McGill Desautels Faculty of Management - Dobson Centre News

Mohana on Reimagining Women’s Health

McGill University — Wed, 11 Dec 2024 13:10:06 +0000

Mohana is a precision health platform to help women in perimenopause feel better and navigate this transition with ease and confidence. Mohana founder Dora Jambor’s entrepreneurship journey stemmed from a foundation in computer science and Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Discover what ignited her passion for women's hormonal health and inspired her to start Mohana.

Learn more about Mohana

The Hult Prize Comes to McGill: Apply to Compete in the World’s Largest Student Entrepreneurship Challenge

McGill University — Thu, 28 Nov 2024 18:12:03 +0000

Leading a Generation to Change the World

McGill Dobson Centre is an official host of the Hult Prize qualifiers. The Hult Prize is the world’s largest student entrepreneurship competition, offering teams a chance to win $1M USD in funding to turn their social enterprise ideas into reality. This year, teams are invited to pitch any transformative social enterprise ideas that align with at least one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Empowering Local Solutions to Global Challenges: The Hult Prize Comes to the McGill Dobson Centre

McGill University — Thu, 21 Nov 2024 20:45:23 +0000

The Hult Prize is a globally renowned social entrepreneurship competition that empowers young people to tackle some of the world’s most pressing challenges through innovative business solutions. At its core is the $1 million grand prize, awarded to a standout team to bring their transformative idea to life.

The McGill Dobson Centre for Entrepreneurship is honoured to be the local and national host of the prestigious Hult Prize, reaffirming our dedication to building innovative companies with a purpose.

The Dobson Centre Recognized as a Top 10 Finalist for Best Incubator-Accelerator at Prix Galien USA

McGill University — Sun, 10 Nov 2024 15:19:10 +0000

The McGill Dobson Centre for Entrepreneurship is honoured to be recognized as a Top 10 Finalist for the Best Incubator-Accelerator title at the Prix Galien USA. Hosted by the prestigious Galien Foundation, the award ceremony was held on November 7th in New York City.

The Prix Galien celebrates groundbreaking achievements in life sciences that advance human health and elevate the human condition.

Companies launched at McGill enrich Quebec’s research ecosystem

McGill University — Wed, 06 Nov 2024 18:43:52 +0000

In 2023, McGill launched 28 research-based startup companies—all headquartered in Quebec. This is the highest number among universities in North America, according to AUTM, a Washington, DC-based non-profit focused on technology transfer. McGill’s research-based startups cover a wide range of academic expertise but are particularly concentrated in medical technologies and the life sciences. At McGill Desautels, the Dobson Centre for Entrepreneurship (which awards the Dobson Cup), acts as a hub of entrepreneurial activity.

McGill places 20th worldwide for innovation and entrepreneurship in new rankings

McGill University — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 23:06:41 +0000

McGill University ranked 20^th in the new Ignition Schools rankings, evaluating universities’ success in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. Since its founding in 1988, the Dobson Centre has supported thousands of ventures, generating over 10,000 jobs, and raising $3.7 billion in funding, with over 470 startups currently active.

McGill Dobson Centre Celebrates Leading Canadian Entrepreneurship in a New Hub

McGill University — Thu, 12 Sep 2024 16:13:40 +0000

Upholding the vision of the late John Dobson (BCom’49) to foster and enrich entrepreneurial endeavours at McGill University, the John Dobson Foundation’s latest gift has funded the creation of a new permanent physical facility on campus.

Learn more about the Dobson Centre’s New Hub

The Dobson Centre wins America’s Most Impactful Initiative at the 2024 Triple E awards

McGill University — Wed, 07 Aug 2024 14:12:51 +0000

The McGill Dobson Centre for Entrepreneurship is proud to receive the title of America's Most Impactful Initiative of the Year at the 2024 Triple E Awards. The Triple E Awards recognize and celebrate academic institutions' efforts to bolster entrepreneurship and engagement in higher education.

Learn more about the Triple E Awards

CNBC looks to Dobson Centre for advice on annual disruptor list

McGill University — Wed, 17 May 2023 15:42:45 +0000

Even in a year that venture capitalists’ go-to bank collapsed, and venture capital funding slowed to a trickle, the disruptive power of startups has never been clearer. The 2023 CNBC Disruptor 50 list was the eleventh iteration of the list, and the top spot should come as no surprise. The generative artificial intelligence company OpenAI is the maker of ChatGPT, and no new technological application has created more buzz since the dawn of social media – or even the web itself.

McGill’s Dobson Centre ranks as World Top 5 University Business Incubator

McGill University — Tue, 24 Jan 2023 19:59:33 +0000

UBI Global announced that McGill University’s Dobson Centre for Entrepreneurship ranked as a World Top 5 University Business Incubator.

Weston Family Foundation funds new program at Dobson

McGill University — Mon, 23 Jan 2023 14:08:20 +0000

The McGill Dobson Centre for Entrepreneurship is launching a new hands-on program for entrepreneurs wanting to launch sustainability-driven businesses. Funded with a $1 million gift from the Weston Family Foundation, the new Weston Family Entrepreneurial Innovation & Sustainability Program will help aspiring changemakers accelerate the development of their startups through two 8-week sessions.

McGill Dobson Centre and MIF support innovation and entrepreneurship

McGill University — Mon, 21 Nov 2022 15:13:53 +0000

The McGill Dobson Centre for Entrepreneurship helps startups launch their innovative ideas and, along with the Office of Innovation and Partnerships (I+P)'s McGill Innovation Fund (MIF), supports the McGill community in ideation, validation, acceleration and fundraising.

Montreal EdTech company Paper aims to address educational inequities

McGill University — Thu, 20 Oct 2022 16:11:11 +0000

When a parent pays a tutor directly, they are helping their own child succeed. But not every parent can afford to do that, and Montreal-based EdTech company Paper has a vision to address this inequity. The academic support platform, a finalist in the 2014 Dobson Cup, sells its services directly to school boards, so that all students in a district are able to access them. “Charging students’ families doesn't align well with our values,” said Paper co-founder Philip Cutler (BEd’13) in a story by Prof.

FemTherapeutics applies AI to an unmet need in women’s health

McGill University — Tue, 04 Oct 2022 13:51:32 +0000

Vaginal prosthetics known as pessaries are a critical tool for the maintenance of pelvic health in women. They are used as a first-line treatment for pelvic organ prolapse, a common condition that occurs when the muscles of the pelvis weaken, causing organs to drop into the vagina. But these devices are badly in need of an upgrade. Their failure rate is high, and the designs have changed little in the last 70 years.

impact200 finalists pitch their start-ups on NYC networking tour

McGill University — Tue, 21 Jun 2022 15:56:24 +0000

McGill’s impact200 asked students to develop innovative solutions to address society’s most pressing challenges.

Dobson Cup prize winners prepare to pilot colour-changing artificial nails

McGill University — Thu, 16 Jun 2022 16:19:35 +0000

Alejandra Huerta and Isabela Dominguez envision a future where the shade of your nails can change with a tap of your phone. During Huerta’s PhD in chemistry, she considered how organic materials could be used to change the colour of cosmetics. But by brainstorming with her sister Dominguez, a computer engineer, they determined that wearable electronics could be a better approach.

Dobson Cup finalist attracts investment from leading venture capital fund

McGill University — Thu, 16 Jun 2022 16:12:54 +0000

Many service-oriented businesses suffered during the pandemic, but it was a boon for Paper, an online tutoring company. Led by Philip Cutler (BEd’13) and Roberto Cipriani (BSc’08), the company was a finalist in the 2014 Dobson Cup, an annual start-up competition that fosters entrepreneurship and gives cash awards to the best budding businesses. Today, Paper counts more than 450 staff, and over 2,200 tutors.

Dobson Centre for Entrepreneurship announces 2022 Dobson Bootcamp and Cup Winners

McGill University — Fri, 22 Apr 2022 14:39:01 +0000

On March 28^th and 29^th, 24 startups competed in the final round of the Dobson Bootcamp and Cup Program for over $200,000 in funding across 18 prizes. The winners were announced at the Dobson Cup Awards Ceremony on March 30^th, presided by McGill University Principal, Suzanne Fortier, Dean of the Desautels Faculty of Management, Yolande E. Chan, as well as the program’s contributors, donors, and sponsors.

Dobson Founder Series launch with Francis Davidson, Co-Founder, and CEO of Sonder

McGill University — Fri, 22 Apr 2022 14:03:04 +0000

On March 22^nd, the McGill Dobson Centre for Entrepreneurship held the inaugural Dobson Founders Series event, with special guest Francis Davidson, co-founder, and CEO of Sonder Inc.

Celebrating accomplishments of women within the Desautels community

McGill University — Thu, 10 Mar 2022 19:18:14 +0000

On International Women’s Day we highlighted some of the outstanding and accomplished women within the Desautels community, who positively impact our students through their teaching, research, guidance, or mentorship.

Alumni transform milestone investment into impact

McGill University — Fri, 04 Mar 2022 21:36:13 +0000

McGill alumni Philip Cutler (BEd’13) and Roberto Cipriani (BSc’08) recently raised $270 million in Series D funding to combat academic inequity across the U.S. In 2014, their K-12 tutoring company, Paper, made it to the final round of the McGill Dobson Cup, and their reach has only grown since then. Serving more than two million students across 30 states, Paper’s mission is to offer flexible academic support to ensure all students have the tools they need to succeed in and out of the classroom.

McGill Dobson Centre for Entrepreneurship unveils program dedicated to women entrepreneurs

McGill University — Fri, 19 Nov 2021 14:37:45 +0000

On November 19, the McGill Dobson Centre for Entrepreneurship announced the creation of the Entrepreneurial Women Lean Startup Program, slated to launch in the Fall of 2022. The reveal was a grand finale to a two-week-long celebration of International Women’s Entrepreneurship Day. The eight-week program will lead rising women entrepreneurs through the early stages of conceptualizing and implementing viable ventures.

Reimagining tutoring models in public schools

McGill University — Wed, 22 Sep 2021 14:43:31 +0000

McGill alumni Philip Cutler (BEd’13) and Roberto Cipriani (BSc’08) are combatting academic inequity in over 110 United States public schools and counting. In 2014, their tutoring company, Paper, made it to the final round of the McGill Dobson Bootcamp and Cup Competition, and their reach has only grown since then. With more than 1,000 paid tutors to-date, Paper's goal is to offer flexible academic support to ensure all students have the tools they need to succeed in and out of the classroom.

