure.
As the competition has evolved, so too has the calibre of talent, with participants and judges setting a new standard for excellence.
“Now into its sixth year, we’ve set a new standard. We see the level of ambition get better every year, and this cohort is no exception,” says Michael Sanderson, Director of the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre. “By recruiting national business leaders to support our student entrepreneurs, we’ve turned The Arena into a platform where students aren’t just pitching ideas, they’re building real, scalable businesses.”
Beyond the diverse range of student ventures showcased this year, the final round features a panel of seven distinguished judges representing Canada’s business landscape. Spanning across sectors from banking and technology to social entrepreneurship and investment, these leaders, many of whom have built and scaled their own companies, bring invaluable, firsthand experience to the stage.
"I'm thrilled to be judging The Arena because the next generation of Canadian entrepreneurs deserves a stage that matches their ambition,” says Mark Brand, Chef & Social Impact Entrepreneur, Upward Kitchens.
“Right here in Nova Scotia, that entrepreneurial energy is the backbone of our communities, and this competition pushes student founders to sharpen their ideas, think on their feet and rise to the moment. I can’t wait to see what they bring.”
Alongside Mark, the judging panel also includes Shannon Byrne Susko BComm’89 BSc’92 (Metronomics), Diane Lafontaine (BDC), Janice Buchanan (Irving Oil), Jennifer Grimm (LUX Beauty), Orlane Panet (MicroHabitat) and Dr. Michael Khan (Saint Mary’s University).
Together, these judges have the experience to see exactly how a startup can grow, run smoothly and stay successful in the long run. They’ll be looking at each pitch from every angle—from the big-picture strategy to the day-to-day details. To learn more about this year’s judges, visit our webpage.
Watch the final round live
With two exceptional competitors and a panel of experienced judges, the stage is set for a compelling final round, one that reflects how far The Arena has come and the new standard it continues to set for student pitch competitions in Canada.
The Arena 2026 finals will take place on Thursday, April 2, at 7 p.m. ADT, where one finalist will be named the next champion and awarded the $10,000 grand prize sponsored by Metronomics, founded by CEO Shannon Susko BComm’89 BSc’92.
A finals watch party will be held at the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre at Saint Mary’s University, 5907 Gorsebrook Avenue, in room SH211.
Can’t make it? You can also tune in live on LinkedIn, YouTube or Facebook.
New Bachelor of Engineering degree starting this fall
Saint Mary’s University is proud to announce the launch of an exciting new program, the Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) in Resource Engineering.
The first cohort of students will begin in September 2026 and will choose to specialize in one of two distinct streams: Mining Engineering or Renewable Energy Engineering.
Designed in collaboration with industry, the new degree builds on a 100+ year history of delivering foundational engineering education at Saint Mary’s. The BEng is modern, interdisciplinary and is squarely aligned with regional and national priorities.
From the materials used in buildings and technology to the energy that powers homes and cities, engineers play a critical role in designing systems that responsibly produce and manage the resources required to support society.
The Bachelor of Engineering in Resource Engineering equips students to address the full lifecycle of resource development, from land use planning to construction and operation to reclamation, with a balanced curriculum that addresses technical, environmental, economic and societal considerations.
The two program specializations feature common core programming, with education in areas such as environmental impact assessment and risk management, lifecycle cost analysis, project management, geomatics and engineering design.
Students who specialize in Mining Engineering will undertake additional study in surface and underground mining methods, structural geology and rock mechanics, and environmental contaminants. Students in the Renewable Energy Engineering stream study solar and wind systems, biomass utilization, grid integration and energy storage technologies.
Along with coursework, the program includes 16 months of integrated co-op work placements, allowing students to connect in-class learning with real-world experience and to begin building their industry networks prior to graduation.
“Hands-on work experience is such a critical part of engineering education,” says Dr. Sam Veres, Dean of Science at Saint Mary’s. “We’ve created a co-op program structure that’s ideal for both students and employers, where students will be able to spend 16 continuous months with a single employer, or two consecutive eight-month terms with different employers and really have the opportunity to establish themselves in the workplace, be valuable employees, and build relationships that jumpstart their careers.”
