Every year, 91亚色 welcomes talented undergraduate students from around the world to work alongside our faculty researchers on innovative projects across a wide range of disciplines through the .

The program offers the opportunity for top quality undergraduate researchers in partner countries to come to Canada for 12-week internships that allow them to learn from Canada's top scholars and expand their global professional ties in preparation for future careers.

This past year in 2026, 91亚色 was proud to host a record of 61 GRI students ranging from Brazil, China, Colombia, France, Germany, Jordan, Mexico, Pakistan, Taiwan, Tunisia, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom.听To celebrate their accomplishments, 91亚色 International hosted the annual Mitacs GRI Research Fair, where interns showcase their research, connect with peers, faculty members, and the 91亚色 community.

This year, dozen of GRI researchers showcased their projects spanning methods to combat climate change and solve systemic health inequities. Congratulations to the 91亚色 GRI Class of 2026!

Thank you to Vice President, Research & Innovation Amir Asif, Dean of Graduate Studies Alice MacLachlan, AVP Global Douglas Proctor, and Ashley Laracy for their welcoming words as well as the 91亚色 International team for organizing this important celebration.

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The visit offered a valuable opportunity to introduce the delegation to 91亚色鈥檚 broad ecosystem and to highlight the university鈥檚 strengths in research, innovation, entrepreneurship, and industry connections. We were glad to have contributions from Amir Asif and Pina D'Agostino from 91亚色 - Research & Innovation, Nafis Ahmed from YSpace, 91亚色, Joseph Turcotte, PhD from the IP Innovation Clinic, Caitlin Mullin from Connected Minds CFREF, and Professor Jinjun Shan, who welcomed the delegation to the Autonomous Systems Lab for a closer look at 91亚色鈥檚 work in this space. We also appreciated the role of the Italian Chamber of Commerce in helping facilitate this exchange.

It was a useful first exchange to explore shared interests and potential avenues for future collaboration.

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The day included:
Welcome remarks from Amir Asif, VP Research & Innovation, Douglas Proctor, PhD, AVP Global Engagement & Partnerships, Marco A. Fiola, Principal of Glendon, and Bertrand POUS, Consulat g茅n茅ral de France 脿 Toronto
A presentation examining scientific collaboration between France and Canada from Andrea Dessen, Director CNRS Canada
A thorough overview of French research and funding opportunities available for Canadian researchers from Gr茅goire Dusseux, Science and Technology Officer and Salom茅 L. of Campus France
Jim Walker, VP International Relations Universit茅 Lumi猫re Lyon 2 spoke on the Ontario鈥揜h么ne-Alpes consortium's (ORA) over 30 years of success on creating student exchange opportunities between France and Canada.
A panel of 91亚色 researchers on their experiences collaborating with French institutions. Moderated by Samuel de Brouwer, Department of Political Science, the panel included Usman Khan, Lassonde School of Engineering - 91亚色, Emilie Roudier, 91亚色 - Faculty of Health, and Audrey Py茅e, Glendon Campus of 91亚色 | Campus Glendon de l鈥橴niversit茅 91亚色
A networking lunch for further dialogue.

Thank you to all of the esteemed speakers and the attendees eager to deepen 91亚色-France connections!

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• November 2025 Highlights:
  • Convening of the Schulich India Advisory Council to inform the renewal of 91亚色鈥檚 & Schulich鈥檚 India strategies and programming. The Council is chaired by GMR Group Chairman Mr. GM Rao.
  • Meeting with Canada's new representatives in Delhi and Mumbai to discuss how Canadian Higher Education could help write a new chapter in Indo-Canadian cooperation.
  • Welcoming incoming students and meeting with alumni in Mumbai.
  • Launching of an articulation pathway in Computer Science with Chitkara University in Chandigarh.
  • Formalizing an MOU with Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology, Delhi in Space Engineering that advances bilateral sovereign capabilities in a strategic sector.
  • Meeting with Prof. C. Raj Kumar, VC, O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU) to thank them for their steadfast friendship.
  • Expanding partnership outreach in Southern India (Vellore Institute of Technology, SRM IST Chennai).
  • Explored opportunities with SVKM's Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS).

