Current graduate students

Beginning a journey that commenced in the realms of healthcare research and academia, I found myself drawn to the dynamic world of entrepreneurship - a path that would lead me to new challenges, opportunities, and ultimately, to the Master of Business, Entrepreneurship, and Technology (MBET) program. My name is Kailimi Li, and I invite you to join me as I recount my transformational experiences and the pivotal role of collaboration in navigating the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The MBET program at Conrad School was the perfect catalyst for this transformation. Courses like Innovation and Consulting as well as Strategy Management not only broadened my understanding of business practices but also inspired me to think of ways to counter the norm within the construction industry.The program’s emphasis on experiential learning allowed me to engage directly with early-stage ventures, validating startup business models that resonate with real-world needs.

Friday, May 3, 2024

Think Bigger and Bolder 

San Francisco welcomed me and fellow MBET students from the Conrad School of Entrepreneurship and Business for an eye-opening trip to the heart of global tech innovation from April 9-11, 2024. We met with inspiring startup founders, learned directly from industry experts, and explored renowned tech giants. Here are a few of my main takeaways. 

From the beginning of my journey at the Conrad School of Entrepreneurship and Business at the University of Waterloo, I felt that I had made the right choice. The environment of innovation and cultural diversity here allowed me to connect with people with incredible professional trajectories from all over the world!

From large companies like Apple and Facebook to entrepreneurs from small and medium-sized businesses of colleagues from China, Egypt, Pakistan, Ghana, Nigeria, and many other places.


What makes the experience here so unique is the combination of a welcoming environment and a challenging curriculum that together promote both personal and professional growth.

As the winter 2024 term comes to a close, it’s time for a competition roundup to celebrate the successes of Conrad School students!

Graduate students in the Master of Business, Entrepreneurship and Technology (MBET) full and part-time programs as well as undergraduate students in BET 300, BET 320, or Enterprise Co-op (E Co-op) performed splendidly in both on- and off-campus competitions!

In total, we had 25 Conrad School students compete this term! Congratulations to all!

The Master of Business, Entrepreneurship and Technology (MBET) program provides students with the opportunity to gain invaluable hands-on training in venture capital investing through the University of Waterloo's Student Venture Fund (SVF).

Not only do students gain real-world experience sourcing deals, conducting due diligence, and pitching investments, but they also have the opportunity to participate in a prestigious venture capital competition.

This year, full-time MBET student Hisham Ismail had the honour of representing the Conrad School of Entrepreneurship and Business at the annual Venture Capital Investment Competition (VCIC) hosted by UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School. This marked the first time an MBET student had attended the competition, which draws top MBA talent from around the world!

The University of Waterloo is awarding Entrepreneurial PhD Fellowships to support outstanding, business-minded Waterloo doctoral students interested in commercializing their research. 

Up to ten successful fellowship applicants will be enrolled in the Master of Business, Entrepreneurship and Technology (MBET) part-time program at the Conrad School of Entrepreneurship and Business. Fellowship recipients can complete the three-year part-time program alongside their regular doctoral studies, tuition-free. Normally, domestic tuition for the program would total almost $35,000. 

“This exciting initiative keeps Waterloo at the forefront of entrepreneurship education and program innovation,” says Vivek Goel, president and vice-chancellor of the University of Waterloo. “As traditional academic career paths continue to evolve, these fellowships will support our talented Ph.D. students with creating research-based ventures that solve meaningful problems – bringing new technologies and solutions to market and driving economic growth.”

Friday, April 26, 2024 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm EDT (GMT -04:00)

Conrad Games/Blender

Please join us for the Conrad Games and Blender Event on Friday, April 26 @ 12:00 PM!

As always, there will be FREE FOOD!


This event is a great opportunity for collisions between: 

  • MBET students from the Full-time and Part-time programs
  • Current and former E Co-op/BET300 students 
  • Early-stage ventures and potential mentors 
  • Graduate and undergraduate students in Conrad School programs 


RSVP by April 19th if you plan on attending.

Friday, March 22, 2024 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm EDT (GMT -04:00)

Conrad Games/Blender Event

Please join us for the Conrad Games and Blender Event on Friday, March 22 @ 5:00 PM!

Students will be competing in a surprise challenge game when they arrive and can earn points which go toward cool prizes that will be awarded at the last game ($150 value!!). 

As always, there will be FREE FOOD!


This event is a great opportunity for collisions between: 

  • MBET students from the Full-time and Part-time programs
  • Current and former E Co-op/BET300 students 
  • Early stage ventures and potential mentors 
  • Graduate and undergraduate students in Conrad School programs 


RSVP by March 18th if you plan on attending.