Current students

Tyler Cormier’s entrepreneurial journey began at home, where both of his parents ran their own businesses for over 30 years. Growing up in this environment, Tyler was inspired by the freedom, innovation, and problem-solving that entrepreneurship provided.

During his undergraduate years, Tyler took courses at the Conrad School of Entrepreneurship and Business, where he quickly realized that the program’s dynamic culture, innovative approach, and inspiring professors were aligned with his ambitions. This led him to pursue a Minor in Entrepreneurship alongside his Honours Sports Business degree and start his own business.

Eager to further hone his entrepreneurial skills, Tyler turned to the Master of Business, Entrepreneurship, and Technology (MBET) program. For him, MBET was the perfect opportunity to deepen his entrepreneurial mindset and gain hands-on experience. The program equipped him with the practical tools and strategic thinking required to navigate the challenges of starting and growing a business in today’s fast-paced, ever-changing world.

Meet Avery Kelly, a current Master of Business, Entrepreneurship, and Technology (MBET) student at the University of Waterloo. Avery graduated in June 2024 with an Honours Arts and Business degree, majoring in Legal Studies.

"Transitioning from undergraduate studies to the graduate-level Conrad School of Entrepreneurship and Business has been an incredible experience, and I’m excited to share my journey and how it’s shaped my career path.

My introduction to the Conrad School and the MBET program began during my undergraduate years. I took BET 210, a course within the Arts and Business program that really opened my eyes to the world of entrepreneurship and business. The course connected the theoretical business concepts I was learning in the ARBUS program with real-world applications, which sparked my interest in pursuing more business-focused learning.

As I began researching graduate programs at the University of Waterloo, I was drawn to the hands-on learning and the strong integration MBET has with the local KW community. I wanted to ensure that I wasn’t falling behind in terms of work experience, and the MBET program offered the perfect opportunity to develop and apply entrepreneurial skills in real-world settings. I found out more about the program online and even connected with members of the UW Athletics department, which helped me decide that MBET was the right choice for me."

Rashi’s decision to pursue the MBET program stemmed from her passion for innovation, technology, and social good. With a strong entrepreneurial lineage, Rashi had already gained valuable experience in leading Teknic Euchner—a company at the forefront of integrating Industry 4.0 technologies to optimize supply chains and drive automation. But her entrepreneurial aspirations also extended beyond the family business. Motivated by the challenges women in India face in accessing reliable healthcare, Rashi launched a startup aimed at improving women’s health outcomes through a tech-enabled platform.

“Through my startup, I saw firsthand the challenges of scaling impact-driven solutions,” Rashi shared. “The MBET program stood out to me because of its strong focus on bridging business and technology, and the opportunity it offered to refine my business acumen while gaining access to mentorship.”

Meet Eugenia Dadzie, an Entrepreneurial PhD Fellow and MBET student in the part-time Master of Business, Entrepreneurship and Technology program.

"Entrepreneurship wasn’t originally part of my plan, but as I immersed myself in Waterloo’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, the opportunity to start a company with colleagues emerged. It wasn’t a single defining moment that led me down this path but rather a series of doors opening, each offering new opportunities.

As a Black entrepreneur and academic, I place significant value on representation. Mentoring others who can relate to my journey is something I find deeply rewarding, and I take the responsibility to heart. I’m mindful of the added pressures that often come with being one of the few in a field, where the need to validate one's presence can feel constant. These challenges are real, and I’m interested in supporting others in navigating them, helping them recognize their worth and build confidence in their abilities."

Meet Chinazom Uwaoma, a part-time student in the Master of Business, Entrepreneurship and Technology program.

"The entrepreneurial journey is long and challenging, but my cultural background has instilled in me the principles of tenacity and grit. My leadership style is deeply influenced by a saying from my Igbo heritage: "Igwe bu ike," which translates to "Community is strength."

I believe that we are strengthened by the differences we bring, not by our commonalities; our commonalities are the tools by which we harness our differences for the greater good. Predicated on the premise that everyone has something to offer, anchored on the core values of respect, mutual trust, and integrity.

