Schulich School of Business Archives - Global Engagement

Future business leaders drive social innovation in Costa Rica

amaav — Fri, 25 Apr 2025 13:08:00 +0000

By Deirdre Kelly

In the lush hills of Pérez Zeledón, Costa Rica, 91��ɫ’s 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 – a gesture inspired by their experience during the program’s capstone course. But, this story is about more than a donation; it’s about how a week in Costa Rica is reshaping how future business leaders see their role in addressing global challenges.

Kellogg-Schulich Executive MBA students in Costa Rica.

Three years ago, Schulich’s 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. “The alternative business models co-designed with local youth combine solid business principles with highly contextualized realities,” he says. “It’s not just academic – it’s about creating solutions that work within their lived experiences.”

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��ɫ’s work in advancing United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Its programs include literacy workshops, environmental education for schoolchildren and internet access – still rare in parts of Pérez Zeledón. The library also hosts cultural exchanges connecting 91��ɫ researchers, students and local residents.

Dana Craig, teaching and learning librarian at 91��ɫ, highlights Casita Azul’s role in fostering connections. “The immersive experience transforms expectations. Students leave not just educated but motivated to act – whether through donations, teaching workshops or sharing their stories.”

This spirit of engagement inspired the EMBA cohort’s donation – a gesture neither planned nor solicited but born naturally from their time at Casita Azul. While philanthropy isn’t 91��ɫ’s 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. “Las Nubes isn’t just a place – it becomes part of you. People leave wanting to contribute because they’ve been part of something meaningful.”

Kellogg-Schulich Executive MBA students during their capstone course in Costa Rica.

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

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

That collaborative philosophy now shapes Schulich’s 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.

“As future business leaders’ skills evolve, we will continue to adapt how we educate and deliver value to both local and global communities,” Kistruck says.

Watch a video below.

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Unique 91��ɫ U initiative mentors Indian and Canadian students with entrepreneurial drive

amaav — Wed, 18 Dec 2024 16:15:00 +0000

By Gloria Suhasini

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��ɫ’s 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’s 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’s winner of the highly successful initiative that shapes the next generation of entrepreneurs emerging from Indian universities and Schulich’s graduate programs.

Dubbed as Together 5.0 this year, the global initiative by Schulich School in partnership with Government of India’s 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.

“Canada and India are natural partners. We share a commitment to pluralism and to excellence in education and innovation,” said 91��ɫ’s 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. “It's fundamental to strengthening the well-being of the communities that we serve. This shared sense of purpose binds our present and our future.”

Schulich 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��ɫ and the Indian innovation economy to Schulich’s India Advisory Board members, including Mr. Ratan Tata. , 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 “got a trailer of a whole startup” 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.

“With this year’s theme-based solutions, we aimed to improve people’s lives while addressing areas of national and global importance,” pointed out Carder, who is also the executive director of the Office of Innovation & Entrepreneurship and co-director of Entrepreneurial studies at Schulich. “Increasing 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’s program.”

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’s 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��ɫ

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91��ɫ lauds Ratan Tata’s role in strengthening India-Canada relations through education

amaav — Thu, 10 Oct 2024 15:31:00 +0000

By Gloria Suhasini

As tributes pour in from around the world following the passing of Ratan Tata passing, the University is lauding the global visionary’s contributions to internationalization of education.
Tata has played a significant role in strengthening India-Canada relations not only through business operations in Canada, but also as a regular contributor to the higher-education sector, maintaining ties with universities, including offering motivational lectures and master classes to business students.

Ratan Tata (left) and industrialist GM Rao, right, outside 91��ɫ’s Hyderabad Campus, ten years ago

Tata forged a relationship that served as a guiding force in establishing its business school in India. “91��ɫ community is deeply saddened by the passing of the extraordinary global icon and an esteemed friend to 91��ɫ,” said Vinitha Gengatharan, Assistant Vice-President, Global Engagement & Partnerships at 91��ɫ International, paying tribute to the legendary businessman and philanthropist. “His tremendous support helped shape our Hyderabad Campus will be cherished.”&�Բ��;

Tata was a founding member of 91��ɫ’s India Advisory Council announced during opening of the University’s Hyderabad Campus in September 2014. Earlier that year, Tata was recognized with an Honorary Doctor of Laws by 91��ɫ.