Developing breakthrough patient care solutions

McGill University — Thu, 09 Sep 2021 20:29:37 +0000

The pandemic prompted hospitals across Canada to implement new technologies that minimized human-to-human contact, such as a text messaging service provided by the University of Montreal Health Centre that updates family members on changes to a patient’s condition throughout their surgery or other extended treatment.

Taiga solidifies head start in race to produce off-road electric vehicles

McGill University — Thu, 03 Jun 2021 15:15:54 +0000

Taiga Motors Corporation, formerly Canaccord Genuity Growth II Corp., recently announced completion of the Qualifying Transaction, solidifying its status as a leading publicly-traded manufacturer of off-road electric vehicles.

In 2016, Taiga Motors won first place in the Innovation Driven Enterprise category of the McGill Dobson Cup.

Former Dobson startup aims high

McGill University — Wed, 05 May 2021 20:28:07 +0000

Sonder, an industry-disrupting hospitality company created by former McGill student and McGill Dobson Centre alumnus Francis Davidson, aspires to become a “hosting Amazon” through an IPO. The new entity, whose shares will trade on the NASDAQ, just obtained a $30 million loan from the Quebec government to create 700 jobs at a new technological growth center in Montreal. In the long-term, Sonder has plans to operate in the 100 largest cities in the world.

Transforming air travel for people with disabilities

McGill University — Thu, 22 Apr 2021 16:14:33 +0000

An idea that arose from a nightmarish flight experience for Sandra Gualtieri, founder of Gualtieri Inventions, has blossomed into an innovative new product for people living with disabilities. Informed by her own experience in living with cerebral palsy, Gualtieri designed a prototype for the Universal Seating Apparatus, a portable device that allows people with disabilities to sit comfortably upright on airplanes.

McGill students partner with disability rights activist to design comfortable airplane seat

McGill University — Thu, 08 Apr 2021 12:57:23 +0000

Sandra Gualtieri, an entrepreneur and disability rights activist with cerebral palsy, enlisted the help of four McGill students to design a custom airplane seat that alleviates discomfort for people living with disabilities.

Constructed out of memory foam that is designed to rest on top of a traditional airplane seat, the Universal Seating Apparatus prototype won first place in the Social Impact Enterprise track of the 2021 McGill Dobson Cup Startup competition.

Dobson Centre surpasses $1-billion milestone in startup seed funding

McGill University — Fri, 16 Apr 2021 13:13:27 +0000

Over the past three decades, the McGill Dobson Centre for Entrepreneurship has catalyzed the creation of 450 active startups that have generated more than 6,000 new jobs. Now, the McGill Dobson Centre is celebrating another milestone: $1 billion in seed funding raised by the startups it has supported. Since the late John Dobson (BCom’49) funded its creation in 1988, the Centre named in honour of his vision has served as launchpad for entrepreneurs from all 11 faculties at McGill.

Start-ups taking off in Quebec

McGill University — Thu, 25 Mar 2021 12:56:36 +0000

Although the pandemic has generated significant economic uncertainty, startups are thriving at McGill’s Dobson Centre for Entrepreneurship, according to its director, Marie Josée Lamothe.

The Centre recently launched a virtual international tour that gives 18 Quebec startups the opportunity to explore potential markets in North America and Europe.

Former Dobson participant turns side gig into $1.3 billion startup

McGill University — Fri, 12 Mar 2021 19:14:03 +0000

Just over seven years ago, former McGill student Francis Davidson started a side business when he rented out his apartment to fellow McGill students.

Today, he is the co-founder and CEO of Sonder, a hospitality company that leases and owns properties worldwide. Davidson has raised over $550 million from venture capital firms to value the company at just over $1.3 billion, with Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk both contributing.

Turning hobbies into business opportunities

McGill University — Mon, 08 Mar 2021 16:50:13 +0000

In response to the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic, Canadians are turning their pastimes into online businesses. Marie-Josée Lamothe, Academic Director of the McGill Dobson Centre for Entrepreneurship, attributes their success in part to the public’s willingness to support businesses that are important to them rather than buying exclusively from e-commerce giants.

Blending two company ideas into one

McGill University — Fri, 05 Feb 2021 15:59:01 +0000

As entrepreneurship takes on different forms during the pandemic, fresh business ideas are in high demand. In a highly unconventional move, a Quebec-based company called Alchemy is inviting startups to blend their ideas with Alchemy’s own ideas to create something new. Instead of expecting payment, Alchemy takes a stake in the joint venture.

Montreal startup reinvents food delivery

McGill University — Fri, 05 Feb 2021 15:13:53 +0000

In 2018, a frustrating night out for three McGill alumni sparked the idea for CHK PLZ, a food delivery application that leverages a contactless payment solution to handle ordering and delivery for local restaurants. Since they won the McGill Dobson Cup Start-up Competition (Small to Medium Enterprise Track) in 2019, the founders of CHK PLZ have grown their business into a popular low-cost alternative to UberEATS for more than 50 Montreal restaurants and counting.

Analyzing the cutting edge of business methods to create future managers

McGill University — Wed, 27 Jan 2021 19:17:39 +0000

McGill’s MBA program leverages program flexibility, practical skills training, and experiential learning to prepare students to join leading companies and start their own. Daniel Franco (MBA’19) earned his degree after emigrating to Canada from Peru. After graduation, he co-founded Turbodega, a successful startup that digitizes the supply chain of bodegas in Latin America. Franco praises his alma mater for its educational commitment to exploring emerging business tools that have proven invaluable in his own career, including artificial intelligence and data analysis.

AI-driven mobile app designed to save infant lives

McGill University — Wed, 13 Jan 2021 13:57:49 +0000

An innovative new mobile app called Ubenwa uses artificial intelligence to analyze the sound of a newborn baby’s cries. Founded by Charles Onu, a doctoral student in Computer Science at McGill, Ubenwa provides a cost-effective, non-invasive tool to detect newborn asphyxia and save lives.

Onu credits the 2016 McGill Dobson Cup competition with helping his team to improve their product.

Dobson startup leverages Quebec funding to create 700 high-paying jobs

McGill University — Wed, 16 Dec 2020 20:13:14 +0000

Sonder, one of the first unicorn startups from the McGill Dobson Centre for Entrepreneurship community, is partnering with Investissement Québec (IQ) to build a centre for global growth in Montreal. The project will create more than 700 jobs to support Sonder’s mission to provide next-generation hospitality in 35 cities around the world.

Entrepreneur’s Day in NY Celebration

McGill University — Thu, 10 Dec 2020 20:11:46 +0000

On December 1st the McGill Dobson Centre for Entrepreneurship celebrated Entrepreneur’s Day in the U.S. by hosting a panel of notable New York City entrepreneurs and investors. It was a lively discussion that focused on their passion for entrepreneurship, which they shared with an audience of startup founders, students, alumni and industry professionals. Learn more

McGill Dobson Cup winner raises $4.7 million to expand operations in 2021

McGill University — Mon, 07 Dec 2020 20:13:29 +0000

A McGill-born event platform startup has found a way to weather the COVID-19 pandemic and raise venture financing in hopes of returning to in-person events in 2021. Co-founded by Desautels alumnus Marc-Antoine Bonin (BCom’19) and Emeric Noël, Planned offers a unique tool for event planners to connect with a curated list of venues and suppliers in one place. This week, Planned announced that it had raised $4.7 million in venture financing led by Inovia Capital, with participation from Telegraph Hill Capital and N49P, bringing its total capital raised to $7 million.

Dobson X-1 startup wins prestigious Quebec innovation award

McGill University — Fri, 27 Nov 2020 16:22:04 +0000

Off the Grid, a participant in the McGill Dobson Centre’s 2020 X-1 Accelerator, was recently named “Startup of the Year” at the Quebec Gala des Prix de l’innovation.

Co-founded by Sébastien Brunelle-Jestin and Charles Couture-Lebrun, Off the Grid creates smart fitness equipment that harnesses energy generated during exercise to help power fitness centres.

Learn more about the award

First NY Retail Startup Tour opens new doors for Dobson Centre startups

McGill University — Fri, 27 Nov 2020 15:40:39 +0000

The McGill Dobson Centre for Entrepreneurship recently launched its first virtual New York City Retail Startup Tour with the goal of connecting Dobson entrepreneurs to key players in the New York investment community. Planned in collaboration with the Ministère de l’Économie et de l’Innovation du Québec, the flagship event is already creating new business opportunities for participating startups.

Interius Farms reaches new heights in vertical farming

McGill University — Thu, 19 Nov 2020 22:19:17 +0000

Desautels alumni Jonnie Lawson (BCom’20) and Tristan Zeman (BCom’17) are hard at work to make sustainable, year-round produce accessible to Canadians through indoor vertical farms. Over the summer, their innovative hydroponic growing system won first place at the annual McGill Dobson Cup start-up competition. As they expand into a larger growing facility in Montreal, they’re not slowing down anytime soon.

Dobson Cup winner uses AI to help railroads cut costs, reduce environmental footprint

McGill University — Thu, 19 Nov 2020 21:58:42 +0000

As a student at McGill, Dev Jain (BEng’19) launched a company aimed at introducing North America’s 650 railways to industry-disrupting innovation. This year, RailVision Analytics won first place in the Innovation Driven Enterprise category of the McGill Dobson Cup. Now, Jain aspires to raise more than $1 million to commercialize and expand his business.

Learn more

Dobson startup rated top invention in Quebec

McGill University — Fri, 09 Oct 2020 19:06:20 +0000

McGill Dobson Centre for Entrepreneurship startup Sensequake (McGill X-1 Accelerator 2015) has been recognized as one of the top inventions in Quebec in 2020.

McGill among world’s leading universities for female founders

McGill University — Thu, 24 Sep 2020 19:59:15 +0000

McGill University has been named in the top 25 undergraduate programs for female founders in the 2020 PitchBook University rankings.

Empowering startups to thrive during the global crisis

McGill University — Tue, 21 Jul 2020 13:53:49 +0000

The pandemic has created many challenges for small businesses, but McGill University’s startup incubator has been given a boost thanks to a generous $3-million gift from the John Dobson Foundation.

