Turn ideas into action. Build ventures. Drive innovation. Lead change.
The Conrad School of Entrepreneurship and Business is the University of Waterloo’s catalyst for entrepreneurship and transformation, creating conditions for change.
Within the Faculty of Engineering, we bridge business, technology and engineering to turn ideas and opportunities into action and impact. Through education, experiential learning, venture creation, commercialization and innovation, we help move what’s possible forward.
The Conrad School develops entrepreneurial thinkers, builders and leaders who can launch ventures, drive innovation within organizations and create meaningful change.
Find your opportunity to build what's next.
Whether you're exploring an idea, building a venture, commercializing research or looking to drive change within an organization, the Conrad School gives you the knowledge, tools. experience and connections to move forward.
Undergraduate Students
Add entrepreneurship and innovation to your Waterloo experience.
Explore opportunities, develop entrepreneurial skills and gain hands-on experience turning ideas into action.
Graduate Students
Take your ideas, research and ambitions further.
Build the skills to launch ventures, commercialize innovation, lead products and drive transformation.
Partnership Opportunities
Connect to create opportunities for collaboration, innovation and impact.
Partner on student projects, engage with programs, enhance student experiences or collaborate on research.
Entrepreneurship Hub
Take your ideas beyond the classroom.
Explore hands-on programs, workshops, competitions, and communities that help you test ideas, build skills and turn possibility into action.
News
Canada is the move: Building in Waterloo’s entrepreneurial ecosystem
Waterloo ranked among the world’s top universities for producing entrepreneurs
The University of Waterloo has been ranked the top Canadian university for producing entrepreneurs in PitchBook’s 2026 University Rankings, placing seventh globally and becoming the first Canadian university to break into the top 10.
Waterloo was also recognized as the fastest riser in PitchBook’s rankings for female founders with undergraduate degrees, climbing to 11th globally.
Student entrepreneurs tackle real-world challenges at the Spring 2026 Quantum Valley Investments® Problem Pitch Competition Finals
From improving access to clean drinking water to advancing space sustainability, student innovators from across the University of Waterloo showcased bold ideas with the potential to solve some of society's most pressing challenges during the Spring 2026 Quantum Valley Investments® Problem Pitch Competition Finals.
Blog
Skating into startups: how athletics shaped my entrepreneurial path
Meet Nikki McDonald, a student in the Master of Business, Entrepreneurship, and Technology (MBET) program at the University of Waterloo and a powerhouse on and off the ice.
In our latest blog, Nikki shares how her journey as a student-athlete shaped her path to entrepreneurship. From battling imposter syndrome to co-founding NextPlayNetwork, a platform that helps student-athletes transition into professional success, Nikki's story is all about clarity, persistence, and adaptability.
“Purpose goes beyond entrepreneurship and athletics; it’s the reason behind long hours and hard sacrifices.”
Read her full journey and what it takes to build a venture — and chase championships — at the same time.
Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust: The Magic of Collective Success
"As a child, I believed in the magic of these words, certain that a sprinkle of pixie dust could make anything possible. As I grew, I traded wonder for realism and magic for logic. But somewhere along the way, I realized pixie dust is real, just not in the way I once imagined.
On March 7, an email arrived in my inbox, my paper had been accepted at the Administrative Sciences Association of Canada (ASAC) 2025. A monumental milestone as a first-year PhD student. Yet, the real magic was not in that acceptance. It came later that evening.
At 8:49 PM, another email arrived. My supervisor, Shavin Malhotra, the guiding force behind the paper submission, had shared the news with the entire department. Almost instantly, my inbox came alive, messages of joy, encouragement, and celebration poured in. What had started as a personal milestone transformed into a collective success.
In that moment, I realized pixie dust does exist, just not as a shimmer in the air, but as something far more powerful. It’s the unseen force of people who uplift you, the ecosystem that nurtures you, the mentors who guide you, the staff who support you, and the colleagues who walk beside you, celebrating, encouraging, and making your victories their own".
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."
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.
What will you catalyze?
Whether you're building a venture, commercializing research, developing new products or driving change within an organization, the Conrad School can help you take the next step.