, he said: “I had no idea that this university and this business school … moved beyond the shores of Canada to reflect the internationality of the world we live in.” He added, “Just remember that there are millions of people who are less fortunate than you are and that hopefully of the achievement you will make in your life will be making a difference.”

At the ceremony, Dezso J. Horvath, then dean of the Schulich School of Business, praised Tata as one of the great architects of modern India and a global visionary in business.

Then dean of Schulich School of Business congratulating iconic global industrialist Ratan Tata upon receiving Honorary Doctor of Laws from 91��ɫ in 2014

Horvath noted that Tata embodies core values taught at the business school – a global mindset, commitment to excellence and innovation, as well as a resolute belief that business can improve society.

Gengatharan also notes that Tata’s commitment to sustainability and social responsibility echoed and inspired 91��ɫ’s own.

Originally published in New@91��ɫ.

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President Rhonda Lenton welcomes international students to 91��ɫ

amaav — Thu, 03 Oct 2024 15:41:00 +0000

By Gloria Suhasini

New and returning students enjoy a meet and greet with the University president, foreign diplomats and peers

“From the very first day I stepped on the 91��ɫ campus, what I found most appealing was the mix of students from all over the world! This led to new friendships and connections which continue to make my university experience even more rewarding.” said Damor McQueen, a fourth-year political science student from Jamaica, speaking at the President’s International Student Reception on September 25.

The Student Success Mentor Lead in the Black Excellence at 91��ɫ program urged his peers to build new connections and get involved in academic and extracurricular activities to make the be best of “this once in a lifetime opportunity being presented to you.” He cited his own experience volunteering last year at the Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences hosted by 91��ɫ that led to his current work/study student opportunity.

President Rhonda Lenton with recipients of the President’s International Scholarship of Excellence, awarded to high school applicants around the world, who are entering their first year of a four-year undergraduate degree at the university

91��ɫ continues to attract students like McQueen from around the world, who join the community with great enthusiasm to receive worldclass education — often work-integrated — in their chosen field, be that in the arts, science, technology or engineering.

To make high quality university education accessible, 91��ɫ offers several . One such scholarship is the President’s International Scholarship of Excellence, awarded to high school applicants around the world, who are entering their first year of a four-year undergraduate degree at the university. Another scholarship popular among international students is the Tentanda Via Award. Named after 91��ɫ’s motto “The Way Must Be Tried,” it assists undergraduate students who have demonstrated resilience in overcoming significant personal barriers in the pursuit of a university education and progressive changemakers committed to sustainable development.

Other scholarships available for international students include Daughters for Life, the Global Leader of Tomorrow Award, and Mitacs Internships and Awards. Several attended the president's reception. For additional information, students are encouraged to visit 91��ɫ’s Global Engagement��ɱ��ٱ�.

“While it is our intention to support you in your academic journey, you also bring a wealth of insights and strengths to 91��ɫ," President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton told the student audiences. “We are thrilled that you chose us, and we look forward to what we will accomplish together. Please remember that nothing is more important than your well-being and health and we have many student services to support you.”

The event organized by was also attended by China’s Education Counsels Renzhu Li and Wenjin Han; India’s Consul (Commerce & Political) Kapidhwaja Pratap Singh; and the Philippine Deputy Consul General Kerwin Orville Tate and Consul Rodney Jonas Sumague.

These diplomatic representatives to Canada were not only present to celebrate their respective country’s highly talented students, but also to assure support in their new country of temporary residence. “We wish them the very best in their courses of study,” said Singh. “The Indian Consulate remains at disposal for welfare and well-being of all Indian international students in Canada.”

Philippine Deputy Consul General Kerwin Orville Tate, second from left, and Consul Rodney Jonas Sumague, right, were among the foreign diplomats in attendance

Diplomats were also on hand to speak to the students during the networking hour, a rare opportunity for these outstanding future leaders of the world.

By the end of the event, it was evident that many students had forged enriching new friendships that could last a lifetime, while advancing their education and career aspirations.

Originally published in News@91��ɫ.

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Lassonde, Schulich form new international partnership

amaav — Fri, 23 Feb 2024 16:21:00 +0000

91��ɫ’s Lassonde School of Engineering and the Schulich School of Business have deepened their international relationships through a new memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) in Shenzhen, China.