The McGill Dobson Centre for Entrepreneurship’s Academic Director Marie-Josée Lamothe and Dobson alumna Ophelia Sarakinis join CTV News to share how startups are finding ways to adapt and thrive through the COVID-19 crisis, and how the gift will help get more startups off the ground during a time of economic uncertainty.

Dobson Cup participant Sonder raises US$170M during current health crisis

McGill University — Fri, 26 Jun 2020 13:25:04 +0000

Despite an economic downturn that brought the travel industry to a near standstill, Dobson Cup participant and McGill’s first unicorn Sonder has raised US$170-million to stay ahead of the curve.

Accelerate your startup with the Dobson Centre

McGill University — Thu, 07 May 2020 20:37:13 +0000

The McGill Dobson Centre for Entrepreneurship is now accepting applications for the 2020 X-1 Accelerator program. The X-1 Accelerator is a world-class program designed to accelerate early traction McGill startups towards investment readiness and launch. This year, the 10-week intensive program will be held virtually.

Thirty-two teams set to compete at the Dobson Cup finals

McGill University — Tue, 18 Feb 2020 19:51:33 +0000

After two days of deliberation, 32 teams have been selected to compete in final round of the McGill Dobson Cup, powered by National Bank, on March 30, 2020.

Last week, 95 teams pitched their startups to 30 judges who were tasked with choosing eight finalists for each division: health sciences, social enterprises, small & medium enterprises, and innovation-driven enterprises.

McGill Dobson Cup names 2020 semi-finalists

McGill University — Wed, 29 Jan 2020 15:27:53 +0000

The McGill Dobson Centre for Entrepreneurship has announced the semi-finalists in the upcoming McGill Dobson Cup 2020, powered by National Bank. The semifinal pitches will take place from February 11–12, before the final pitches on March 30.

McGill unicorn Sonder sets its sights on Montreal

McGill University — Wed, 18 Dec 2019 15:21:08 +0000

McGill unicorn and hospitality startup Sonder has reserved premises in downtown Montreal as it makes plans to set up shop in Canada. If the move is successful, this could bring more than 500 jobs to the city within three years.

Learn more

Recap of McGill Startup Tour 2019

McGill University — Fri, 29 Nov 2019 20:09:42 +0000

The McGill Startup Tour (formerly Demo Days) is about developing the McGill entrepreneurship ecosystem, showcasing the success’ of our start-ups, and promoting our highly beneficial program.

The tight-knit program was centered on three elements

Dobson Centre sits among world’s best university business incubators

McGill University — Mon, 11 Nov 2019 22:16:08 +0000

The McGill Dobson Centre for Entrepreneurship has secured a spot in UBI Global’s Top 20 University Business Incubators for 2019–20.

According to UBI Global, the universities that made the list surpass their global peers in regard to the value they provide their innovation ecosystems and client startup programs.

Dobson startup tour showcases Desautels entrepreneurial spirit

McGill University — Fri, 25 Oct 2019 19:53:59 +0000

In fall, the McGill Dobson Centre for Entrepreneurship went on the road as part of its annual Startup Tour. The six-week tour provided an opportunity for 10 teams to generate a buzz around their projects and network with industry experts and potential investors.

Sonder Becomes Dobson Centre’s First Unicorn

McGill University — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 13:26:53 +0000

Sonder, a hospitality startup founded by former McGill student Francis Davidson, is now a billion-dollar company. Sonder competed in the 2014 McGill Dobson Cup Startup Competition, where it attracted the attention and investment of judge Tim Tokarsky (BSc ’99).

Holt Accelerator welcomes fresh batch of fintech startups for training

McGill University — Tue, 20 Aug 2019 13:39:05 +0000

Montreal’s Holt Accelerator welcomed its second class of fintech startup executives to a rigorous 12-week training program.

Like McGill’s X-1 Accelerator, offered by the Dobson Centre for Entrepreneurship, the Holt Accelerator plays matchmaker between promising entrepreneurs and industry investors.

Learn more

Ethics: The next wave in AI development

McGill University — Mon, 08 Apr 2019 19:53:02 +0000

Renjie Butalid, Associate Director of the McGill Dobson Centre for Entrepreneurship, sees an opportunity for Montreal to lead the charge in the development of ethical AI frameworks. Discover the strides that the Montreal AI Ethics Institute, which he cofounded, is making in this endeavor.

McGill’s top startups win big at McGill Dobson Cup

McGill University — Fri, 05 Apr 2019 18:09:08 +0000

Entrepreneurial spirit is abounding on McGill’s campus as evidenced by the impressive lineup of finalists in the 2019 McGill Dobson Cup powered by National Bank.

With a pool of over $200,000 in seed funding up for grabs, discover who the winning teams are this year.

Read more in The Dobson Chronicles

Meet the Tesla of snowmobiles

McGill University — Thu, 04 Apr 2019 19:26:48 +0000

McGill Dobson Cup winners Taiga Motors discuss the path to commercialization of the world’s first electric snowmobile, which boasts 0-60 mph in just three seconds and zero emissions to boot.

Montreal puts stake in ground for ethical AI

McGill University — Mon, 01 Apr 2019 18:36:33 +0000

If Montreal has already emerged as a global AI leader, the city continues to forge new paths by articulating its ethical framework. Renjie Butalid, Associate Director of the McGill Dobson Centre for Entrepreneurship and Co-founder of the Montreal AI Ethics Institute, shares his perspective on this important aspect of AI’s development.

These headphones can read your thoughts

McGill University — Thu, 28 Mar 2019 19:46:36 +0000

Dobson X-1 Accelerator participants Orbityl are on a mission to develop a set of headphones that can be controlled by sensing your brain’s activity.

“A lot of the research that we’ve done is in brain-computer interface applications — looking for discrete thoughts that an individual is having as a mechanism to be used for control [of a device],” said Orbityl co-founder Sean Kaiser.

“No one ever says you can create your own job”: Catalyzing women’s big ideas

McGill University — Thu, 21 Mar 2019 18:32:59 +0000

Randi Zuckerberg, Founder and CEO of Zuckerberg Media recently spoke at Place des Arts in Montreal about empowering fellow women to pursue their entrepreneurial ambitions without qualms, particularly in the tech sector.

Meet the women shaking up the startup scene

McGill University — Fri, 08 Mar 2019 20:46:49 +0000

Hear from the women who have founded successful startups through the McGill Dobson Centre as they share their advice for navigating the heady world of entrepreneurship.

Can AI improve depression treatments?

McGill University — Fri, 08 Mar 2019 15:19:15 +0000

Montreal startup and McGill Dobson Cup winners, Aifred Health, has developed a system that uses artificial intelligence to help doctors treat their patients struggling with depression more effectively by developing personalized treatment plans for them.

Mastercard Foundation in support of the Dobson Cup

McGill University — Tue, 12 Feb 2019 17:15:00 +0000

The McGill Dobson Cup powered by National Bank is pleased to announce a new prize, the Mastercard Foundation-Dobson Startup Awards, which total $23,000 and will focus on innovations in Social Enterprise.

The award will be divided as follows: First prize at $15,000, Second prize at $5,000 and third prize at $3,000.

The road to greatness for McGill startup

McGill University — Mon, 11 Feb 2019 21:02:26 +0000

McGill Dobson Cup participants Aifred Health won first place and a $35,000 Milestone Award in the latest stage of the IBM Watson AI XPRIZE. By doing so, they also became one of 30 teams to qualify for the next phase of the four-year, $5-million competition whose final winner will be announced in 2020.

Meet the Dobson Cup semi-finalists

McGill University — Mon, 28 Jan 2019 18:11:43 +0000

After receiving countless applications from across McGill University and much deliberation, the 108 startups moving to the 2019 McGill Dobson Cup semi-finals have been selected. Learn more about their big ideas.

Major funding propels TemperPack to next level

McGill University — Fri, 11 Jan 2019 16:48:42 +0000

McGill Dobson Cup winners TemperPack have raised $22.5 million in financing from a group of venture capitalists.

Presently operating in Virginia and Nevada, TemperPack engineers, manufactures and distributes sustainable packaging products that replace single use plastics.

Montreal emerges as tech leader in 2018

McGill University — Mon, 07 Jan 2019 17:48:22 +0000

The past year saw many significant milestones for Montreal’s tech sector, including its emergence as an AI leader, the significant financial backing of its many startups, and the recognition of the McGill Dobson Centre for Entrepreneurship as a top university-affiliated incubator by UBI Global.

National Bank helps ensure another decade of innovation at McGill

McGill University — Tue, 20 Nov 2018 17:02:26 +0000

Building on their support of the Dobson Cup since 2011, National Bank has gifted a further $4 million toward McGill’s premiere startup competition, ensuring vital support for the next generation of innovative entrepreneurs at McGill.

See photos >

Witness the pitches from Demo Days 2018

McGill University — Mon, 05 Nov 2018 20:08:31 +0000

Montreal, San Francisco, Boston, Toronto, and NYC – the McGill Dobson Centre has spent much of the fall on the road for McGill Demo Days and the pitches are not to be missed.

Take a moment to watch some of McGill’s most promising startups in action.

Entr: A startup that investors are noticing

McGill University — Thu, 18 Oct 2018 19:11:59 +0000

Montreal-based event planning platform Entr has successfully raised $1.3 million in seed funding from major serial investors who are seeing the value of their initiative.

Last year, Entr secured first place at the McGill Dobson Cup and were participants in this year’s Dobson Demo Days.

McGill University recognized for excellence in entrepreneurship support

McGill University — Wed, 10 Oct 2018 15:18:40 +0000

According to the 2018-2019 Pitchbook, McGill University is ranked 29th among 50 world universities producing VC-backed entrepreneurs. On a national level, McGill places 2nd in Canada and 1st in Quebec.

McGill has successfully trained 330 entrepreneurs and has supported the development of 304 companies that have raised $7.06 billion in capital.

McGill is named home of the Hult

McGill University — Thu, 04 Oct 2018 20:31:24 +0000

McGill University has been selected to host a local edition of the Hult Prize, the world’s largest student competition for the creation of new social enterprises.

The annual Hult Prize awards one million dollars in start-up funding to the student team that develops the most radical and breakthrough idea to solve one of our world’s toughest social challenges.

