Meet the 2024 Entrepreneurial PhD Fellowship recipients

In September, the Conrad School of Entrepreneurship and Business welcomed the 2024 cohort of the Entrepreneurial PhD Fellowship program. This innovative initiative brings University of Waterloo PhD students into the Master of Business, Entrepreneurship and Technology (MBET) classroom, blending their research with entrepreneurial flair.

The fellowships are designed to empower exceptional doctoral candidates who are eager to translate their research into commercial success.

Over the next three years, these promising scholars will embark on a tuition-free, part-time journey through the MBET program, complementing their doctoral studies and paving the way for groundbreaking ventures.

Venture name, idea or focus?

Venture "Glucovangaurd" specializes in advanced RF, microwave, and antenna technologies, with a specific focus on designing radar-based systems enhanced by near-field focused metasurfaces for bio-sensing healthcare applications. The venture aims to pioneer innovations in non-invasive human health monitoring, including real-time wearable glucose monitoring and early cancer detection technologies. By leveraging near-field focused metasurfaces, Glucovangaurd aims to revolutionize healthcare by significantly enhancing the accuracy, sensitivity, and reliability of diagnostic and monitoring tools.

Why MBET?

I chose the MBET program to deepen my entrepreneurial mindset and acquire cutting-edge business strategies essential for commercializing innovative RF, microwave, and antenna technologies. The program's focus on integrating theoretical knowledge with practical entrepreneurship skills aligns perfectly with my goal to advance non-invasive human health monitoring solutions like real-time wearable glucose monitoring and early cancer detection. Ultimately, I aim to leverage these skills and insights to establish a startup company that leads innovation in healthcare technology.

Venture name, idea or focus?

I am working on Pyroguard, a new material to replace hazardous linings in firefighter gear and other PPE

Why MBET?

I chose the MBET program on the recommendation of my co-founder Kade Truman, who is a graduate of the [MBET] program, and to get more experience and knowledge about how to effectively run a deep tech startup.

Venture name, idea or focus?

My focus is on the commercialization of the metamaterial camera for medicine. 

Why MBET?

I chose the MBET program as its integrated approach was unique among all post-graduate programs worldwide. The opportunity to learn about business while pursuing research simultaneously feels key for success in deep tech fields, such as mine. 

Venture name, idea or focus?

The lack of educational facilities for the growing global population, financial barriers, and the rising emphasis on inclusive education has driven a shift towards using various educational assistive technologies, including mobile learning applications and socially assistive robots. These technologies, which offer promising applications in various fields, such as speech therapy for children with speech and language disorders, aim to promote equity in education by ensuring that every child with language disorders, regardless of their background, has access to the necessary resources and opportunities to succeed. Based on the conducted studies, we hypothesize that interacting with assistive tools, which function as therapist assistants in speech therapy interventions, enhances children’s engagement, improves the efficacy of therapeutic interventions, fosters language-based communication, and strengthens individuals’ language skills.

The business idea focuses on commercializing two main products: a low-cost, emotionally interactive robotic platform capable of lip-syncing non-predefined texts, primarily for deployment in therapeutic interventions, and a mobile/tablet application with the same objective, designed as a personal training tool.

Why MBET?

The MBET program will significantly enhance my business skills, providing the knowledge and practical experience necessary to launch my venture. Its comprehensive curriculum covers key areas like innovation, finance, and strategic management, offering a deeper understanding of the business landscape. The program’s focus on real-world applications and entrepreneurial thinking will also equip me with the tools and confidence to turn my ideas into successful business endeavours. I aspire that this product will contribute to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion by providing vital support to children facing language disorders, ensuring they have equal opportunities for growth and participation.

Venture name, idea or focus?

Biodiversity Action Lab: A Research, Education, and Training Portal

Why MBET?

I chose MBET because it is a unique program enabling the commercialization of a research-based start-up.

Venture name, idea or focus?

We are developing a fully automated platform to audit smart contracts for security vulnerabilities and automatically repair them using automated software testing, verification, and Artificial Intelligence techniques like LLMs.The scope would be the security of Blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI)

Why MBET?