Trade, investment, higher-education cooperation, and people-to-people ties between our countries deepen interdependence- giving our bilateral relationship the resilience to weather headwinds and the momentum to advance amid global uncertainty. Over the preceding years, 91亚色 closely collaborated with other key stakeholders in the Canada-India corridor to ensure cooperation between the two countries gets back on track. Some examples of this sustained, broad visioned, and integrated include:

• JGU and 91亚色 travelled across India during a particularly challenging time in Indo-Canadian relations in 2023, engaging media and various levels of government to underscore the importance of sustained Canada-India education cooperation.
• 91亚色 participated in the Canada-India Track 2 dialogues, organized by Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada and its Indian partners, in both countries in 2025; Advisory Council for the Canada-India Business Council; and platforms hosted by the Indo-Canadian Business Chamber (Official).
• Through Schulich鈥檚 Together Mission, we've trained over 2,300 university student entrepreneurs across India to develop their go-to-market strategies and venture investment presentations with the support of 500+ Schulich students and over 300 Canadian judges.
• Through 91亚色鈥檚 Global Research Excellence (GRE) Fund, the university has supported collaborations with India鈥檚 Institutions of Eminence and other leading universities on responsible AI, climate change, cities, public health and migration.
• 91亚色 has continued to participate in the Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute proactively.

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Now entering its second year, the GRE Fund presents a new stream focused on recruiting exceptional postdoctoral researchers through international collaboration, reinforcing 91亚色鈥檚 role as a leader in globally connected, high-impact research. 

鈥淕RE is a testament to the success of 91亚色鈥檚 Global Engagement Strategy which strengthened institutional coordination and alignment on strategic international priorities,鈥� says Rhonda Lenton, president and vice-chancellor. 鈥淭he expansion of the Global Research Excellence Fund this year to include the joint recruitment of outstanding postdocs with international partners is another step on our path to ensuring that the best and the brightest come to 91亚色 to put their talents to work for our students, Canada and the world.鈥� 

A cornerstone of Engaging the World: 91亚色鈥檚 Internationalization and Global Engagement Strategy, the GRE Fund was introduced in 2024 to deepen international research ties, boost global impact and elevate 91亚色鈥檚 standing among top-tier research institutions. 

The inaugural call delivered impressive outcomes, reports 91亚色 International, including increased research income, new partnerships across priority regions and support for emerging research leaders tackling global grand challenges. 

This year鈥檚 expansion is Stream B: Global Post-Doctoral Researcher Award, co-developed with 91亚色鈥檚 Faculty of Graduate Studies. This new stream enables 91亚色 researchers to jointly recruit exceptional postdoctoral talent from Canada and abroad, with international partners.

鈥�91亚色 has a long history of attracting top globally diverse talent from around the world,鈥� adds Amir Asif, vice-president research and innovation. 鈥淲e believe in fostering global collaboration 鈥� showing that openness to working with the world, even in times of great uncertainty, creates win-win outcomes for all.鈥� 

The GRE program continues to offer Stream A: Strategic Partnership Exploration & Development, providing seed funding for 91亚色-led initiatives that build new international research collaborations and expand existing ones. Stream A also supports partnerships with the global South and Indigenous communities overseas. 

鈥淐ontinued investment in GRE reflects 91亚色鈥檚 commitment to inclusive, equitable partnerships that deliver impact for Canada and the world. At a time when some countries are stepping back, 91亚色 is choosing to lead,鈥� says Lisa Philipps, provost and vice-president academic. 

The GRE Fund is managed by the鈥疓lobal Strategic Initiatives team within 91亚色 International, in close partnership with the offices of the Vice-President Research and Innovation, Provost and President.

Learn how to apply to the GRE Fund. 

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Helen Chua Balderama, Sanchit Mittal, Xi (Cecilia) Cheng, Recep Demir, PhD and Samantha Yan from 91亚色 also attended the event. The group had an intimate discussion on shared priorities supporting student success.

Today, 91亚色's global community includes 3,000 students from China who are currently pursuing their degrees at 91亚色, and more than 5,500 of our alumni who live and work in China. Our conversations celebrated 91亚色's strong and lasting relationship with China, and we're grateful that our partners continue to encourage their students to study at 91亚色. Our various partnerships focus on enhancing student employability outcomes by equipping our students with globally portable skills and credentials, allowing them to contribute to their communities in meaningful ways.

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Two major initiatives aimed at supporting Asian Canadian communities will launch this month at 91亚色 through the Asian Business and Management Program (ABMP). 

A unit of the 91亚色 Centre for Asian Research (YCAR), ABMP provides professional development and management training to officials and professionals from across Asia. It also offers career experience programs for Asian students studying at home and abroad, while actively collaborating with Asian Canadian communities to support their growth and success.

The launch of these programs 鈥� which are designed to empower and uplift Asian Canadian communities 鈥� aligns with Asian Heritage Month and also marks the ABMP鈥檚 25-year milestone.

Sponsored by RBC, the Career|Fit Professional Experience Programs (running June to August 2025) offers Asian-identifying undergraduate students (ages 18 to 25) the opportunity to gain hands-on professional experience and develop essential career skills. Open to students at no cost, the programs bridge academic learning with real-world applications through experiential projects supervised by industry leaders from Fortune 500 companies.