Read more in The Dobson Chronicles

Shining a light on Centech

McGill University — Tue, 02 Oct 2018 15:33:50 +0000

Montreal’s Centech, one of Canada’s oldest incubators that focuses on hardware and deep tech, has remained relatively unknown. And yet they have been instrumental in growing the business of numerous startup ventures, including McGill Dobson Cup winners Saccade Analytics.

Saccade Analytics has developed a software that can be embedded in off-the-shelf virtual reality goggles to evaluate brain functions based on eye and head movement. It’s a technology that can be used to diagnose abnormalities from concussion, neurological disorders or other causes.

Dobson Demo Days: Montreal highlights

McGill University — Mon, 24 Sep 2018 18:20:58 +0000

The McGill Dobson Centre for Entrepreneurship kicked off its 2018 series of Demo Days in Montreal on September 13, welcoming 600 spectators who were treated to the very best of McGill’s leaps in innovation. Discover the eight startup teams and their next big idea.

A glowing victory at HEC case competition

McGill University — Fri, 21 Sep 2018 15:30:50 +0000

MONTREAL, Quebec. On the evening of the HEC Social Business Creation competition, McGill start-up Kajou delivered, coming home with the First place prize of $15,000 for their business venture. Their business makes apple juice – with the apple of the cashew tree.

Catching up with the McGill Dobson Centre

McGill University — Tue, 04 Sep 2018 19:12:24 +0000

McGill students and alumni alike cannot say enough about the important impact that the McGill Dobson Centre’s programming has had on taking their big ideas to the next level.

From its X-1 Accelerator and Lean Startup programs, to its annual Dobson Cup competition, hear about the successes of those who have benefitted from the Dobson Centre.

Dobson Cup participant disrupts the disrupters

McGill University — Fri, 24 Aug 2018 15:28:45 +0000

2014 McGill Dobson Cup participant, Sonder, aims to bring together the very best of Airbnb and hotel experiences – and many are seeing the appeal.

In just four years, Sonder has attracted the attention of top venture capital firms that have invested over $135 million and has served more than 200,000 guests.

Sonder will also host the McGill Dobson Centre’s San Francisco Demo Day at their offices on September 20, 2018.

McGill Student Team NutriPulse wins third place at 2018 Food Security Social Innovation Challenge

McGill University — Thu, 26 Jul 2018 17:33:53 +0000

By Nii Addy

At the 2018 Social Innovation Challenge (SIC) held in Toronto on July 12, 2018, McGill team NutriPulse was adjudged the third place winner among eight finalists, with a $10,000 cash prize.

Invivo.AI wins big at Startupfest 2018

McGill University — Fri, 20 Jul 2018 17:26:11 +0000

McGill Dobson Cup winners and Lean Startup participants Invivo.AI were awarded the Best of the Fest $100,000 Pitch Prize at Startupfest 2018, ushering in a new chapter for the Montreal-based startup whose digital platform optimizes the development and approval of pharmaceutical drugs.

Recapping the McGill X-1: Week 3

McGill University — Tue, 26 Jun 2018 20:16:37 +0000

The 2018 McGill X-1 Accelerator program is already in full swing.

Wrapping up its third week, participants learnt the ins and outs of: the business model canvas, startup lifecycles, networking, and how to liaise with a board of directors – elements that will be crucial to their success as emerging businesses.

Read more in The Dobson Chronicles

Marking five years since Lac-Mégantic tragedy

McGill University — Tue, 26 Jun 2018 20:14:23 +0000

Five years since the train derailment that destroyed the downtown of Lac-Mégantic, Bernard d’Arche, McGill Dobson Cup winner and Director of the region’s entrepreneurship centre, reflects on the rebuilding efforts and the progress made toward revitalizing its industries, stating that the recent momentum is palpable.

Desautels and FAES interdisciplinary research with McGill food startup and Montreal community organization highlighted at the 2018 Montreal Summit on Innovation (MSI)

McGill University — Wed, 20 Jun 2018 16:10:35 +0000

Joëlle Rondeau, Research Assistant, McGill Centre for the Convergence of Health and Economics (MCCHE)

As part of C2 Montreal, the 2018 Montreal Summit on Innovation (MSI) showcased the social impacts of 10 collaborative research projects through an interactive circuit on May 23.

Takeaways from a marketing guru and Dobson Cup judge

McGill University — Mon, 18 Jun 2018 18:54:25 +0000

Tylenol, Band-Aid, and Neutrogena are just some of the brands that Jill Selick (BCom’02), Founder of Rubix Marketing and McGill Dobson Cup judge has helped market.

She sits down with The Dobson Chronicles to share the insights she has gathered from her career so far, including some advice for fresh graduates.

Read more in The Dobson Chronicles

Insights from Dobson Cup judge Debra Margles

McGill University — Wed, 13 Jun 2018 16:35:53 +0000

With over three decades of experience working in the fashion industry, Debra Margles, President of Michael Kors Canada and McGill Dobson Cup judge, shares some words of wisdom about company growth, day-to-day operations, and how to stay ahead of the competition.

Read more in The Dobson Chronicles

Entrepreneurs on a mission to improve mental health

McGill University — Mon, 11 Jun 2018 16:01:12 +0000

An article in Les Affaires sheds light on some of the innovative startups, including those affiliated with the McGill Dobson Centre for Entrepreneurship, which aim to treat symptoms of depression and other mental health issues.

One such venture includes a mobile application that allows users to monitor their level of anxiety as a means of proactively coping with manic episodes or depression.

Upwards and onwards...Another successful year at the McGill Dobson Cup!

McGill University — Tue, 08 May 2018 19:49:32 +0000

On the 5th of April, the McGill Dobson Centre for Entrepreneurship was once again alive and vibrant with the culmination of the McGill Dobson Cup 2018 powered by National Bank and the announcement of the year’s winners. This year, 84 teams competed in the Semi-Finals round with the top 40 teams moving forward into the Finals on March 28th 2018.

Meet the 2018 Food and Agribusiness Convergent Innovation Prize Winner

McGill University — Fri, 27 Apr 2018 16:17:10 +0000

By Joëlle Rondeau, Research Assistant, McGill Centre for the Convergence of Health and Economics

McGill Food Startups Connecting with Montreal’s Food and Entrepreneurship Ecosystem

McGill University — Fri, 27 Apr 2018 14:41:58 +0000

By Joëlle Rondeau, Research Assistant, McGill Centre for the Convergence of Health and Economics

On the evening of March 21, 2018, McGill students and entrepreneurs from diverse horizons gathered at Esplanade, a collaborative space dedicated to entrepreneurship and social innovation in Montreal’s Mile-Ex neighbourhood.

Dobson Cup 2018 finalist CandyCutlery offers advice on founding a startup

McGill University — Fri, 02 Mar 2018 17:55:24 +0000

The Dobson Chronicles interviews Daniel Van Acker, member of the Dobson Cup finalist startup CandyCutlery, about what motivated him to become an entrepreneur and what it takes to succeed. For Van Acker, the recipe for success includes a lot of hard work; “there are no shortcuts”, as he says.

Read more

Dean Bajeux on the McGill Dobson Centre

McGill University — Fri, 02 Mar 2018 17:38:00 +0000

In a recent interview with Radio Canada International, Desautels Dean Isabelle Bajeux comments on the impact that the McGill Dobson Centre has had to date and on what its ranking by UBI Global means to the Faculty.

For Dean Bajeux, it is a reflection of the Centre’s developed programming, collaborative efforts with other McGill faculties and its vast network of supporters around the world.

Marketing Campaign: Who's behind Desautels?

McGill University — Thu, 25 Jan 2018 18:06:47 +0000

How can food help narrow the social divide in our cities?

Learn more about how Desautels students are behind some of the most meaningful social enterprises.

Dobson opens new space to propel entrepreneurship

McGill University — Wed, 29 Nov 2017 20:15:02 +0000

The McGill Dobson Centre for Entrepreneurship has inaugurated a collaborative space where members of McGill’s startup ecosystem can come together and work on their early stage projects.

Located at 3430 McTavish, the space is available on a drop-in basis every weekday between 10:00 am and 5:00 pm.

Who commercialized the world’s first electric snowmobile?

McGill University — Wed, 25 Oct 2017 18:54:20 +0000

Desautels is behind some of the country’s most innovative startups

Taiga Motors, founded by McGill graduates Gabriel Bernatchez (Beng'16), Sam Bruneau (Beng'15) and Paul Achard (Beng'14), have developed the world’s first electric snowmobile, eliciting interest and enthusiasm from local and international snowmobilers and investors alike.

Dobson Centre explores the future and emergent technologies

McGill University — Wed, 25 Oct 2017 17:37:35 +0000

On October 18, the McGill Dobson Centre for Entrepreneurship hosted its third workshop of the fall season, which focused on the technological innovations that are shaking up the business world.

The two invited guest speakers were Matthew Boerum from Audible Reality, winner of the 2017 McGill Dobson Cup, and Yves Guillaume A. Messy, founder of insurance startup QGS Technologies Ltd.

Both speakers led discussions on the opportunities enabled through technological advancement, such as artificial intelligence and blockchain.

McGill-Notman partnership takes McGill startups one step further

McGill University — Wed, 11 Oct 2017 15:03:43 +0000

Established under the McGill Innovation Collective, the McGill-Notman partnership offers short-term residencies to startup cofounders affiliated with McGill either as students, alumni, or as staff or researchers.

During their residency, companies have access to resources such as office space, mentoring sessions and workshops dedicated to start-ups. To-date, Notman House has welcomed more than twenty startup companies, many of which have also benfitted from the McGill Dobson Centre for Entrepreneurship.

Dobson Demo Days take McGill innovations on the road

McGill University — Tue, 26 Sep 2017 19:44:44 +0000

This year’s McGill X-1 Accelerator program has culminated with a series of Demo Days designed to give participants the opportunity to deliver their refined business pitches to McGill alumni and potential investors. In addition to Montreal, McGill’s budding entrepreneurs have made their way to Boston and San Francisco, with additional Demo Days planned for Toronto and New York in October.

This year’s startups range from a software to help diagnose concussions, to a specialty food business and multiple-choice quiz generator.

