The Conrad School of Entrepreneurship and Business community is proud to celebrate two remarkable University of Waterloo alumni, Holden Beggs and Jackson Mills, who have recently been named on Forbes’ prestigious "30 Under 30" list in the education category! Their innovative work and entrepreneurial spirit have earned them a place among the most influential young leaders shaping the future of education.
Holden and Jackson's journey began at the Conrad School of Entrepreneurship and Business, where their paths crossed through the Enterprise Co-op (E Co-op) program and Professor Wayne Chang's BET 300 (Foundations of Venture Creation) course. Though they each participated in these programs separately, they share a deep connection to the Conrad School, which played a pivotal role in their entrepreneurial development.
Holden, an Engineering alumnus, and Jackson, a Math alumnus, first met in 2020 through the Conrad School during a series of networking events. As the COVID-19 pandemic began to reshape the world, the two young innovators identified an opportunity to create something truly impactful. Their startup, Zero Experience, was born out of a shared desire to help students who were struggling to secure co-op placements during the early days of the pandemic.
In the spring of 2020, as the world shifted into lockdown, Holden and Jackson, supported by the Conrad School, piloted Zero Experience for over 30 students who had lost their original co-op placements due to the pandemic. The program, which combined experiential learning with virtual opportunities, provided students with valuable skills and experiences to help them navigate the uncertainty of the time.
Larry Smith, Founder and Senior Researcher of The Problem Lab and an Adjunct Associate Professor at the Conrad School, recognized the potential in Holden and Jackson early on. “Holden and Jackson are both high-potential individuals and together they form an extraordinary team,” said Larry. “Their accolade is well-deserved, and it has been my honour to work with them.”
Zero Experience continued to grow, evolving into a powerful platform that empowers students to gain experience, build their networks, and develop their careers. In the fall of 2020, Larry and the Problem Lab team helped guide the next stage of Zero Experience's expansion, providing invaluable mentorship and resources that further fueled its success.
Today, Holden and Jackson's work continues to make waves in the world of education and entrepreneurship. Their inclusion in the Forbes 30 Under 30 list is a testament to their passion, dedication, and vision. It is a well-deserved recognition of their contributions to reshaping the future of education and empowering the next generation of leaders.
Congratulations, Holden and Jackson! Your achievement is a source of pride for the Conrad School, the University of Waterloo, and is an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs everywhere.