Students will study in SMU’s Engineering building, which opened in 2024
The importance of hands-on learning is apparent throughout the engineering curriculum at Saint Mary’s, with students undertaking a range of laboratory experiences and design projects beginning in first year. Students in the Resource Engineering program will get to complete five courses focused on engineering design, including an industry-based design course connected to co-op, and a two-semester-long capstone project.
“Our class sizes are strategically kept small, which gives our students opportunities for one-on-one interactions with professors for support or extra challenges, or to think about next steps in their academic and future careers,” explains Don MacNeil, the director of the Division of Engineering.
“Working in small teams facilitates the creative thinking process and encourages students to consider other perspectives, allowing them to generate innovative solutions to tackle real-life and challenging problems.”
The Division of Engineering, part of the Faculty of Science at Saint Mary’s, is based in the university’s new Engineering Building, located on campus at 960 Tower Road, Halifax.
Saint Mary’s students earn recognition as 2026 Frank H. Sobey Award winners
Olivian Sanderson
Conrad Scotchburn
Two students from Saint Mary's University have been named among the eight recipients of the prestigious Frank H. Sobey Awards for Excellence in Business Studies, recognizing their outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and commitment to community impact.
Olivian Sanderson of Pugwash, Nova Scotia, a third-year student known for her strong academic performance and active engagement in the Saint Mary’s community, and Conrad Scotchburn of Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, a fourth-year student recognized for his leadership and commitment to excellence in business studies, are the University’s 2026 award recipients. Selected through a rigorous process, they were chosen from a competitive pool of 34 nominees put forward by business school deans across Atlantic Canada.
Each year, the Frank H. Sobey Awards celebrate undergraduate business students who demonstrate excellence not only in academics but also in entrepreneurship, leadership, philanthropy and future career potential. This year’s cohort reflects a diverse and accomplished group of emerging leaders from across the region.
As award recipients, they will each receive $50,000 and be paired with an experienced mentor through the program—an element consistently highlighted by past winners as one of the award’s most valuable aspects.
Demonstrating leadership and peer support
During her time at Saint Mary’s, Olivian has been active in programs at the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre, including the award-winning Enactus team. This helped her create Sociable, an online community platform that helps students connect, get peer support and gain access to campus events. "The Frank H. Sobey Award gives me space and the resources needed to build my business or start other ventures that also contribute to the mission I have of helping young students," she said.
Conrad used his experience as a former varsity athlete and business student to create Sideline Reset, an app that connects student athletes with peers who share their unique mental health concerns. "Winning the Frank H. Sobey Award is an incredible honour and validation of the hard work I put in." Learn more about their businesses in the videos below.
In addition to the eight winners, 26 other finalists will receive $3,500 scholarships in recognition of their achievements.
Established in 1989, the Frank H. Sobey Awards for Excellence in Business Studies support the development of future business leaders at universities across Atlantic Canada. Since its inception, the program has awarded more than $4 million to students.
For Saint Mary’s, the recognition highlights the strength of its business students and their growing impact both locally and globally.
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Huskies student-athletes raise record $28,489 for Special Olympics in annual MotionballU event
Food service: What's open over Easter weekend
See below for a reminder of what's open for food service on campus April 3-6, or visit https://smuca.campusdish.com/
Open:
DOCKSIDE: Fri-Mon, 9 a.m.–9 p.m.
C-STORE: Fri - Mon, 11 a.m.– 6 p.m.
Closed
TIM HORTONS
STARBUCKS
STUDENT CENTRE FOOD COURT
GORSEBROOK LOUNGE
SANDWICH SHACK
LATE NIGHT DELIVERY
From Halifax to national policy: How Peter Mackenzie MAE’20 found his path in economics
Peter MacKenzie graduated from the Master of Applied Economics program in the Sobey School of Business in 2020
When Peter Mackenzie MAE'20 first enrolled in the Master of Applied Economics program at Saint Mary's University, a PhD wasn’t part of the plan. Today, he’s helping shape national conversations on Canada’s economy as a Senior Policy Analyst at the C.D. Howe Institute—a journey he credits in large part to his time in Halifax.
