Schulich’s MBA Summer Intensive Welcomes Record-Breaking Cohort for Intelligent Innovation Ecosystem Design
This June, Schulich welcomed its largest-ever MBA Summer Intensive Program cohort, as 33 students immersed themselves in the globally distinctive Intelligent Innovation Ecosystem Design course. Over two dynamic weeks, Schulich MBA students joined exchange students from top international business schools to collaborate, innovate, and explore Toronto’s thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.
A Global Learning Experience
Held Schulich’s Nadal Campus, the course was led by Schulich instructor Cherry Rose Tan. Building on the success of previous years, this summer’s cohort nearly doubled in size, underscoring Schulich’s growing reputation for innovation-focused education.
The program featured a truly international classroom, with students from Schulich’s prestigious international network in Argentina, the UK, Singapore, Thailand, China, and New Zealand. Together, they examined how to design and sustain intelligent, inclusive, and resilient innovation ecosystems, while building friendships and professional connections that spanned the globe.
For some, the program opened entirely new perspectives on entrepreneurship. “I am coming from a background where I had no grasp of formal concepts on entrepreneurship but a lot of interest in becoming one,” said Blessing Chirwa (MBA Candidate ’26). “The program was a great introduction, and it really ignited my interest in the field. Intensive, yes! But the icing on top was the opportunity to network with, and exchange knowledge with, students and entrepreneurs from other countries and universities around the globe!”
Beyond the Classroom
The two weeks featured a rich blend of lectures, guest speaker sessions, site visits, and social activities – ensuring students learned as much from the city and each other as from the curriculum itself.
Exchange student Nahiara Martina Aguilar Sordi, from Argentina, found the lectures particularly eye-opening. “Each session brought together diverse perspectives, not only from both women and men, but also from professionals working across different industries and sectors,” she said. “This diversity allowed us to challenge assumptions, broaden our thinking, and connect concepts to real-world experiences.”
Students also visited some of Toronto’s most dynamic innovation hubs, including DMZ, OneEleven, the Vector Institute, and Microsoft Canada. Diego Altuna, also from Argentina, called the visits “essential for my learning experience,” adding that they were a fantastic opportunity to see the different actors within the Toronto ecosystem — and to network.
The Startup Night was another highlight for many. Sordi noted: “In Argentina, most of what we had seen was at an earlier stage, where founders were just starting to pitch their ideas. So seeing this more advanced stage, where they are looking for investment, was a unique and valuable experience.”
Connecting Through Toronto
Social and cultural activities helped participants discover Toronto while deepening their connections with classmates. From a harbour tour and welcome social at Amsterdam Brewhouse to a walking food tour through the historic St. Lawrence Market and Distillery District, students experienced the city in memorable ways.
For Sordi, the excursions made all the difference: “I think the activities were planned very well. If we hadn’t had them scheduled like this, we probably wouldn’t have done even half of them. It was key to getting to know the main tourist spots in Toronto.”
The program left a strong impression on many, including Altuna. “Toronto holds a special place in my heart now,” he said. “Schulich is raising the bar — and that’s because of the people behind the scenes. I hope to see you all again in the future.”