McGill Dobson Centre Associate Director interviewed on PNR podcast

McGill University — Thu, 07 Sep 2017 16:25:49 +0000

McGill Dobson Centre for Entrepreneurship Associate Director Renjie Butalid appeared on the PNR podcast to talk about his development as an entrepreneur, and how it led to his current position.

When asked about the programs he is managing, Mr Butalid outlined how the McGill Lean Startup Program is where a brand-new team lays the groundwork for a hopefully-successful run at the McGill Dobson Cup, and how the X-1 Accelerator helps Dobson Cup winners to further develop their startups.

McGill Dobson Cup participants win Next Canada award for their insomnia solution

McGill University — Thu, 17 Aug 2017 15:03:22 +0000

With their revolutionary earplugs, Kristina Pearkes (BEng’17) and Sean Kaiser (BEng’17) aim to end insomnia without medication. The duo is the brains behind Orbityl, the company that just received Next Canada’s Outstanding Next 36 Venture Award. The Next 36 is a young-entrepreneur accelerator run by Next Canada, which offers seed capital as well as mentorship opportunities.

McGill X-1 Accelerator: seventh week at a glance

McGill University — Wed, 02 Aug 2017 16:58:20 +0000

Week seven of the McGill X-1 Accelerator was all about two things: Announcing a transformative $2 million gift from the John Dobson Foundation, and setting up for the upcoming Demo Days.

John Dobson Foundation donates $2 million to support entrepreneurship at McGill

McGill University — Tue, 18 Jul 2017 13:33:07 +0000

Montreal, Quebec, July 18, 2017 - The John Dobson Foundation has announced a donation of $2 million – its largest gift to McGill yet – to fund the McGill X-1 Accelerator program run by the McGill Dobson Centre for Entrepreneurship. The gift will support the X-1 program, now in its third year, as it grows to support and promote entrepreneurship across McGill.

McGill X-1 Accelerator: fifth week at a glance

McGill University — Tue, 18 Jul 2017 13:22:27 +0000

Product Development was the overall theme for week five of the McGill X-1 Accelerator. On the agenda was a talk by GrandeSlam Product VP Saad Benryane on adopting a customer-centric approach, followed by a networking talk by Desautels Director of Advancement Alexander King.

Of course, there was another Grilled by CEO session, this time by RetinadVR CEO Alexander Haque. Mr. Haque emphasised the importance of simplifying their presentations to suit people’s attention spans. Otherwise, there is a real risk of losing focus.

A conversation with McGill Dobson judge Alexandra Conliffe

McGill University — Tue, 11 Jul 2017 15:09:55 +0000

Alexandra Conliffe was a judge for the semi-final round of the 2017 McGill Dobson Cup’s Social Enterprise track. She is the Policy Innovation Director for the Brookfield Institute for Innovation + Entrepreneurship, and used to be VP Operations for Engineers Without Borders Canada.

2018 McGill Dobson Cup schedule announced

McGill University — Tue, 11 Jul 2017 13:27:18 +0000

Budding startups all over McGill will be delighted to see that the schedule for next year’s McGill Dobson Cup is out.

As they do every year, startups will be competing across four categories: Innovation Driven Enterprise, Small & Medium Enterprise, Social Enterprise, and Health Sciences.

Teams need to have at least one founder with a McGill connection; be it a student, staff or faculty member, or a recent graduate.

McGill X-1 Accelerator: second week at a glance

McGill University — Wed, 21 Jun 2017 13:53:43 +0000

Week 2 of the McGill X-1 Accelerator is done! From an opening session with serial entrepreneur Luc Giguere, the week progressed through a second look at Bill Aulet’s Disciplined Entrepreneurship; then design thinking with Juniper founder Mike Ross (MBA'11) who discussed a five-step approach, plus the value of in-depth customer interviews.

Finally, for the second Grilled by CEO session, AON3D’s Randeep Singh tested the participants and talked up the value of sky-high goals and a big hit of confidence.

McGill X-1 Accelerator: first week at a glance

McGill University — Thu, 15 Jun 2017 17:39:48 +0000

Week 1 of the 10-week 2017 McGill X-1 Accelerator has come and gone. As participants readied their startups for the journey to investment and launch, they got to know the program and each other, as well as Bill Aulet’s seminal book, Disciplined Entrepreneurship, which will be their roadmap through the program.

John Dobson Medal awarded to CEO of Resolute Forest Products

McGill University — Mon, 29 May 2017 13:34:22 +0000

Richard Garneau has long been an advocate for Canada’s forestry industry, and now the Resolute CEO is being recognized for it with the John Dobson Medal for Free Enterprise.

In the words of Michel Kelly-Gagnon, CEO of the Montreal Economic Institute that awards the medal every year, “We look for individuals who are vocal in their defence of the free market,” and concludes that “This year’s winner is one hell of a fighter.”

The John Dobson Foundation supports efforts to spread education about free enterprise and entrepreneurial studies across Canada.

Dobson Cup winners turn food waste into gourmet mushrooms

McGill University — Tue, 23 May 2017 14:24:34 +0000

Myco-Rise is a Montreal-area startup that uses food waste and vermicomposting to grow gourmet mushrooms for local restaurants and individuals.

The company definitely marches to its own drum: while other startup founders might dream of geographical expansion right out of the gate, Myco-Rise is consolidating its position as a Montreal-specific mushroom supplier, planning instead to expand into modular production, medicinal mushrooms, and maybe even mushroom beer.

Andrea Courey talks about granola, entrepreneurship and compassion

McGill University — Wed, 17 May 2017 16:53:03 +0000

Andrea Courey (BCom’82) was newly divorced, with three kids to feed and no money in the bank when she started Grandma Emily’s Granola. She credits her BCom education with giving her the tools she needed to get through the early days of her business, but notes that real-world experience is a very different thing than classroom knowledge.

McGill Dobson Centre reveals 2017 X-1 Accelerator cohort

McGill University — Fri, 12 May 2017 17:41:35 +0000

This year’s X-1 cohort has been announced. It’s a diverse group, and one that boasts participants from the McGill Dobson Cup and the McGill Lean Startup Program, as well as a higher number of women than men.

New podcast by Desautels alumnus looks at growth through company founders’ stories

McGill University — Tue, 09 May 2017 16:52:55 +0000

Deron Triff (MBA'98) has had an enviable career; he’s worked for PBS, TED, and Scholastic. Now, he’s founded a new media incubator with another former TED executive, June Cohen.

Wait, What? specializes in creating VR series, apps, and video for social media. The company’s latest creation is a 10-episode podcast called Masters of Scale. Each episode sees host and LinkedIn founder Reid Hoffman explore the ways that iconic founders grew their companies into major players, often from nothing.

Dobson Cup judge on Montreal’s startup scene

McGill University — Tue, 25 Apr 2017 16:15:06 +0000

Kristina Tomaz-Young knows a thing or two about startups. She’s been involved with several projects since 2007, both as an adviser and as founder of her own companies, including Venture Cap TV and Skill2Go. She sat with The Dobson Chronicles to discuss her development as a businessperson, how to garner success at home and beyond, and judging the McGill Dobson Cup. Of the Montreal startup culture, Ms. Tomaz-Young is bullish, pointing to universities like McGill, the city’s venture capital firms, and incubators as proof of a vibrant scene. As for the Dobson Cup, Ms.

From class project to the Grit Prize: one Dobson Cup team’s journey

McGill University — Tue, 25 Apr 2017 15:56:47 +0000

CardioLink was the winner of this year’s Dobson Cup Grit Prize, which honours “outstanding dedication towards establishing [a] business venture.” The multidisciplinary team’s members are pulled from McGill University, Concordia University and the École de technologie supérieure (ÉTS). The CardioLink team is working towards a new, affordable method for replacing heart valves, which also happens to be safer for the patient and less frustrating for surgeons.

Spotlight on McGill X-1 Accelerator

McGill University — Fri, 21 Apr 2017 21:07:56 +0000

As part of its series on social innovations at different universities, Le Délit recently took a look the McGill Dobson Centre for Entrepreneurship’s efforts, including the McGill X-1 Accelerator, which is a 10-week intensive that gives participants a chance at pitching their projects to the Centre’s network of entrepreneurs in hopes of landing funding. The program is a fantastic gateway into the world of finance.

Dobson Cup winners announced

McGill University — Fri, 21 Apr 2017 20:48:09 +0000

From 136 initial pitches, 121 went on to compete. The semi-finals brought the field down to 40 finalists and now, the 2017 McGill Dobson Cup powered by National Bank has revealed the slate of winners. Up for grabs was a total of $106,000, which was awarded to the top teams in the categories of Social Enterprise, Health Sciences, Small & Medium Enterprise, and Innovation Driven Enterprise. This year’s slate of entries came from all of McGill’s faculties and schools.

Eytan Bensoussan on mentoring, entrepreneurship and modern business banking

McGill University — Fri, 21 Apr 2017 16:29:28 +0000

Eytan Bensoussan (BSc’05, MBA/LLB’10) loves a challenge. He has studied math, bio-chemistry, political science and management. In his career life, he worked for McKinsey & Company, the Globe and Mail, and Ferst Capital Partners before co-founding Ferst Digital, which is a modern banking platform for small businesses and start-ups.

Electric snowmobiles set to take centre stage

McGill University — Wed, 12 Apr 2017 15:33:18 +0000

Next winter, Whistler Blackcomb and Canadian Wilderness Adventures will become some of the first companies to offer electric snowmobiles to clients. The machines are made by Quebec-based Taiga Motors, which built on its first-place finish in the 2016 McGill Dobson Cup’s Innovation Track to expand its technology and develop a revolutionary all-electric snowmobile from the ground up.

2014 Dobson Cup participant on how winning changed her

McGill University — Wed, 12 Apr 2017 15:30:22 +0000

Montreal-based Lantinga Vita is all about merging functionality, a chic design and sustainability. The company’s Tempus bag is an Italian-made, multi-functional bag that boasts a compartment for a 15” laptop and a thermal pocket for food. The company’s founder and CEO, Nina Lantinga, recently spoke with The Dobson Chronicles about the entrepreneurial life, growing her business and winning the Grit Prize at the McGill Dobson Cup 2014.

