From iBASE to Innovation

When Renison University College alumna Ella Meng arrived in Canada from China, she was stepping into a new country, a new academic system and an unfamiliar future. Today, she has completed an Honours Statistics degree at University of Waterloo while leading a growing international company, KnowYi Technologies Inc., helping innovators turn ideas into products.

Her journey began with Renison’s iBASE program — an experience she credits with helping her build the confidence, skills and community support needed to succeed.

“I chose Waterloo because of its strong reputation in science and mathematics,” says Meng. “I chose Renison because it was my first time studying and living in Canada. Renison was kind, open and welcoming for newcomers.”

For many international students, arriving in a new country means learning more than course material. It means adapting to new systems, expectations and ways of life. Meng says iBASE helped her do exactly that.

“The professors and lecturers were very kind and helpful,” she says. “They taught me step by step how to solve problems, understand the educational system and adjust to the environment.”

She also found support beyond the classroom through staff, volunteers and peers who helped her feel at home. Looking back, Meng says Renison’s welcoming environment shaped her future.

“At Renison, I felt comfortable and supported. They didn’t care if I made mistakes in language or speaking. They gave me opportunities again and again to improve.”

That confidence would prove invaluable as she advanced through one of Canada’s most competitive academic environments and began building a business of her own.

Building confidence beyond the classroom

While studying at Waterloo and working closely with research labs, Meng noticed a common challenge: promising ideas often stalled before becoming real products. Researchers and student founders struggled to navigate the complicated pre-production process required to move hardware ideas into manufacturing.

Drawing on previous supply chain experience in Asia, she saw an opportunity and founded KnowYi Technologies Inc..

Today, the company helps hardware teams accelerate the journey from concept to production by turning engineering files into manufacturing-ready build packages and streamlining workflows such as supplier coordination, quality assurance and revision control.

The company has experienced rapid growth over the past year, including acceptance into the Velocity incubator at the University of Waterloo. Today, KnowYi works with institutions including the University of Waterloo, Toronto Metropolitan University, Université du Québec à Montréal and Western University, helping researchers and startups move faster from idea to execution. The company has also expanded internationally while continuing to grow its leadership team and operations.

Meng says entrepreneurship has taught her resilience.

“In the early stage of a startup, it is common to put in a lot of effort and not have results right away,” she says. “You need to stay calm, focus on long-term goals and maintain balance in life so you have the energy to solve problems.”

Looking back, Meng says many of the skills and confidence she relies on today began during her time at Renison and in iBASE.

“I strongly encourage newcomers to have the experience at Renison and in iBASE,” she says. “It helps you become familiar with the academic and working environment in North America.”

Ella Meng’s story is a powerful reminder that when students are supported early, they gain the confidence to thrive, lead and create impact far beyond campus.