We are excited to highlight Ahmed Shahin, a current Entrepreneurial PhD Fellow in the part-time Master of Business, Entrepreneurship, and Technology (MBET) program at the Conrad School of Entrepreneurship and Business, who is making remarkable strides in both his research and entrepreneurial journey.
Ahmed is currently pursuing a PhD at the Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology, focusing on cutting-edge gas sensors and optoelectronic devices, with a particular interest in Spatial Atomic Layer Deposition (SALD).
Ahmed recently received the prestigious Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology Fellowship, an honour awarded to only about 30 students annually for demonstrating excellence in research, academic achievement, and commitment to sustainable development goals. This is the second year in a row that Ahmed has earned this recognition, and the fellowship comes with a $10,000 award. He received the award following a successful poster presentation showcasing his research.
What makes Ahmed’s work truly inspiring is his entrepreneurial spirit. He is actively involved in venture creation for Gradient, where he is developing innovative, cost-effective gas-sensing arrays designed to detect volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in human breath.
These sensors have the potential to detect serious diseases early, and the ultimate goal is to commercialize them as wearable electronics, especially for under-served communities such as Indigenous populations in remote areas. The focus on equitable healthcare and sustainability is a core part of Ahmed's mission.
Ahmed, who is currently in his first year of the Entrepreneurial PhD Fellowship within the part-time MBET program, is already focused on developing the essential entrepreneurial skills that will help him bring his venture to life. While he brings a strong technical background, Ahmed recognizes that success in entrepreneurship requires a broader skill set—one that goes beyond technical expertise.
The MBET program, with its emphasis on entrepreneurship, mentorship, and practical application, is providing Ahmed with the tools, knowledge, and experience he needs to effectively scale his venture and turn his vision into a reality. As he continues his studies, he is excited to apply what he learns to the growth of his business.
We are proud to support Ahmed as he aims to revolutionize healthcare through technology, and we can’t wait to see how his research and venture continue to grow and impact communities globally.
Congratulations, Ahmed, on your continued success—both in research and in entrepreneurship!