🌱 Reflections from the IDEA START Venture & Innovation Community event – June 25
Last Wednesday, I had the pleasure of joining an inspiring evening of innovation and connection at the University of Manitoba’s University Centre.
🔍 One of the most memorable conversations was with the passionate founding duo behind GradFinder, they are Devon Bath & Mohamed Naim Ben Younes — an early-stage platform aiming to bridge the gap between academic research labs and postgraduate candidates.
What impressed me? They didn’t start with the tech—they started with the real market problem. While they’re still finding their footing with strategy and structure, I deeply respect their commitment to building with purpose, securing lean funding, and pushing forward with heart and persistence.
🇨🇦 I also met Shota Megrelishvili, a successful founder/CTO abroad. Our discussion touched on the barriers faced by immigrant entrepreneurs in Manitoba, particularly the lack of early-stage financial support. It was both sobering and motivating—a reminder of the resilience needed to rebuild from the ground up.
💬 And a heartfelt shoutout to Sylvie McKnight Gagnon for being such a warm and encouraging voice throughout the event. Her generosity in supporting the community stood out and was greatly appreciated by many of us.
✨ Events like this remind me that innovation thrives where curiosity, courage, and connection meet. I left feeling more energized to help founders navigate uncertainty with structure, strategy, and service design insight.
Let’s connect if you're building something bold—or helping others do so
