Build ventures. Drive innovation. Lead change.
The Conrad School of Entrepreneurship and Business in the University of Waterloo’s Faculty of Engineering serves as the academic engine for entrepreneurs.
Building on Waterloo’s strong culture of innovation and experiential education, the school provides hands-on learning in venture creation, innovative commercialization, and strategic start-up growth.
Through a broad portfolio of undergraduate, graduate, and outreach programs, students gain the skills and experience to launch new ventures, drive innovation within organizations, and lead in rapidly evolving markets.
Conrad School graduates are ambitious, action-oriented decision-makers equipped to transform ideas into impactful business outcomes.
Start your entrepreneurial journey here
"Waterloo has been a main driving force behind Canadian entrepreneurship, powering Canada’s largest tech-corridor network to help innovators move ideas from the lab to the marketplace." - The Waterloo Impact Report 2026.
Undergraduate Students
Enhance your undergraduate degree by joining Conrad School's specialized programs, experiences, and courses.
Graduate Students
Commercialize your ideas and earn your master's degree, PhD, or complement your studies with graduate offerings.
News
Larry Smith: empowering students to reach their full potential for 45 years
This week, Waterloo News shines a spotlight on professor Larry Smith, who marks a remarkable 45-year milestone of teaching at the University of Waterloo. Over four decades, Smith has become a pillar of the university’s entrepreneurial spirit, helping build its reputation for innovation, risk-taking, and real-world relevance.
Building Coeurage, Community, and Change
Nicole Troster (MBET ’18) is helping women-led service businesses scale with clarity, confidence, and customer-centric strategy. After more than 15 years supporting entrepreneurs and co-founding ELLA, Nicole launched Coeurage Labs to fill a growing gap in Canada’s entrepreneurship ecosystem.
Inspired by her own family’s journey and driven by a commitment to empowering founders, Nicole combines evidence-based frameworks with deep customer understanding to help entrepreneurs build sustainable, scalable companies.
Professor Shavin Malhotra’s research on government contracting published in the Journal of Management
Conrad School of Entrepreneurship and Business research faculty member Professor Shavin Malhotra has co-authored a paper accepted to the Journal of Management, one of the Financial Times (FT) Top 50 journals.
The paper, titled “Risk Sharing in Government Contracting: Strategic Alliances as Safeguards in Government Supplier Relationships,” explores how firms that rely on U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) contracts manage the unique risks of doing business with powerful government buyers.
Blog
Winning, Learning, and The MBET Edge: My VCIC Nationals Experience
Sarah Cestnick, a full-time MBET student, reflects on her recent experience at the VCIC Nationals.
"Walking into the Venture Capital Investment Competition (VCIC) Nationals, I wasn’t sure what to expect. It’s one thing to analyze startups in a classroom setting – but pitching investment decisions in front of seasoned venture capitalists? That’s a whole different ball game.
If there’s one thing the Master of Business, Entrepreneurship, and Technology (MBET) program does well, it’s this: it doesn’t just teach entrepreneurship – it immerses you in it.
Most students analyze businesses in a classroom through cases. MBET students sit down with founders and analyze businesses that could change industries. Most students read about venture capital. Student Venture Fund (SVF) students sit in the room with investors to make real investment decisions."
Building on Business: Avery Kelly’s Path from Undergraduate to MBET
Meet Avery Kelly, a current Master of Business, Entrepreneurship, and Technology (MBET) student at the University of Waterloo. Avery graduated in June 2024 with an Honours Arts and Business degree, majoring in Legal Studies.
"Transitioning from undergraduate studies to the graduate-level Conrad School of Entrepreneurship and Business has been an incredible experience, and I’m excited to share my journey and how it’s shaped my career path.
My introduction to the Conrad School and the MBET program began during my undergraduate years. I took BET 210, a course within the Arts and Business program that really opened my eyes to the world of entrepreneurship and business. The course connected the theoretical business concepts I was learning in the ARBUS program with real-world applications, which sparked my interest in pursuing more business-focused learning.
As I began researching graduate programs at the University of Waterloo, I was drawn to the hands-on learning and the strong integration MBET has with the local KW community. I wanted to ensure that I wasn’t falling behind in terms of work experience, and the MBET program offered the perfect opportunity to develop and apply entrepreneurial skills in real-world settings. I found out more about the program online and even connected with members of the UW Athletics department, which helped me decide that MBET was the right choice for me."
My MBET Journey - New Lessons, Connections, and Inspiration!
The Master of Business, Entrepreneurship, and Technology (MBET) program at the University of Waterloo has been a transformative experience, blending my corporate and entrepreneurial background into a launchpad for growth. As someone with a Degree in Business Administration and a Graduate Diploma in Business Analytics, MBET has allowed me to build on these foundations and explore new avenues for growth and innovation.
My journey began with 9 years in the international airline industry, where I honed my leadership skills and strategic mindset as a Corporate Manager. Transitioning to entrepreneurship, I co-founded an eCommerce startup that grew to a $10M valuation in just four years and later launched Ross Hill Art, promoting Canadian art to global audiences.
MBET is much more than just academic rigour or venture building—it’s about the people. The faculty, staff, and peers have created an environment that’s collaborative, energizing, and endlessly motivating. Every single day, I look forward to stepping into class and being part of this dynamic community.
Events
Coffee and Conversation with the Dean
Beginning September 23rd, and continuing every Thursday through this term, Dean Mary Wells will be available on the 1st floor of PSE, outside the C&D, from 3-5 pm for a chat and to connect.
Coffee and Conversation with the Dean
Coffee and Conversation with the Dean
Coffee and Conversation with the Dean
Beginning September 23rd, and continuing every Thursday through this term, Dean Mary Wells will be available on the 1st floor of PSE, outside the C&D, from 3-5 pm for a chat and to connect.