MBA Course Empowers Exchange and Schulich Students to Thrive in Tech
Schulich MBA students along with international graduate students from Schulich’s exchange partner network recently came together in an immersive learning environment that included lectures, site visits, and social excursions.
Intelligent Innovation Ecosystem Design (ENTR 6905) is a two-week MBA intensive course that explores the factors behind Toronto’s successful Technology and Innovation Ecosystem. Taught by Cherry Rose Tan, Entrepreneur in Residence at Schulich, the course aims to equip students with the skills and experiences to navigate the tech landscape and apply systems thinking to their own organizations and communities. By learning from guest speakers who are influential ecosystem leaders and CEOs in Toronto, students are given the opportunity to discover the frameworks and strategies for igniting, scaling, and sustaining innovation across various domains and stages of the startup journey.
“I wanted to gain foundational knowledge about the startup ecosystem and how the different actors interact to create, build, and then scale innovative businesses,” said Angel Roca, MBA Candidate ’24, National University Singapore. “I wanted to have a fun and memorable experience in one of the most vibrant cities in the world, which was further enhanced by an amazing cohort from six out of seven continents!”
The course focuses on real-life application, following the startup journey from early stage to exit across several verticals, and examining the crucial role played by ecosystem design.
The course was further enhanced through site visits to strategic locations, experiential learning opportunities, and facetime with leading innovators. Students were able to visit Microsoft, MaRS, DMZ and OneEleven.
“The site visits offered us the chance to observe and understand how theories and concepts learned in the classroom are applied in real business settings,” said Xuyu Wang, MBA Candidate ’25, Nanyang Business School. “This practical exposure helps bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical application, making the learning experience more comprehensive and relevant.”
The course also included a capstone group project dealing with strong innovation hubs in other cities.
“My team worked on analyzing Singapore’s tech ecosystem and came up with recommendations to enhance government support and university-industry collaborations,” said Kian Rastegar, Schulich Tech MBA Candidate ‘25. “It was a great way to apply what we learned and see the real-world impact of our work. Overall, the course was a fantastic learning experience that provided me with practical insights and skills that I’m excited to use in my career.”
Social activities to round out the course included a Toronto Harbour tour, a night out at the Amsterdam Brewhouse, Blue Jays Baseball game, Niagara Falls day trip, walking food tour at Kensington Market, and dinner at the CN Tower.
“The diversity of the cohort was special because the group was small enough for everyone to speak which enhanced the learning experience within the classes,” said Roca. “In my personal opinion, this is what you are looking for when you travel abroad for an immersive journey, and that was totally achieved.”
