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Kevin Ye’s journey is a testament to the power of entrepreneurship, innovation, and the global connections that the University of Waterloo’s Conrad School of Entrepreneurship and Business cultivates. As an MBET (Master of Business, Entrepreneurship and Technology) graduate from the class of 2024, Kevin has successfully navigated the entrepreneurial landscape, with impressive achievements in product marketing, venture creation, and startup growth.

What do you get when you mix childhood curiosity, a love for learning, and a mission to fix a broken system? You get CoinWa: a gamified financial literacy app created by a student entrepreneur determined to change how teens learn about money.

Meet Naimah Venezia, the founder behind CoinWa, an innovative platform that’s flipping the script on financial education. From selling handmade jewelry to pitching a startup during Enterprise Co-op at the University of Waterloo, Naimah's journey is anything but ordinary.

We sat down for a quick-fire round of questions to learn more about the inspiration behind CoinWa, the rollercoaster ride of building an app from scratch, and why financial literacy could be the most important subject that schools aren’t teaching.

Dr. Victor Cui, Professor of Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Global Strategy at the Conrad School of Entrepreneurship and Business, published an opinion piece in the Globe and Mail this week on the global trade war now roiling world economic markets.

Last night, the University of Waterloo’s incubator, Velocity, hosted its highly anticipated All-Stars Pitch Competition, and we couldn’t be prouder of the incredible Conrad School of Entrepreneurship and Business students who took centre stage.

As always, the Master of Business, Entrepreneurship and Technology (MBET) students and founders who have taken Enterprise Co-op and our undergraduate business and entrepreneurship courses crushed it in this competition! In fact, half of the finalists were Conrad School alumni and students, underscoring the transformative power of our programs and the collaborative approach to entrepreneurship that makes Waterloo so unique.

student holding microphone at pitch competition

The Problem Lab’s Problem Pitch Competition Finals, hosted and sponsored by the Conrad School of Entrepreneurship and Business, is set to showcase innovative student-driven solutions to pressing global challenges.

The competition, which focuses on solving significant issues through research and entrepreneurial efforts, offers a grand prize of $7,500 to the team that demonstrates the most in-depth understanding and creative solution of their selected, impactful problem.

Tyler Cormier’s entrepreneurial journey began at home, where both of his parents ran their own businesses for over 30 years. Growing up in this environment, Tyler was inspired by the freedom, innovation, and problem-solving that entrepreneurship provided.

During his undergraduate years, Tyler took courses at the Conrad School of Entrepreneurship and Business, where he quickly realized that the program’s dynamic culture, innovative approach, and inspiring professors were aligned with his ambitions. This led him to pursue a Minor in Entrepreneurship alongside his Honours Sports Business degree and start his own business.

Eager to further hone his entrepreneurial skills, Tyler turned to the Master of Business, Entrepreneurship, and Technology (MBET) program. For him, MBET was the perfect opportunity to deepen his entrepreneurial mindset and gain hands-on experience. The program equipped him with the practical tools and strategic thinking required to navigate the challenges of starting and growing a business in today’s fast-paced, ever-changing world.

Rashi’s decision to pursue the MBET program stemmed from her passion for innovation, technology, and social good. With a strong entrepreneurial lineage, Rashi had already gained valuable experience in leading Teknic Euchner—a company at the forefront of integrating Industry 4.0 technologies to optimize supply chains and drive automation. But her entrepreneurial aspirations also extended beyond the family business. Motivated by the challenges women in India face in accessing reliable healthcare, Rashi launched a startup aimed at improving women’s health outcomes through a tech-enabled platform.

“Through my startup, I saw firsthand the challenges of scaling impact-driven solutions,” Rashi shared. “The MBET program stood out to me because of its strong focus on bridging business and technology, and the opportunity it offered to refine my business acumen while gaining access to mentorship.”

Meet Eugenia Dadzie, an Entrepreneurial PhD Fellow and MBET student in the part-time Master of Business, Entrepreneurship and Technology program.

"Entrepreneurship wasn’t originally part of my plan, but as I immersed myself in Waterloo’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, the opportunity to start a company with colleagues emerged. It wasn’t a single defining moment that led me down this path but rather a series of doors opening, each offering new opportunities.

As a Black entrepreneur and academic, I place significant value on representation. Mentoring others who can relate to my journey is something I find deeply rewarding, and I take the responsibility to heart. I’m mindful of the added pressures that often come with being one of the few in a field, where the need to validate one's presence can feel constant. These challenges are real, and I’m interested in supporting others in navigating them, helping them recognize their worth and build confidence in their abilities."

Meet Chinazom Uwaoma, a part-time student in the Master of Business, Entrepreneurship and Technology program.

"The entrepreneurial journey is long and challenging, but my cultural background has instilled in me the principles of tenacity and grit. My leadership style is deeply influenced by a saying from my Igbo heritage: "Igwe bu ike," which translates to "Community is strength."

I believe that we are strengthened by the differences we bring, not by our commonalities; our commonalities are the tools by which we harness our differences for the greater good. Predicated on the premise that everyone has something to offer, anchored on the core values of respect, mutual trust, and integrity.

Representation is crucial in keeping the vision alive. Seeing successful individuals who look like me reminds me that my goals are attainable. If I can see it, I can pursue it. Representation fosters belief, determination, and inspiration for future generations".

Meet Kwaku Owusu Twum, a PhD Candidate in Sustainability Management and an Entrepreneurial PhD fellow in the Master of Business, Entrepreneurship, and Technology (MBET) program at the University of Waterloo.

"It is vital to ensure that Black communities are not just participants but leaders in shaping sustainable futures. Representation matters—it creates pathways for others to believe in their potential and amplify their contributions to a global stage.

To aspiring Black entrepreneurs and academics: Your voice, ideas, and contributions are needed now more than ever. Stay resilient, seek mentorship, and never underestimate the power of your vision to drive change. Black history is a story of innovation and strength—let’s honour it by building a future where we all thrive."

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Alumni Impact Series: Kevin Ye – Shaping the Future of Elder Care through Entrepreneurship

Meet Naimah Venezia: Gamifying Financial Literacy for the Next Generation

Professor Victor Cui offers bold perspective on Canada’s role in global trade

Celebrating Conrad School Talent at Velocity's All-Stars Pitch Competition!

Student Teams Compete in the Problem Lab’s Problem Pitch Competition Finals

Alumni Impact Series: Tyler Cormier's Journey from Entrepreneur to Innovator

Alumni Impact Series: Rashi Jaising - Driving Innovation and Social Impact Through Entrepreneurship

Black History Month Reflections - Eugenia

Black History Month Reflections - Chinazom

Black History Month Reflections - Kwaku

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