Lassonde and Schulich have opened their doors to students from SUSTech’s College of Engineering with what’s known as a 3+1+1 agreement. Civil engineering, materials science and engineering, or mechanical engineering students will first complete three (3) years of undergraduate studies at SUSTech in China. Then, they will be able to complete their fourth year (+1) at Lassonde. Then, in their fifth year (+1), they can enrol in one of four master’s programs at Schulich: Management, Business Analytics, Artificial Intelligence or Supply Chain Management.

For Lassonde, in particular, the MOU is an exciting development, marking its first international 3+1+1 agreement. Dean Jane Goodyer, who travelled to Shenzhen to sign the agreement, praised the future possibilities of the partnership. “It offers mutual benefits not only for our students but also for our esteemed institutions, creating a unique platform for cross-cultural exchange and learning,” she said in remarks given during her visit. “We welcome these future SUSTech students in our family.”

In the process, up to 10 SUSTech students at a time will be obtaining two degrees within a five-year period: a bachelor of engineering from SUSTech and a master’s degree from Schulich.

Detlev Zwick, dean of Schulich, who also was present for the signing, noted in his own remarks, “The program is designed to open valuable career pathways and opportunities for your students.”&�Բ��;He added, “The 3+1+1 program brings together the strengths of your institution with the business and engineering strengths of Schulich and Lassonde.”

This partnership builds on 91��ɫ’s existing institutional relationships in China, including with Peking University, the University of Hong Kong and Fudan University. It came together not only through SUSTech’s College of Engineering Dean Zhenghe Xu’s long-standing connections with faculty from Lassonde but through his relationship with Goodyer, with whom he sits on the executive committee of the Global Engineering Deans Council. The two deans decided to put their heads together and come up with a way to take advantage of the two schools’ natural compatibility, due to both being relatively new and dynamic schools with powerful drives to innovate.

“The distinctiveness of this model lies not only in its international aspect but also in its interdisciplinary approach,” says Goodyer. “It combines the strengths of two engineering schools with a business school, creating a pathway for international students to attain both a top-tier engineering degree and a premier business master’s degree. It’s a win-win.”

The 3+1+1 partnership is expected to fully come into effect with the arrival of students at 91��ɫ by Fall 2025.

For questions regarding this program and partnership, contact Professor Richard Hornsey, associate dean academic and students at the Lassonde School of Engineering, at adas@lassonde.yorku.ca.

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91��ɫ U leadership return from India with strengthened partnerships and opportunities to pursue

amaav — Tue, 23 Jan 2024 20:03:00 +0000

TORONTO, Jan. 23, 2023 – Renewed relationships, new collaborations, future engagement opportunities are just some of the results of 91��ɫ’s recent delegation to India, aside from increased awareness about the University and its global engagement.

The two-week trip included meetings with strategic partners, high school counsellors, alumni, government officials and media, and exploratory conversations with potential partners in the South Asian country.

The India mission was part of 91��ɫ’s revitalized vision, Engaging the World: 91��ɫ’s Internationalization and Global Engagement Strategy, 2022-2027, to bring greater focus, cooperation and prioritization to the university’s internationalization efforts as highlighted in the University Academic Plan 2020-2025.

“Our partnerships in India are very important to us, and we were eager to explore how we can continue to support access, excellence, connectedness and impact in higher education through enhanced collaboration,” said President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton. “Given the increasing complexity of global problems, partnering across borders with leading institutional partners who share our values is key to sharing knowledge, skills and resources for the betterment of all”.

O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU) and its Vice Chancellor Professor facilitated parts of the trip that kicked off with signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for student mobility between 91��ɫ and JGU, which is located near Delhi, in Sonipat. Developing programs for student and faculty exchange, summer abroad and dual degrees as well as establishing collaborative research projects are also in the works.

O.P. Jindal Global University and its Vice Chancellor Professor , centre, facilitated parts of the trip that kicked off with signing of a Memorandum of Understanding for student mobility between 91��ɫ U and JGU, which is located near Delhi, in Sonipat.

Professor Kumar, who recognizes 91��ɫ as an early mover in the Indian higher education system’s foreign institution landscape, facilitated conversations with diverse higher education stakeholders across India.

These interactions also came at a time when the government of India removed restrictions preventing world class universities from offering education programs to its growing youth population, the largest in the world.

91��ɫ’s president Lenton was accompanied by the deans for , Liberal Arts & Professional Studies, and Science; ’s associate dean for research; associate dean for programs at the ; associate vice president for alumni engagement; and an associate director from .