Winning Dobson Cup team on entrepreneurship, plans for the future and head movement as disease indicator

McGill University — Tue, 11 Apr 2017 17:01:48 +0000

Startup Saccade Analytics was the first place winner of the 2017 McGill Dobson Cup Health Sciences Track. The team’s pitch involved analyzing eye and head movement to help diagnose neural diseases. The team sat down with the Dobson Chronicles to talk about what made them dive into the entrepreneurial life, and eye-head movement as an indicator of disease — including, but not limited to, concussion. The team’s work builds on a foundation laid by team member Professor Mimi Galiana, who is a pioneer in the field.

Dobson Cup winners announced

McGill University — Mon, 03 Apr 2017 16:38:02 +0000

The McGill Dobson Cup 2017 powered by National Bank is over, and the winners have been announced. From the initial 136 applications, 121 teams pitched their startups in the run-up to the semi-finals. Then, 40 of those teams moved on to the finals on March 22. All in all, $106,000 of seed funding was divided among the top entries across four categories: Social Enterprise, Health Sciences, Small & Medium Enterprise and Innovation Driven Enterprise.

Social enterprise and innovation: an interview with Jake Wildman-Sisk

McGill University — Fri, 31 Mar 2017 15:51:49 +0000

As judge for the Social Enterprise category at the semi-finals of this year’s McGill Dobson Cup, Jake Wildman-Sisk’s credentials are solid: Not only did he help develop the first social systems innovation lab in New Brunswick, but he has also worked for the Fredericton Food Bank, and is currently an innovation fellow at the J.W. McConnell Family Foundation’s RECODE initiative, which supports students’ efforts to become agents of progress.

Social Media for Startups: a workshop to build from

McGill University — Thu, 30 Mar 2017 15:26:45 +0000

At the last of this season’s McGill Dobson Centre for Entrepreneurship workshops, participants were treated to an in-depth understanding of what social media can do for startups. The workshop, led in part by Desautels Marketing and Communications Coordinator Véronique Beaulieu-Fowler, delved into best practices for solidifying a company’s online presence. It can be broken down into several factors, touching on everything from keeping up the quality of one’s social-media content to understanding one’s audience.

GroundIt’s CEO on her entrepreneurial journey

McGill University — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 14:50:01 +0000

Business partners Audrey Bolduc and Mitalie Makhani won the 2015 Dobson Cup with their pitch to make fertilizer from used coffee grounds. Now CEO of GroundIt, Ms. Bolduc returns to judge the 2017 Dobson Cup. She sat down with The Dobson Chronicles to talk about her company’s all-natural fertilizer, her incredible experience as a Dobson Cup contestant, how her time at Desautels has moulded who she is as an entrepreneur, and just what possessed her to found a startup while she was still in school.

New financial skills workshop at McGill Dobson Centre

McGill University — Thu, 16 Mar 2017 15:13:36 +0000

The McGill Dobson Centre for Entrepreneurship’s recent Startup Financials workshop gave attendees a solid basis from which to build out financial projections, which can be the weakest link in many business plans. Expert presenters included pros from White Star Capital, Appetite (Honorable Mention at the 2016 Dobson Cup), and of course, National Bank.

Dobson Cup hopefuls: 40 startups through to 2017 finals

McGill University — Thu, 23 Feb 2017 16:06:20 +0000

The Semi-finals of the McGill Dobson Cup 2017 powered by National Bank are over, and of the 121 teams that competed, 40 of them are still standing. After four days of pitches, the event’s judges have chosen 10 finalists from each of four categories (Health Sciences, Social Enterprise, Small & Medium Enterprise and Innovation Driven Enterprise) to move on to the last phase of the competition.

L’Oréal and the McGill Dobson Cup announce new award

McGill University — Tue, 07 Feb 2017 15:41:30 +0000

For 2017, the McGill Dobson Cup powered by National Bank will feature a new prize! According to the Dobson Chronicle, the $12,000 L’Oréal-Dobson Startup Award will either go to a single team or be split up among competitors “who demonstrate innovative ideas in the areas of green chemistry, material and health sciences to support future hair and skin applications.” The prize is open across all four of the startup competition’s categories: Health Sciences, Social Enterprise, Small & Medium Enterprise and Innovation Driven Enterprise.

McGill startups move to semi-finals at Dobson Cup

McGill University — Thu, 02 Feb 2017 16:38:10 +0000

From 136 initial submissions, 121 startups are moving on to the semi-finals at the 2017 McGill Dobson Cup powered by National Bank. Each team competing for the $100,000 in seed funding fall into one of four tracks: “Innovation Driven Enterprise,” “Health Sciences,” “Small & Medium Enterprise” and “Social Enterprise.” Semi-Finalists will be pitching to judges and mentors from February 14 to 17.

Selling textbooks without the hassle of the haggle

McGill University — Wed, 18 Jan 2017 15:45:52 +0000

As the new semester rolls in, so does a new textbook-exchanging app. Venndor, founded by recent McGill graduates Anthony Heinrich, Julien Marlatt and Tynan Davis, is a classifieds app with the goal of helping students buy and sell textbooks without the need for haggling or negotiating prices.

Design to benefit the world: This solar-powered backpack improves health and education

McGill University — Fri, 06 Jan 2017 20:33:32 +0000

After moving to Montreal to attend McGill University, Visram designed the Soular Backpack to help tackle one of the "multitude of problems related to education of children in Kenya." Many children in Kenya live in homes without electricity and must use harmful kerosene lamps to study at night. The Soular Backpack has a solar panel on it which charges a portable LED lamp inside of it, eliminating the need for kerosene.

Winners of the University Challenge Leverage Your Idea selected during Entrepreneurial Boot Camp

McGill University — Thu, 01 Dec 2016 18:46:26 +0000

Fondation Montréal Inc. (montréalinc.ca) announced last Saturday at the close of an Entrepreneurial Boot Camp the Big Winners of the University Challenge Leverage Your Idea presented by the National Bank and organized in collaboration with Montréal universities.

A Montreal startup provides a smoothie solution

McGill University — Thu, 24 Nov 2016 18:07:36 +0000

It’s still early days for UGo, a fledgling Montreal company that has developed a self-cleaning smoothie machine, but co-founders Morgan Abraham and Mitch Schwartz have big dreams.

“Down the road, I see us as a wellness company, not just a smoothie company,” said Abraham, 29, a Boston native who studied engineering at McGill University and returned to Montreal post-graduation to give his business idea a shot.

Read full article: Montreal Gazette, November 21, 2016

Healthy options are a package deal at Oatbox and Yumibox

McGill University — Tue, 15 Nov 2016 20:36:21 +0000

McGill students Mengyin Hong, 28, and Zoey Li, 22, the duo behind Yumibox, met two years ago, when a professor suggested Li as an assistant for Hong on her master’s project. Hong had moved from China to study at McGill, Li was from Vancouver, where she moved from China at age 4. Working together, they discovered they had similar goals and beliefs.

They launched their business six months ago, even before completing their studies at McGill.

Two McGill students use company to raise awareness for diabetes

McGill University — Thu, 10 Nov 2016 18:39:18 +0000

Two students from McGill Univeristy have founded a company to help raise awareness about diabetes and to help those coping with it.

Yumi Box is a whole grain subscription box that delivers preportioned and preseasoned whole grains to your front door.

“All you have to do is add water, add heat and you have healthy carbs delivered to you,” Zoey Li, McGill University dietetic student, said.

Read full article: Global News, November 9, 2016

Easy-to-make meals for diabetics featured on Global News

McGill University — Thu, 10 Nov 2016 18:36:53 +0000

Zoey Li, co-founder of YUMiBOX by YUMiTRITION and current McGill dietetic student, was recently featured on Global News Montreal. YUMiBOX is a subscription box company that sells whole grain products to support diabetic blood sugar control.

Zoey and her co-founder Mengyin Hong came in 1st place in the Small & Medium Enterprise category of the 2016 McGill Dobson Cup winning $15,000, and took the Food and Agribusiness Convergent Innovation Prize of $5,000 home as well.

Remporter la Coupe Dobson de McGill a aidé Samuel Bruneau à démarrer son entreprise Taiga Motors

McGill University — Fri, 04 Nov 2016 16:50:31 +0000

Gagner la Coupe Dobson a permis à Taiga Motors d’avoir la reconnaissance nécessaire pour à l'international et obtenir le financement nécessaire afin de fabriquer la première motoneige électrique au monde.

La Banque Nationale est partenaire du Dobson Cup de McGill, qui aide les entreprises telles que Taiga Motors à réaliser leurs projets d’affaires.

Five very different McGill startups under one roof

McGill University — Tue, 25 Oct 2016 18:47:51 +0000

What does tiramisu made with avocado have in common with cosmetic ingredients? Both are being developed by newly incorporated startup companies launched right here at McGill. Avocado Desserts, which uses avocado in unexpected and delectable ways, and Anomera, which has developed a proprietary technology to produce eco-friendly cosmetic ingredients, are both in a special three-month residency at Notman House, a startup incubator located near the corner of Sherbrooke and St. Laurent Boulevards.

The 23-Year-Old Behind Soular Is Bringing Solar-Powered Backpacks To Children In Africa

McGill University — Tue, 18 Oct 2016 19:09:36 +0000

Salima Visram is the 23-year-old entrepreneur behind the Soular, a backpack company equipped with solar panels, which allow children who don’t have access to electricity in rural parts of Africa to study at night without having to use an expensive and carcinogenic kerosene lamp. Soular will be launching a new one-for-one model today, through the sale of trendy backpacks on HSN in collaboration with Disney, alongside their new movie, Queen of Katwe, which is set in rural Uganda, where the kerosene lamp is central to the plot of the story.

Lupita Nyong’o Stuns on Latest Vogue Cover, Interview Earns Praise

McGill University — Tue, 18 Oct 2016 19:07:23 +0000

Lupita Nyong’o is earning praise from Black social media users for a quote she made in a fashion magazine. The comment landed on the publication’s cover and caused many to see it as a welcome change in the industry.

The Vogue magazine quote cements Nyong’o’s representation of African-Americans and minorities.

“I want to create opportunities for people of color.”

...Forbes reported Nyong’o and the Soular Backpack team went to Katwe, Uganda with Disney after Queen of Katwe filming ended. There, they handed out the backpacks.