“I honestly wasn’t sure exactly what I wanted to do after my undergraduate degree,” Mackenzie says. “But the MAE program stood out. It looked like a great opportunity to apply economics to real-world problems, and that really drew me in.”
Discovering a passion for economics
Originally from Ontario, Mackenzie came to Halifax for its strong academic reputation and the applied focus of the MAE program. What he found was something more transformative than expected.
“I liked economics before,” he explains, “but the program really deepened that interest. It got me to a point where I wanted to commit another five years to studying it.”
That decision led him to pursue a PhD at York University, specializing in econometrics, a field that combines statistical methods with economic theory to analyze data and inform policy decisions.
Learning by doing
A defining moment in Mackenzie’s academic journey came through his master’s thesis. This was the first time he led a full-scale research project from start to finish.
“That experience was huge,” he says. “Learning how to design research, analyze data and communicate findings clearly are skills I still rely on every day.”
Those skills carried him through his doctoral studies and into roles at institutions such as the Bank of Canada, where he worked as an economics PhD intern, and later into his current position at the C.D. Howe Institute.
Today, his work focuses on financial services research and economic analysis, including contributions to widely read commentary on Canada’s GDP performance and economic outlook.
Making sense of Canada’s economy
Mackenzie recently co-authored a piece examining Canada’s economic resilience in the face of global uncertainty. While many predicted a downturn, the economy proved more stable than expected.
“People were expecting a recession, and we didn’t see that,” he explains. “In some ways, the economy performed better than anticipated, but there’s still room for improvement.”
It’s this balance—combining data-driven analysis with real-world implications—that continues to motivate his work.
“One of the things I love about economics is how versatile it is,” he says. “You can apply it to almost any issue, especially when it comes to public policy.”
Advice for future economists
For current and prospective students, Mackenzie emphasizes both effort and genuine interest.
Peter’s cohort in the Master of Applied Economics program
“Work hard, but also make sure you enjoy what you’re doing,” he advises. “The MAE program prepares you really well for careers in economics and public policy, but that passion is what carries you forward.”
Looking back, he credits not just the program, but the people and environment for shaping his path.
“The professors, my cohort, the city itself...it all contributed to an experience that really solidified my direction,” he says. “It’s a great place to study, and I’d highly recommend it.”
From uncertainty to impact, Peter Mackenzie’s journey is a testament to where curiosity, strong mentorship, and applied learning can lead—and how Saint Mary’s continues to prepare graduates to shape the world around them.
Research Expo highlights innovation and collaboration across campus
President Michael Khan learns about a SMU research project at the Research Expo
Saint Mary’s welcomed more than 150 participants to this year’s Research Expo, a key annual event showcasing the range of research underway across campus. The Expo featured 30 exhibitors and a series of engaging three‑minute pitch presentations on topics spanning early‑literacy challenges, health and well‑being, and end‑of‑life care preferences.
The Research Expo is an annual event that allows faculty, staff, students and external partners to connect, exchange ideas and spark new collaborations. Representatives from Science, Arts, and the Sobey School of Business joined colleagues from industry, government, and community organizations to explore ongoing and emerging projects from across the university.
Dr. Bitu Hurisso, Chemistry Lab Technician, received the Staff Research Recognition Award from Dr. Adam Sarty, AVP Research and Dean of FGSR
An event highlight was the presentation of the Staff Research Recognition Award, given annually since 2010 to a staff member who has demonstrated exceptional support for faculty research. This year’s recipient, Dr. Bitu Hurisso, serves as the Chemistry Laboratory Technician and is widely recognized for his expertise, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to student and faculty success. Dr. Hurisso was praised for his solutions‑focused leadership, his expertise in maintaining advanced instrumentation, and his valued role as an instructor and mentor to students within the chemistry department.