91��ɫ’s leadership visit also attracted significant media attention, since the delegation was in India during heightened diplomatic tensions between the two countries.

Members of Indian media centred their questions around how current and future students may be affected by the situation. In response, Lenton highlighted Canada as one of the safest countries in the world that values diversity and continues to attract large number of immigrants from the Indo-Pacific region.

“Canada is an incredibly welcoming multicultural, inclusive, safe society that values higher education. In fact, Canada’s university education system is one of the country’s best resources because no matter what university you go to, you are going to receive a high quality education,” assured Lenton, including in an exclusive interview to the .

“We help students connect with each other and build a strong network and community in Canada. 91��ɫ is unwavering in the support for our diverse and inclusive community,” Lenton told the . “We continue to welcome students from all over the world, including India, and provide a supportive environment for all international students, both current and those planning to come to study at 91��ɫ. We look forward to welcoming them to our community.”&�Բ��;

91��ɫ representatives met with Hon. M.C. Sudhakar, Karnataka’s minister of higher education, Hon. Palanivel Thiagarajan, Tamil Nadu’s minister of information technology and digital service, and Sanjay Murthy, the Government of India’s higher education secretary, to better understand how regional and national governments are facilitating international higher education collaborations.

91��ɫ President Rhonda Lenton highlighted Canada as one of the safest countries in the world that values diversity, responding to questions from reporters at various press conferences during her recent visit to India leading a delegation.

Internationalization has long been a part of 91��ɫ’s identity since it was founded in 1959 and is a defining feature of our community. The University has been delivering business programs in the country since 2009 and established an India Advisory Council consisting of top Indian business leaders to ensure its programs address the growing needs of India’s economy, Lenton told reporters during press conferences in various cities.

JGU hosted education conclaves in Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi and Kolkata, where Lenton highlighted the initiatives that are in the pipeline, in her remarks on the theme of “India-Canada Higher Education Partnership: In Pursuit of Excellence, Inclusion and Empowerment.” Those in attendance included hundreds of educators from high schools and universities and think-tanks. Attendees were encouraged to ask questions about how 91��ɫ’s presence in India might help their students in pursuing studies in Canada, particularly at 91��ɫ.

The university also hosted some of its first alumni events in cities across India, attended by hundreds of professionals who call 91��ɫ their alma mater.

During the trip, delegates visited 91��ɫ’s campus in Hyderabad to exchange academic ideas and learn about the experience of students enrolled in the University’s India MBA as well as other programs offered by the Schulich School of Business in collaboration with GMR Group.

In all, the deans visited six cities in as many states, and engaged in discussions with their Indian counterparts to explore opportunities for two-way student exchange programs and research partnerships, and to firm up institutional collaborations. The delegates met or visited representatives from ��(��Բ��ܰ��);��(��ԲԲ��);��(�ٱ��);��(��);�� (Kolkata); (Bengaluru), the ��(��ԲԲ��),��(��),�� (Mumbai) and the (Delhi) and the (Delhi). During the visit to the , with which 91��ɫ recently launched a collaboration on disease modelling, 91��ɫ delegates met with Nadir Godrej-91��ɫ India Advisory Council Member and FMR Trustee- and FMR researchers.

Faculty of Science Dean Rui Wang speaking at an event during the 91��ɫ delegates’ recent India visit. Visiting deans engaged in discussions with their Indian counterparts to explore opportunities.

91��ɫ also made significant announcements that will increase cooperation with countries like India, including the launch of the Global Research Excellence Fund that will seed research collaborations with leading and diverse global partners to drive research excellence at 91��ɫ.

Another important announcement focused on experiential learning and pathway programs to support entrepreneurship-related education with India, by building on the success of the Schulich School of Business’s . This partnership would see 91��ɫ students travel to India to learn about its dynamic innovation ecosystems, and access other unique educational opportunities in a country that is home to 1.5 billion people.

Originally published in News@91��ɫ

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Schulich ExecEd expands health-care training partnership in Guyana

amaav — Fri, 12 Jan 2024 16:49:00 +0000

, an extension of the Schulich School of Business at 91��ɫ, is building upon its existing partnership with the Government of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana by launching a new Guyana-Schulich ExecEd Masters Certificate in Physician Leadership Program and kicking off a second cohort of the Schulich ExecEd-Guyana Masters Certificate in Hospital Leadership Program. Both programs are set to begin their virtual classroom sessions this month.

