Waterloo Engineering alumnus Martin Basiri (MASc ’13, mechanical engineering) – co-founder of Kitchener-based education powerhouse ApplyBoard – has been recognized by professional services firm EY Canada as one of the top entrepreneurs in the province.
Basiri, who came to study at Waterloo from his native Iran and later helped his brothers, Meti and Massi, come to Canada for school as well, is one of seven Ontario winners of EY Entrepreneur of the Year awards for 2022.
Martin Basiri, left, poses with Pearl Sullivan, the former dean of Waterloo Engineering, during a 2019 awards dinner.
“This year’s winners have proven they’re unstoppable as they lead with purpose, working towards greater sustainability, inclusivity and helping to create better futures for us all,” Stephanie Lamont, co-director of the program, said in a media release.
ApplyBoard was launched by the three Basiri brothers in 2015 to help international students apply to post-secondary institutions and high schools. It had achieved unicorn status with a $2-billion valuation by 2020.
They now move on to a competition with peers across the country for the national EY entrepreneur awards, with 10 winners to be announced in November.
Martin Basiri was honoured by Waterloo Engineering in 2019 with a Young Alumni Achievement Medal.