Representation is crucial in keeping the vision alive. Seeing successful individuals who look like me reminds me that my goals are attainable. If I can see it, I can pursue it. Representation fosters belief, determination, and inspiration for future generations".

At the Conrad School of Entrepreneurship and Business, innovation is not just a buzzword—it’s the foundation of everything we do.

As we look toward the future, we are thrilled to spotlight some of the exceptional students in our community who have been featured in the University of Waterloo's Global Futures: Innovation Update 2025.

These students are making waves with groundbreaking ideas that could change the world. From tackling food waste to advancing medical diagnostics, these individuals are showing that the future of entrepreneurship is in good hands.

Meet Kwaku Owusu Twum, a PhD Candidate in Sustainability Management and an Entrepreneurial PhD fellow in the Master of Business, Entrepreneurship, and Technology (MBET) program at the University of Waterloo.

"It is vital to ensure that Black communities are not just participants but leaders in shaping sustainable futures. Representation matters—it creates pathways for others to believe in their potential and amplify their contributions to a global stage.

To aspiring Black entrepreneurs and academics: Your voice, ideas, and contributions are needed now more than ever. Stay resilient, seek mentorship, and never underestimate the power of your vision to drive change. Black history is a story of innovation and strength—let’s honour it by building a future where we all thrive."

person with black shoulder length hair stands in front of green background wearing light brown sweater

Black students from the Conrad School of Entrepreneurship and Business share their experiences and insights on what it means to be a Black entrepreneur in honour of Black History Month.

Meet Hope Pembe: Founder Associate at HeadCoach, which is a platform dedicated to building emotional intelligence in athletes to enhance their well-being and performance in both sport and life as well as a full-time student in the Master of Business, Entrepreneurship and Technology (MBET) program.

"The MBET program has been a game-changer for me. It’s given me the tools to think critically, approach problems strategically, and turn my creative vision into actionable solutions. Beyond the education, it has provided a space to test and refine my ideas while collaborating with peers and mentors who inspire me to think bigger and execute better. That kind of support has been invaluable.

The program’s focus on innovation and entrepreneurial thinking has helped me fine-tune HeadCoach’s direction, ensuring we’re not just following trends but leading the way in the mental well-being space. It has given me the knowledge, support, and confidence to take HeadCoach and any future ventures to the next level."

The Master of Business, Entrepreneurship, and Technology (MBET) program at the University of Waterloo has been a transformative experience, blending my corporate and entrepreneurial background into a launchpad for growth. As someone with a Degree in Business Administration and a Graduate Diploma in Business Analytics, MBET has allowed me to build on these foundations and explore new avenues for growth and innovation.

My journey began with 9 years in the international airline industry, where I honed my leadership skills and strategic mindset as a Corporate Manager. Transitioning to entrepreneurship, I co-founded an eCommerce startup that grew to a $10M valuation in just four years and later launched Ross Hill Art, promoting Canadian art to global audiences.

MBET is much more than just academic rigour or venture building—it’s about the people. The faculty, staff, and peers have created an environment that’s collaborative, energizing, and endlessly motivating. Every single day, I look forward to stepping into class and being part of this dynamic community.

We are thrilled to congratulate Dr. Janet Boekhorst, Conrad Research Excellence Chair and Associate Professor at the Conrad School of Entrepreneurship and Business, for being selected as one of the winners of the 2023-2024 Faculty of Engineering Teaching Excellence Award!

Professor Boekhorst’s commitment to fostering innovation, engagement, and transformative learning experiences for students strengthens the future of entrepreneurship and business education at the University of Waterloo.

Current students

Alumni Impact Series: Tyler Cormier's Journey from Entrepreneur to Innovator

Building on Business: Avery Kelly’s Path from Undergraduate to MBET

Alumni Impact Series: Rashi Jaising - Driving Innovation and Social Impact Through Entrepreneurship

Black History Month Reflections - Eugenia

Black History Month Reflections - Chinazom

Global Futures Innovation Update includes students from the Conrad School

Black History Month Reflections - Kwaku

Black History Month Reflections - Hope

My MBET Journey - New Lessons, Connections, and Inspiration!

Celebrating Teaching Excellence at Conrad School

Engineering Website Help