The Research Expo is hosted by the Office of Innovation and Community Engagement (OICE) within the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, which works to facilitate research partnerships between Saint Mary’s scholars and external organizations, including companies, government bodies and not‑for‑profits.
By bringing people and ideas together, the Research Expo continues to strengthen connections across campus and support the vibrant research culture at Saint Mary’s.
For more details about the presenters, visit the Research Expo website.
Photo gallery
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The Research Expo was featured on CTV News
New exhibit at Patrick Power Library celebrates Black Canadian Histories
To mark its 50th anniversary and the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on March 21, the Patrick Power Library proudly hosted the launch of Black Threads of the Canadian Tapestry, a new exhibition by artist Donna Paris and photographer David Zapparoli.
Featuring compelling portraits and accompanying audio stories, the exhibition highlights the diverse lived experiences of Black Canadians and invites visitors to engage with them in a meaningful way.
The launch event brought together students, faculty, staff and community members for an afternoon of reflection and celebration. Emceed by Associate Dean Hansel Cook, the program included remarks from Dean Suzanne van den Hoogen and Provost Dr. Shannon Dea, a moving libation ceremony by Black community members Ayo Aladejebi and Robert Meek, and a powerful spoken-word performance by second-year Arts student Anecia Shephard. Paris and Zapparoli also shared insights into the stories and artistic process behind the project.
The exhibition is now open on the first floor of the Patrick Power Library and will remain on display until Saturday, March 28. Visitors can explore a central banner and view portraits that link via QR code to personal oral‑history interviews recorded by the artists.
Black Threads of the Canadian Tapestry is supported by the Patrick Power Library and Saint Mary’s University, with contributions from the Director of Diversity, Inclusion and Wellness and the Black Student Advisor. Additional funding was provided by the Ontario Arts Council and the Canada Council for the Arts.
Watch:
The event was featured on CTV News
How leaders at the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre are building their own venture
Michael Sanderson MBA’08 and Meredith Drost BComm’19 MTEI’25, leaders at the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre, have started their own venture called Athena’s Playground
At the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre, supporting entrepreneurs doesn’t stop at mentorship; it often means leading by example. That’s exactly what the Director, Michael Sanderson MBA’08 and Manager, Business Design, Meredith Drost BComm’19 MTEI’25 and their third co-founder, Mukul Gupta BSc’14, are doing through their latest venture, Athena’s Playground.
They co-founded Athena’s Playground, an online learning platform designed to bring people together through shared interests; whether that’s cooking, dance, photography or other creative pursuits. Building on the idea that learning should feel accessible, social and inspiring, the platform creates a community where people can explore new hobbies and connect with others from around the world.
“We wanted to create something that makes learning feel more accessible, connected and rooted in community,” says Meredith Drost. “Turning lessons from local experts into bite-sized micro-sessions makes new skills more attainable.”
The venture is entering an exciting new phase with the launch of its Kickstarter campaign. For the co-founders, the campaign represents more than just fundraising—it’s an opportunity to test, validate and grow the business to 50 trainers, bringing on new courses and applying the same entrepreneurial principles they use every day at the Centre.
Their dual role as educators and active founders highlights a core strength of the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre: its commitment to experiential learning. By actively building and scaling a venture, Michael and Meredith are reinforcing the Centre’s approach of learning by doing, demonstrating what it looks like to take an idea from concept to market.
“This is exactly what we’re doing with Athena’s Playground,” says Michael Sanderson, “taking an idea and building it into something we can test, refine and grow.”
The Kickstarter campaign also reflects the collaborative and community-driven mindset that defines Athena’s Playground. Supporters are not just backing a product; they’re helping shape a platform designed to make learning more engaging and become a part of the community.
Through Athena’s Playground, Michael and Meredith are creating a new kind of learning platform while showing exactly what it means to lead from within the entrepreneurial journey.
Discover how the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre supports ventures like Athena’s Playground and follow their journey through their live Kickstarter campaign.
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The founders of Athena’s Playground were recently featured on Global News Morning Halifax.