Schulich and North Horizon Partner to Advance Innovation and Student Success
The Schulich School of Business is proud to announce a generous $250,000 gift from North Horizon Foundation, a five-year gift focused on supporting innovation, mentorship and entrepreneurial leadership in Canada.
North Horizon, a Canadian investment firm with a focus on responsible investing, innovation, and community impact, shared the commitment on October 14th at Schulich’s Desjardins VIP Series. This was a fitting partnership announcement as the event featured keynote Wattpad co-founder Allen Lau on why Canada must urgently rethink how we support, scale and retain world-class companies if we want to compete globally. The donation supports the Office of Innovation & Entrepreneurship also known as Schulich Startups and its Innovation & Entrepreneurship Experience Fund – enabling startup events, competitions, venture panels, and student work placements with Venture Capital firms and startups.
“North Horizon’s support will supercharge our innovation programming,” said Chris Carder, Executive Director of Schulich’s Office of Innovation & Entrepreneurship and The Jay Smith and Laura Rapp Chair in Innovation & Entrepreneurship. “Their investment will accelerate our ability to empower founders, investors, and changemakers who will strengthen Canada’s business ecosystem.”
Schulich also announced the creation of the ‘North Horizon Entrepreneur in Residence’, a position that will be held by Schulich EIR, Instructor and Co-Creator of the Schulich Venture Academy, Cherry Rose Tan. The North Horizon Entrepreneur in Residence will play a key role in mentoring Schulich students and alumni as they continue to transform bold ideas into thriving ventures.
The partnership will launch the North Horizon Mentorship Match Award, creating internships for students eager to gain real-world experience working with Schulich Startups companies and Venture Capital firms.
The partnership will also establish the North Horizon Roots & Impact Award, supporting a total of 10 exceptional incoming BBA and MBA or Tech MBA students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and a desire to take root in Canada and create positive, lasting change in their careers, communities, and the nation they call home.
“At North Horizon, we see education and innovation as the foundation for Canada’s future,” said Xiaobo Wang (MBA ’08), Executive Vice President of Corporate Development. “Our partnership with Schulich reflects our belief in empowering entrepreneurs and supporting institutions that prepare the next generation of business leaders.” This gift marks part of North Horizon Foundation’s commitment to building Canada’s next generation of innovators and community leaders.
“We are deeply grateful to North Horizon Foundation for their generosity and vision, and to our alumni leaders whose advocacy made this partnership possible,” said Detlev Zwick, Dean of the Schulich School of Business. “Together, we are empowering the next generation of Canadian business leaders and fostering innovation that will have a lasting impact on our students, our community, and the country.”
As part of its continued commitment to student success and innovation, North Horizon will join as a matching donor for Schulich Giving Day on November 13, 2025. This initiative will double the impact of contributions made on Giving Day, encouraging the Schulich community to come together in support of entrepreneurship, mentorship, and student opportunity.