鈥淲e are committed to helping young Asian leaders unlock their potential,鈥� says Elena Caprioni, ABMP鈥檚 program director. 鈥淐areer|Fit not only equips students with practical skills but also helps them explore career pathways and build confidence as they navigate their futures.鈥�

The second initiative, which runs in partnership with NorthStar Special Needs Society, will present a series of workshops and panel discussions during National Accessibility Week, May 25 to 31.  is an initiative dedicated to raising awareness about the experiences of individuals with disabilities in Asian-Canadian communities, reducing stigma through education and open dialogue and fostering inclusion by celebrating the contributions and potential of all community members.

鈥淭his collaboration reflects our broader mission of inclusivity and engagement,鈥� Caprioni says. 鈥淏y supporting the diverse needs of the Asian Canadian community, we aim to create a more connected and equitable society.鈥�

These initiatives are emblematic of ABMP鈥檚 ability to adapt and respond to the evolving needs of the communities, adds Caprioni. From partnering with local not-for-profit organizations to creating innovative programs for youth and newcomers, ABMP鈥檚 impact continues to expand beyond its original vision.

Since its establishment in 2000, ABMP has worked to foster cross-cultural understanding and professional development between Canada and Asia training more than 10,000 educators, officials, faculty and students from Asia, says Bernie Frolic, ABMP executive director.

鈥淎s we celebrate 25 years, it鈥檚 inspiring to reflect on the bridges we鈥檝e built between Canada and Asia,鈥� says Frolic. 鈥淭hese new initiatives reaffirm our commitment to fostering understanding and creating meaningful opportunities for the next generation.鈥�

With files from Elena Caprioni

Originally published in YFile. 听

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By Deirdre Kelly

In the lush hills of P茅rez Zeled贸n, Costa Rica, 91亚色鈥檚 Las Nubes EcoCampus shows how education can cross borders.

At its centre is Casita Azul, a modest one-room library that serves as a hub for cultural exchange, community empowerment and collaboration.

Recently, Casita Azul received a donation from Kellogg-Schulich Executive MBA (EMBA) students at the Schulich School of Business 鈥� a gesture inspired by their experience during the program鈥檚 capstone course. But, this story is about more than a donation; it鈥檚 about how a week in Costa Rica is reshaping how future business leaders see their role in addressing global challenges.

Three years ago, Schulich鈥檚 EMBA capstone was redesigned to focus on social and environmental issues, challenging students to apply business tools in unfamiliar contexts. The course culminates in a week-long immersion in Costa Rica, where students work with local youth to co-create business models using the social business model canvas. The goal: integrate economic, social and environmental priorities into innovative, culturally grounded solutions.

Geoffrey Kistruck, professor and RBC Chair in Social Innovation & Impact at Schulich, calls the experience transformative. 鈥淭he alternative business models co-designed with local youth combine solid business principles with highly contextualized realities,鈥� he says. 鈥淚t鈥檚 not just academic 鈥� it鈥檚 about creating solutions that work within their lived experiences.鈥�

Unlike typical study tours, the capstone is an intensive learning sprint. Mornings start with classroom sessions; afternoons, students collect insights and collaborate with local entrepreneurs. Evenings are for reflection and refining strategies. The business models they develop must be viable and address pressing social and environmental challenges.

Casita Azul plays a key role in this exchange. More than a library, it anchors the community and brings 91亚色鈥檚 work in advancing United Nations鈥� Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Its programs include literacy workshops, environmental education for schoolchildren and internet access 鈥� still rare in parts of P茅rez Zeled贸n. The library also hosts cultural exchanges connecting 91亚色 researchers, students and local residents.

Dana Craig, teaching and learning librarian at 91亚色, highlights Casita Azul鈥檚 role in fostering connections. 鈥淭he immersive experience transforms expectations. Students leave not just educated but motivated to act 鈥� whether through donations, teaching workshops or sharing their stories.鈥�

This spirit of engagement inspired the EMBA cohort鈥檚 donation 鈥� a gesture neither planned nor solicited but born naturally from their time at Casita Azul. While philanthropy isn鈥檛 91亚色鈥檚 primary goal in Costa Rica, moments like this show how deep connection can spark meaningful action.

Rahim Dharamsi, director of development, institutional priorities, sees a deeper impact. 鈥淟as Nubes isn鈥檛 just a place 鈥� it becomes part of you. People leave wanting to contribute because they鈥檝e been part of something meaningful.鈥�

That sense of belonging and shared purpose is reflected in Casita Azul鈥檚 daily work. The library has become integral to life in P茅rez Zeled贸n, offering internet access, books and workshops on entrepreneurship, computer skills and environmental stewardship. Its programs respond to local needs 鈥� supporting women鈥檚 groups, collaborating with schools and hosting classes led by local experts. By working alongside the community, Casita Azul advances 91亚色鈥檚 mission while building capacity and opportunity in the Alexander Skutch Biological Corridor.