Flatbook rebrands as ‘Sonder,’ lands $10 million investment

McGill University — Tue, 18 Oct 2016 19:02:01 +0000

Montreal’s Flatbook is rebranding as “Sonder” amid a large fundraising escapade that will see the startup bank $10 million.

The startup formerly focused on providing premium short term rentals for travellers in select North American markets. With today’s announcement, Sonder will offer 500 “hometels,” which are places that possess the authenticity of peer-to-peer home rental along with the services of a hotel.

The new (non-tech) tech luminaries

McGill University — Tue, 18 Oct 2016 18:59:20 +0000

Ms. Magdesian was frustrated. Then a researcher at McGill University’s Montreal Neurological Institute, she was having trouble with the spinal cord cells she was studying.

The only way to grow them was in a petri dish, but the cells don’t grow in a dish in the same way they grow in the human body. Instead of growing straight, they get tangled. It made her work harder, slower and more prone to error.

Launch of the University Challenge Leverage Your Idea

McGill University — Fri, 30 Sep 2016 17:35:47 +0000

Students, Foreign Students and University Graduates aged 18 to 35 invited to submit their business idea.

Lancement du concours universitaire Le levier de ton idée

McGill University — Fri, 30 Sep 2016 17:08:51 +0000

La Fondation Montréal inc. organise en collaboration avec les universités montréalaises, pour la deuxième année, le concours universitaire Le levier de ton idée, présenté par la Banque Nationale.

Succès accéléré pour une entreprise appuyée par un programme de McGill

McGill University — Thu, 22 Sep 2016 18:58:10 +0000

Lancée l’an dernier, la jeune entreprise Key2Access peut déjà compter sur une expertise variée au sein même de la famille qui l’a fondée : Sarah est étudiante en droit à McGill, Sophie est diplômée en gestion internationale et leur père, Motaz, est ingénieur. C’est lui qui a conçu le produit de l’entreprise : une application destinée à rendre les passages piétons dotés d’un bouton d’appel plus faciles à traverser pour les personnes en fauteuil roulant ou aux prises avec une déficience visuelle.

Entrepreneurial courses for those who could use them the most

McGill University — Fri, 02 Sep 2016 17:19:05 +0000

At McGill University, a new generation of entrepreneurs is sprouting up across campus, supported by the business school.

Starting this month, students from five faculties (arts, science, engineering, music, and agriculture and environmental sciences) can pursue minors in entrepreneurship, with finance, accounting, marketing and other business fundamentals taught by professors from the Desautels Faculty of Management.

McGill X-1 Weekly Recap Series | Week 7

McGill University — Thu, 28 Jul 2016 15:41:04 +0000

Can you believe Week 7 has already passed? Its incredible how quickly our startups are nearing their McGill X-1 Accelerator graduation and we can’t wait to celebrate!

With only two weeks left for the program, it’s time to switch into high gear and get ready for McGill Montreal Demo Day on September 7th. To learn more about Demo Day, as well as the amazing guest speakers who shared their stories with our startups this past week, keep reading!

Entrepalooza

McGill University — Thu, 28 Jul 2016 15:07:43 +0000

This year, hundreds of eager entrepreneurs competed to win $200,000 in funding, and for the opportunity to pitch their ideas to experienced investors and mentors. The participants also met legendary and inspirational startup celebrities from companies such as Reddit, Shopify and Oculus.

Week 2 | McGill X-1 Weekly Recap Series

McGill University — Wed, 22 Jun 2016 14:09:21 +0000

As week 2 of the McGill X-1 Accelerator comes to an end, we’re happy to see our 6 teams — Appetite, Fractal, FRSH, NXTSENS Microsystems, UGo Smoothies, and Venndor — swiftly settling into their space.

Day by day, the walls and windows are increasingly covered with sticky notes of all colours shapes and sizes, every writable surface is covered with notes, and each desk has someone calling it home — for the next 8 weeks at least.

McGill X-1 Kick-off! | Weekly Recap Series

McGill University — Wed, 15 Jun 2016 15:40:08 +0000

The week ended with a workshop on how to maintain your engagement with your startup and the right mindset to adopt, led by Prof. Nii Addy of the Desautels Faculty of Management here at McGill. Following this was Prof. Lisa Cohen, another outstanding professor at Desautels, who shared her expertise on building a great team and understanding team dynamics.

Dobson Cup runneth over

McGill University — Wed, 15 Jun 2016 15:30:19 +0000

After a year of planning, over 150 start-up submissions, 137 pitches, and $117,000 in prizes, the 2016 McGill Dobson Cup has come to a close with four enthusiastic startups claiming a first place victory in four different tracks: Social Enterprise, Health Sciences, Small & Medium Enterprise, and Innovation Driven Enterprise.

Dobson Cup 2016 Winners Announced

McGill University — Mon, 09 May 2016 15:47:25 +0000

Dear 2016 McGill Dobson Cup Participants, Judge-Mentors, and Supporters,

We're excited to announce the winners of the 2016 McGill Dobson Cup!

Congratulations to all of the winning teams. Many thanks to everyone who participated. We would also like to thank all of the Pitch Phase and Finalist judge-mentors, and volunteers who contributed towards making this year's startup competition a resounding success!

Bigger is better for McGill Innovation Week

McGill University — Fri, 04 Dec 2015 18:08:42 +0000

McGill Innovation Week took place for a third year in a row this November and the third time was certainly a charm. Nineteen events integrated the McGill student and faculty community with the Montreal innovation community to demonstrate how people can collaborate to create novel ideas that will drive our future.

E-Innovation bridges academia and industry

McGill University — Fri, 04 Dec 2015 17:38:37 +0000

What do you get when you combine the minds of three postdoctoral fellows, a PhD student, a professor, and recent, potentially profitable, research? A cutting-edge startup, of course.

Fortier calls for fostering young entrepreneurs

McGill University — Fri, 27 Nov 2015 18:19:53 +0000

The last Innovation Report of the Conference Board of Canada brought encouraging news for Quebec and Canada. But we can do much better, McGill Principal Suzanne Fortier told the Montreal Council on Foreign Relations on Wednesday.

... Among the recent initiatives at McGill to foster entrepreneurship:

Social Entrepreneurship Workshop: Designing your career, your enterprise, and your impact

McGill University — Thu, 19 Nov 2015 21:24:46 +0000

On November 13, 2015, the Marcel Desautels Institute for Integrated Management (MDIIM) and the Dobson Centre for Entrepreneurship co-sponsored a half-day workshop on social entrepreneurship. Entitled “Social Entrepreneurship: Designing your career, your enterprise, and your impact”, the event featured a broad range of attendees – from those new to the concept of entrepreneurship to established entrepreneurs.

High tech tailor offers suit shopping convenience with curb-side fittings

McGill University — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 14:59:29 +0000

It's a Friday afternoon and mergers and acquisitions lawyer Giancarlo Salvo squeezes in a break at the Dentons law firm to get measured for a suit and dress shirts. He heads down to the lobby of Montreal's Place Ville Marie and steps into the Tailor2Go van parked out front where tailor Nathan Kong is waiting.

Read full article: Financial Post, October 5, 2015

Feature: Solar backpack to boost learning for poor Kenyan children

McGill University — Fri, 25 Sep 2015 22:04:05 +0000

From hunger and malnutrition to striking teachers keeping them off normal learning for many days, a Kenyan child goes through diverse challenges to succeed in education.
... While various state and non-state actors seek to increase distribution of the electricity and promote widespread use of solar, 22-year-old Salima Visram, a Kenya-born from coastal region, is seeking to change the learners' studying lifestyle.

La Coupe Dobson : un puissant démarreur d’entreprises

McGill University — Thu, 17 Sep 2015 13:25:36 +0000

Le concours de McGill a contribué à la création de 133 entreprises qui emploient près de 700 personnes. L’an dernier, Éloïse Grondin-Bouchard et Adam Coape-Arnold ont lancé le yogourt Cult dans leur appartement montréalais.

Strong Science, Shaky Business Models as Mixed Bag of Startups Grad from X-1 Accelerator

McGill University — Wed, 16 Sep 2015 14:26:20 +0000

The first cohort to graduate from McGill University’s X-1 startup accelerator is a unusual mix.

While some are attempting to commercialize products based on serious scientific research, one has no real product and another startup that pitched at the accelerator’s demo day has already stopped operating.

The demo day, held on Sept. 9, began with pitches form some of the startups to win at The McGill Dobson Cup, a business plan competition open to students, alumni, faculty and staff of the university.

Yogurt maker builds Cult following but aims for mainstream sales

McGill University — Thu, 13 Aug 2015 17:54:02 +0000

The chain of events that culminated in the creation of Cult Yogourt began 15 years ago, when Montreal resident Adam Coape-Arnold drank unfiltered water during a stay at a coffee plantation in Costa Rica.”I got a parasite,” said Coape-Arnold. “It did a number on my gastrointestinal system. I lost my energy, my joie de vivre. I became lactose-intolerant. I never really got over it until I started taking probiotics.”

World Wide Hearing receives funding

McGill University — Fri, 03 Jul 2015 18:03:19 +0000

After winning the McGill Dobson Cup, World Wide Hearing received a $113,000 grant from Grand Challenges Canada to pilot its hearing aid delivery model, Hearing Express. In 2013-2014, the pilot project was run in Kraimeh, a rural community in Western Jordan, in collaboration with a new outreach centre for children with disabilities. Over the course of the project, Hearing Express female technicians visited Jordanian households and held hearing camps to provide affordable hearing aids to people who need them, validating the model.

Tailor2Go remporte une deuxième place au Concours québécois en entreprenariat

McGill University — Fri, 03 Jul 2015 17:13:34 +0000

Catégorie Commerce

Deuxième Prix

Tailleur Nathon Kong inc.

Cet entrepreneur passionné se distingue par les valeurs qu’il met au service de son entreprise. La technologie 3D est utilisée au profit de la mode et permet d’offrir à sa clientèle un produit de qualité remarquable, à prix plus abordable. www.tailor2go.com • Région de Montréal.

McGill Dobson Cup awards $100,000 to promising start-ups

McGill University — Fri, 05 Jun 2015 21:23:54 +0000

After three months of mentorship and start-up plan pitches, the McGill Dobson Centre for Entrepreneurship rewarded over $100,000 in cash and other prizes to the winners of the 2015 McGill Dobson Cup Start-UP Competition.