Representatives from Schulich ExecEd travelled to Guyana last month to celebrate the new program launch with members of Guyana’s government. The attendees from Schulich ExecEd were: Rami Mayer, executive director; Dr. Susan Lieff, program director; Jeff MacInnis, facilitator; Robert Lynn, associate director; and Ai Hokama, program co-ordinator.

“I am excited to announce the continuation of our partnership with the Government of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana,” said Mayer. “Together, we are pioneering transformative learning programs focused on social innovation that are aimed at equipping health-care leaders with essential skills crucial for navigating the evolving landscape of health care in the Guyana region.”

The Schulich ExecEd-Guyana Masters Certificate in Hospital Leadership Program focuses on fortifying the administrative skills of health-care workers, equipping them with the knowledge to effectively manage health-care facilities, resources and personnel. Its sister program, the Guyana-Schulich ExecEd Masters Certificate in Physician Leadership Program, is a direct response to the needs of physicians in the region. The goal is to build up physicians’ leadership abilities, improve their decision-making skills, and sharpen their capacity to manage health-care facilities and resources.

“These programs have been specifically designed to empower health-care professionals in Guyana and enhance the quality of health-care services they provide to their patients,” said Frank Anthony, Guyana’s minister of health. “We are grateful for the co-operation of the Ministry of Public Service and the Government of Guyana in delivering this training to the participants free of charge.”

Schulich ExecEd’s ongoing mission with this partnership is to transform Guyana’s health-care system to deliver more equitable, accessible and enhanced health care. The shared vision of these partners is to develop better health care and physician leaders in Guyana and to provide innovative health-care solutions to improve patient outcomes across the country. Program participants hail from all 10 regions of Guyana, including the country’s Indigenous communities.

“Our programs are meticulously designed to fill critical gaps in business education, addressing skill needs not traditionally covered in medical school,” explained Mayer. “We are committed to empowering physicians and health-care leaders with the tools to manage difficult conversations, solve complex problems, foster collaboration, lead effectively and elevate the overall quality of care in the country.”

Both programs are expected to graduate their current participants in September of this year.

For a closer look at the Schulich ExecEd team’s celebratory trip to Guyana last month, visit .

Originally published in YFile.

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Schulich partnership helps propel student startups in India

amaav — Fri, 03 Nov 2023 16:31:00 +0000

The Schulich School of Business recently concluded its Together Mission 4.0, the fourth edition of its annual entrepreneurship bootcamp and venture competition supported by an ongoing partnership with the Government of India’s initiative.

The global online event, which bridges the innovation ecosystems of Canada and India, pairs Schulich master of business administration (MBA) students and alumni with inspired teams of student entrepreneurs hand-picked by Startup India from over 17,000 Indian colleges and 700 Indian universities. The Schulich mentors assist with pitch design, business planning and competitive analysis throughout the course of a three-week intensive mentorship program, and then each team presents their idea. After the top six teams are determined, they are invited to take part in a grand finale event, with live pitches streamed to an estimated audience of 10,000.

“The Together Mission is an incredible opportunity for our students to reach out across the globe and leverage their entrepreneurial training and mindset as a force for good and friendship,” said Chris Carder, executive director of , who created the program. “We love seeing these companies grow and thrive in India, thanks to our many students and alumni mentors, and we’re already excited for next year.”

This year’s winning team, Climec Labs, led by Indian student entrepreneurs Inderan Kannan and Atul John, received a $10,000 cash prize for their innovative idea to use microalgae to improve indoor air quality. Supporting the project were Schulich MBA students Aditya Singh, Aditya Chandel and Adhiraj Singh.

“We are deeply grateful for Schulich and 91��ɫ in helping us achieve the impactful goals we set forth in our pitch,” said Kannan. “We never imagined the incredible impact these Canadian students made on our startup in only one week.”

Receiving a $5,000 cash prize as the runner-up was team InnrGize, led by Shalmali Kanu and Siddharth Warrier, with a device that uses neurostimulation to reduce stress and improve sleep.

In addition to the cash prizes, winners of the competition are rewarded with access to powerful startup tools and global networks to help them realize their dream.

Startup India is a flagship initiative of the Government of India, intended to empower startups to grow through innovation and design.

For more information about the Together Mission, visit .

A full video of the event is available to .

Originally published on YFile.

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