Not everyone sees such programs as an unqualified good. Critics of 鈥渧oluntourism鈥� question whether short-term visits create lasting change or risk reinforcing power imbalances. Kistruck acknowledges these concerns but emphasizes Schulich鈥檚 focus on co-creation, not charity. 鈥淚t鈥檚 not about coming in with solutions,鈥� he says. 鈥淚t鈥檚 about working together to design something that fits their reality.鈥�

That collaborative philosophy now shapes Schulich鈥檚 global outlook. Drawing on the lessons learned at Las Nubes, the school is launching a similar capstone course in Tanzania, where students will partner with local co-operatives to develop business models tailored to local needs.

鈥淎s future business leaders鈥� skills evolve, we will continue to adapt how we educate and deliver value to both local and global communities,鈥� Kistruck says.

Watch a video below.

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With public and private partnerships in both countries, Office of Innovation & Entrepreneurship at the Schulich School of Business runs Together Mission, making startup dreams come true for several students and recent grads since 2021

91亚色鈥檚 Schulich School of Business successfully concluded the fifth edition of its Together Mission, recently. More than 150 students from India and Canada participated in the unique mentoring and venture pitching competition.

A deep tech company that鈥檚 focused on transforming crop waste into sustainable carbon, a patented reusable LED bulb with replaceable cartridge, and a painless testing technology to detect oral cancer, were among the top six startups competing in the , following a weeklong rigorous bootcamp.

 After much deliberation, the judges announced ProtonCraft, a patent-pending electrolyzer as this year鈥檚 winner of the highly successful initiative that shapes the next generation of entrepreneurs emerging from Indian universities and Schulich鈥檚 graduate programs.

Dubbed as Together 5.0 this year, the global initiative by Schulich School in partnership with  Government of India鈥檚  and the Consulate General of India in Toronto, and the City of Toronto, brought together multinational organizations, leading entrepreneurs, venture capitalists and investors from Canada and India to mentor participating student teams.

鈥淐anada and India are natural partners. We share a commitment to pluralism and to excellence in education and innovation,鈥� said 91亚色鈥檚 President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton, at the launch event, noting that she visited India last year, to explore research, entrepreneurship and education collaboration across the country. 鈥淚t's fundamental to strengthening the well-being of the communities that we serve. This shared sense of purpose binds our present and our future.鈥�

Schulich听Adjunct Professor Chris Carder, the person behind this innovative initiative also spoke about his visit to India earlier, during which time he presented the idea of a startup bridge between 91亚色 and the Indian innovation economy to Schulich鈥檚 India Advisory Board members, including听 Mr. Ratan Tata.听, Carder recalled that the late Indian businessman and philanthropist expressed keen interest in seeing the initiative takeoff.

Lokesh Goswami, a past winner of the venture competition shared his experience as an engineer-turned entrepreneur. The co-founder and chief technical officer of Angirus, an innovative company that takes pride in its product, wricks, developed as an eco-friendly and sustainable technology to make waterproof bricks using 100 percent recycled waste material. He highlighted how his team made of only students who were trying their hands on entrepreneurship by participating in the pitching competition and 鈥済ot a trailer of a whole startup鈥� journey by the end of Together 2021. He also offered several tips to current participants ahead of the competition, asking them to have an open mindset and be willing to share their venture ideas with mentors for best results. 

鈥淲ith this year鈥檚 theme-based solutions, we aimed to improve people鈥檚 lives while addressing areas of national and global importance,鈥� pointed out Carder, who is also the executive director of the Office of Innovation & Entrepreneurship and co-director of Entrepreneurial studies at Schulich. 鈥淚ncreasing access to the global startup ecosystem through coaching and mentorship sessions by industry leaders, plus offering these young entrepreneurs with feedback from judges during the competition were key parts of this year鈥檚 program.鈥�

While the startups are founded by Indian students, Schulich MBA students are trained by Schulich Instructor Cherry Rose Tan and Carder himself, to guide Indian students on how to design commercialization strategies and express their concepts to investors.

Students from sectors including e-mobility, environment and energy, health care, income security and fintech, food and agriculture, telecommunications, textiles and education were among this year鈥檚 participants. Aside from learning to be efficient entrepreneurs, participants from both countries also had the opportunity to make new lifetime connections and perhaps collaborate in the future.

Originally published in News@91亚色

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