Read full article: McGill Reporter, June 4, 2015

Professor Gregory Vit: "The Risk in Risk Management: Financial Organizations and the Problem of Conformity" book release

McGill University — Thu, 12 Mar 2015 20:28:03 +0000

McGill Desautels Professor Gregory Vit's book: The Risk in Risk Management: Financial Organizations and the Problem of Conformity was reviewed in the March 2015 Issue of Organization Studies. The reviewer, Professor Iain Munro, concluded: "…this book deserves to be widely read and I have no doubt that its scrupulous lessons will better equip us and our students to avoid such financial misadventures in the future."

Prochaine étape prometteuse pour le Centre Magnétique

McGill University — Mon, 16 Feb 2015 21:32:57 +0000

C’est avec beaucoup d’émotions et d’ambitions que Cécile Branco-Côté et Bernard Darche étaient de retour à McGill la semaine dernière, eux qui avaient remporté la Coupe Dobson en juin 2014 avec leur projet de Centre Magnétique, un lieu favorisant la collaboration de la communauté entrepreneuriale de Lac-Mégantic.

Read full article: McGill Reporter, Feburary 5, 2015

$1 million donation from the National Bank to the Fondation Montréal inc. fund-raising campaign

McGill University — Tue, 18 Nov 2014 17:55:47 +0000

Creation of a business idea competition on Montreal university campuses, launched as part of "je vois mtl" (I see Montreal).

Fondation Montréal inc. enthusiastically announces one of the largest donations in its history, a major gift of $1 million from the National Bank. This contribution will enable Fondation Montréal inc., to create a competition for business ideas on the campuses of Montreal universities.

Ingénieurs: du laboratoire au marché

McGill University — Mon, 10 Nov 2014 19:07:48 +0000

[McGill Dobson Cup Start-UP Competition, Second Place Winner in For Profit track: LifePack is a light-weight, powerfully insulating, environmentally-friendly shipping container for temperature sensitive medical materials. Compared to current shipping methods, LifePak reduces packaging waste by 50% and shipping costs by up to 35%.]

Business schools work to bridge the gap between academia and industry

McGill University — Thu, 16 Oct 2014 16:06:12 +0000

There’s a story Julian Barlow likes to tell people when he’s making a presentation.

In 1995 he was teaching a transformational leadership course when a student asked if Barlow would lead a training session for his staff.

... Alex Kalil, professor at McGill’s Dobson Centre for Entrepreneurial Studies in Montreal, has been a long-standing proponent for injecting industry experience into the classroom. That’s because he has had a decades-long history conversing with students within and outside a campus environment.

The evolution of the Quartier de l’innovation’s entrepreneurial ecosystem

McGill University — Thu, 02 Oct 2014 14:33:37 +0000

In light of the 2008 financial crisis, fostering entrepreneurship has increasingly moved toward the forefront of economic development and city planning. Beyond acting as an important driver of innovation, employment, and productivity growth, entrepreneurship has also been hailed by some as filling the void between wages and living standards. But when we turn to examples of spontaneous entrepreneurial successes in Silicon Valley, is there a specific set of conditions under which these start-ups thrive and attract venture capital?

Mégantic : se réinventer, après la crise

McGill University — Tue, 09 Sep 2014 16:15:06 +0000

J’ai participé à la quatrième et dernière étape de la Tournée des entrepreneurs, hier, à Lac-Mégantic. Journée très différente de celle de Gaspé qui a rassemblé des entrepreneurs de Mégantic, mais beaucoup de gens de l’extérieur, également.

Adam B. Coape-Arnold: Artisantrepreneur

McGill University — Thu, 31 Jul 2014 19:07:39 +0000

Adam B. Coape-Arnold came to McGill’s School of Continuing Studies the day before classes started for the Fall 2013 semester in order to see what the School offered.

Entrepreneurs and big dreams shine at Montreal Startup Festival

McGill University — Tue, 15 Jul 2014 21:00:47 +0000

Montrealer Michael Moszberg was studying abroad and in the market for a gym, but didn’t want to make the commitment to a membership.

Re-building Lac-Megantic

McGill University — Mon, 07 Jul 2014 16:28:42 +0000

McGill students Cecile Branco and Bernard d’Arche [winners of the McGill Dobson Cup] tell Camille Ross about their innovative plan to help re-build Lac-Megantic after the devastating train accident.

Watch video: Global Montreal

McGill student Bernard D'Arche, on helping to rebuild Lac Megantic

McGill University — Fri, 04 Jul 2014 15:14:18 +0000

Bernard d’Arche, McGill Student [and one of the winners of the Dobson Cup], who came up with a unique idea to help rebuild Lac Megantic.

Listen: Tommy Schnurmacher Show

Reconstruire à l’heure de l’entrepreneuriat social

McGill University — Fri, 04 Jul 2014 15:12:08 +0000

Au cœur du centre-ville ravagé de Lac-Mégantic, créer une résidence pour développer et porter des projets d’entreprise. Voilà le plan que trois étudiants de l’Université McGill — Cécile Branco-Côté, Ségolène Rolin et Bernard d’Arche — ont élaboré cet hiver lors d’un cours sur l’entrepreneuriat social. Aujourd’hui sur le point de devenir réalité, le « Centre magnétique » aura pour tâche de fédérer les innovations locales et de créer des synergies entre elles.

Student initiative for Lac-Megantic

McGill University — Thu, 03 Jul 2014 18:07:16 +0000

Desautels students Bernard d'Arche and Cécile Branco discuss their Dobson Cup winning initiative on Breakfast Television Montreal.

View video here.

Bold ideas take flight at McGill Dobson Cup

McGill University — Thu, 26 Jun 2014 20:53:11 +0000

One June 5, four teams were crowned victors of the 2014 McGill Dobson Cup, the annual start-up competition hosted by the Dobson Centre for Entrepreneurship at the Desautels Faculty of Management. The Centre provides resources and support to all entrepreneurs across McGill and Montreal communities.

McGill students’ plans to help rebuild Lac-Mégantic win praise

McGill University — Wed, 25 Jun 2014 16:13:32 +0000

One year after a runaway train transporting oil plowed through the downtown core of Lac-Mégantic, igniting and razing much of the town’s commercial centre, three McGill University students with a passion for social entrepreneurship have become part of the town’s efforts to rebuild.

Lac-Mégantic: des étudiants proposent un incubateur entrepreneurial

McGill University — Wed, 25 Jun 2014 16:12:00 +0000

Cécile Branco, Ségolène Rolin et Bernard d'Arche, trois étudiants l'Université McGill, ont conçu un projet de centre d'innovation qui pourrait bien voir le jour dans le nouveau centre-ville méganticois. Leur Centre magnétique, un incubateur entrepreneurial, offrirait une rampe de lancement unique en région pour ceux qui souhaitent se lancer en affaires.

Igniting the Spark of Innovation

McGill University — Fri, 23 May 2014 20:19:46 +0000

From duct tape to smartphones, every great innovation started with a simple idea. Thanks to the generosity of alumni and donors, some of the game-changing ideas of the future are taking shape right now in the annual McGill Dobson Cup start-up competition.

... “We’ve had 450 participants in the previous three years, and have helped create 28 start-ups: they’re employing people, generating revenues, and attracting investors. That’s very exciting,” says Professor Gregory Vit, BCom’80, Director of the Dobson Centre.

Alexis Ohanian to Desautels Gathering: “Don’t Get Hung Up on Great Ideas – Get Started on Them”

McGill University — Fri, 11 Apr 2014 20:39:03 +0000

On March 11, Alexis Ohanian, the co-founder Reddit, paid a visit to the Desautels Faculty of Management during one of the last stops of his North American tour to promote his book, “Without Their Permission.” The book describes how he started the front page of the internet from scratch with his partner Steve Huffman. “Everyone has great ideas. No one wakes you up in the middle of the night to say ‘I have a terrible idea.’ We all have great ideas. The difference is, the barrier to entry for us is as low as a laptop and time and an internet connection.

Global MIT Founders' Skills Accelerator

McGill University — Fri, 28 Feb 2014 19:34:03 +0000

Apply to be the only Canadian university student group in Summer 2014 at the MIT Global Founders Skills Accelerator!

You have the chance to go to MIT with select groups of MIT students and several foreign universities.

McGill Dobson Cup Boot Camp

McGill University — Wed, 12 Feb 2014 15:52:45 +0000

The McGill Dobson Cup (MDC) Start-UP Boot Camp is all about action, training, knowledge, and collaboration. You will learn from successful start-UP veterans, students, lawyers, as well as, through interactive activities with your peers. Keep your eyes open for potential business partners, they are all around you!

Kickstart MDC

McGill University — Mon, 06 Jan 2014 19:27:14 +0000

Interested in Entrepreneurship?

The Dobson Centre for Entrepreneurial studies is hosting Kickstart the McGill Dobson Cup Wednesday, November 6 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm.

ALL students from ALL faculties at McGill are invited.

There are 3 parts to this evening:

1 - Learn about McGill’s Dobson Centre for Entrepreneurial Studies & The McGill Dobson Cup (MDC), both of which are great tools to help you develop your business ideas

Universities that Teach You to Change the World

McGill University — Wed, 23 Oct 2013 19:03:10 +0000

Just three months after graduating this year from the University of Waterloo, Jonathan Rivard’s startup company had generated $130,000 in revenue.
... “It is a generational zeitgeist, no doubt about it,” says Anita Nowak, integrating director of the Social Economy Initiative, at McGill University’s Desautels Faculty of Management in Montreal.
... The Dobson Cup is structured so that students present their ideas to a panel of experts over several months and successive rounds, competing for cash prizes and mentoring advice.

New Internet Start-Up Hypejar Uses Social Media to Accurately Forecast Demand for Future Products

McGill University — Thu, 11 Jul 2013 15:05:50 +0000

An online social platform that accurately forecasts future sales of new products has won first place at the Desautels Faculty of Management’s entrepreneurial competition, the Dobson Cup.

... Team leader and Desautels graduate Grant Yim (BCom'03) says “It is unique in the fact that there is nowhere else to find, in one place, information about products that have not yet been released. Also, existing market research organisations do not leverage social media, and as such their data is expensive and the sample sizes are smaller.”