I chose the MBET program to develop my entrepreneurial skills further and gain deeper business insights that will enhance my ability to turn technical innovations into viable business ventures. I am also eager to connect with like-minded individuals and potentially find co-founders with whom I can collaborate to launch new ventures or scale existing ones.

Venture name, idea or focus?

Gradient 

Our venture focuses on manufacturing cost-effective gas sensing arrays that are both sensitive and selective to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in human breath, which can serve as indicators of serious diseases. Our ultimate goal is to commercialize these sensors as wearable electronics, specifically targeting underserved populations such as Indigenous communities in remote areas. By enabling early disease detection through breath analysis, we aim to help provide equitable healthcare to those who may not have regular access to medical facilities.

Why MBET?

I am confident that the venture we are developing is highly promising and has the potential for rapid success. While I have a strong technical background and expertise in developing the technology, I recognize the importance of enhancing my entrepreneurial skills to successfully bring this venture to market. The MBET program provides the perfect opportunity for me to gain the business acumen and entrepreneurial training needed to launch and scale our gas sensing technology. I believe the program’s focus on entrepreneurship, mentorship, and real-world applications will equip me with the tools I need to turn our innovative idea into a successful and impactful venture.

Venture name, idea or focus?

My venture, Geomount Inc., specializes in using GEOAI, LIDAR, and multi-sensory data integration for geospatial applications, including structural inspections, environmental assessments, and storm management solutions.

Why MBET?

I chose the MBET program to further develop my entrepreneurial skills and commercialize my research in storm management, bridging the gap between academia and industry.

Venture name, idea or focus?

My primary focus is to make digital technologies accessible to all, regardless of geographical, educational, or socio-economic background. At Mapkot Technologies, we’re contributing to revolutionizing agriculture, one of the world's oldest and most tech-laggard industries. As a pioneering Agtech company, we empower SMEs across agricultural value chains in the global south to make data-driven decisions. Mapkot specializes in overcoming diverse tech-access barriers, providing innovative solutions that enhance operational efficiency, sustainability, and resilience for all food stakeholders (farmers, manufacturers, distributors, etc), and driving the future of agriculture through actionable insights and strategic innovation. 

Why MBET?

I chose the Master of Business, Entrepreneurship, and Technology (MBET) program at the University of Waterloo because it offers the perfect blend of practical business skills, entrepreneurial thinking, and technological expertise. This program allows me to build my commercial abilities in a dynamic environment surrounded by like-minded individuals who share a passion for innovation. The opportunity to be mentored by experienced professionals and to belong to a supportive community is invaluable, as it will guide me in leveraging resources such as technology, training, and networking to create global impacts. The MBET program is a crucial step in my journey to make a meaningful difference in the world through innovative solutions. 

Venture name, idea or focus?

I am focused on assessing the impact of different configurations of Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) windows on occupants' view quality using Virtual Reality. My research aims to understand how BIPV windows influence the visual experience of building occupants, considering that window view quality significantly affects well-being and comfort. Through my venture, I plan to develop tools and guidelines that help architects and designers optimize BIPV window configurations to balance energy efficiency with high window view quality, and visually pleasing views, ultimately enhancing occupant comfort and sustainable design practices.

Why MBET?

My journey in architectural design during my seven years in Iran was driven by a commitment to merging aesthetics with sustainability. As I delve deeper into the study of BIPV and its impact on occupant well-being, I recognize the need to extend the impact of my research beyond academia and into the real world. The MBET program offers an unparalleled opportunity to bridge this gap, providing me with the entrepreneurial mindset and business strategies essential for transforming innovative ideas into market-ready solutions. What excites me most about MBET is its focus on practical, hands-on learning within a collaborative environment. The chance to interact with a diverse group of peers, mentors, and industry leaders will enrich my perspective and fuel my ambition to create design solutions that are not only sustainable but also enhance the quality of life for building occupants. By integrating the entrepreneurial insights gained through MBET with my technical expertise, I aim to introduce advancements in architectural design that prioritize both energy efficiency and human comfort, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and livable built environment.