significant change or action.
Cultivating a spirit of
innovation.
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significant change or action.
significant change or action.
Cultivating a spirit of
innovation.
significant change or action.
OUR MISSION
Brilliant Catalyst's mission is to inspire and empower the next generation of change makers by building a community of experts, entrepreneurs, advisors, and influencers to fuel innovative change and put more Canadian ventures on the map. That is why we focus on cultivating top talent.
We believe the creativity and diversity that is within the walls at Ontario Tech University can help accelerate the success of ventures in our community. Through our carefully curated programs, we provide a dynamic platform where individuals can explore, experiment, and excel in their entrepreneurial journey.
Our commitment to excellence drives us to constantly refine and enhance our offerings, ensuring that they remain at the forefront of industry trends and best practices. By providing access to cutting-edge resources and expert guidance, we hope to empower our community members to not only keep pace with the rapidly evolving demands of the real world but to also lead the way in innovation.
Our mission is to build a community of experts, entrepreneurs, advisors, and influencers to fuel innovative change and put more Canadian ventures on the map. That's why we focus on cultivating top talent.
We believe the creativity and diversity that's within the walls at Ontario Tech University can help accelerate the success of ventures in our community. Through our carefully curated programs, we provide a dynamic platform where individuals can explore, experiment, and excel in their entrepreneurial journey.
Our commitment to excellence drives us to constantly refine and enhance our offerings, ensuring that they remain at the forefront of industry trends and best practices. By providing access to cutting-edge resources and expert guidance, we hope to empower our community members to not only keep pace with the rapidly evolving demands of the real world but to also lead the way in innovation.
OUR TEAM
Research & Innovation
About Osman
Dr. Osman Hamid is the Director of Creativity and Entrepreneurship at Ontario Tech University.
Osman is passionate about the entrepreneurial mindset and the experiential learning potential that can come from it.
He made his mark as a builder and a leader through innovative student and community engagement initiatives for a decade at Toronto Metropolitan University (previous known as Ryerson University).
Programs and Operations
Research & Innovation
About Connor
Connor started working with the Brilliant Catalyst in 2018, and has had the opportunity to work with over 200 start-up companies during his tenure with the Brilliant Catalyst.
Connor leads the multi-talent Brilliant Catalyst team and provides oversight and support to the various experiential learning and entrepreneurship programs offered through the Brilliant Catalyst.
Research & Innovation
About Leen
Leen Jaber is a skilled communication specialist focused on achieving results through captivating narratives across various media channels.
She excels in internal company communications, using bulletins and events to keep stakeholders informed and organized. With experience in coordinating technology-driven projects,
Leen is also adept at creating and delivering programs, initiatives, workshops, and events. She has a talent for managing relationships and collaborating effectively with diverse stakeholders.
Research & Innovation
About Maryam
Maryam is an accomplished Program Officer for Experience Ventures at the Brilliant Catalyst, a university-based incubator at Ontario Tech University.
With experience working with start-ups and organizations across various industries, including Hospitality & Tourism, Telecommunications, and Healthcare, Maryam brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise.
She has a proven track record in delivering entrepreneurship programming, including hackathons, challenges, work-integrated learning opportunities, and more.
Research & Innovation
About Lina
Lina Hamouda (she/her) serves as the Program Coordinator for Brilliant Catalyst, the start-up incubator at Ontario Tech University.
Her expertise in entrepreneurship, innovative ideas, and unique solutions is evident in her leadership of the Start-Up Visa Program in Brilliant Catalyst, which fosters a community of international changemakers.
Her experience in creating innovative and dynamic environments for trailblazers, entrepreneurs, and leaders has earned her a reputation as a visionary leader who is constantly seeking new and innovative ways to bring people and ideas together.
Research & Innovation
About Marissa
Marissa George is a Program Coordinator at the Brilliant Catalyst. Her experience in various departments at Ontario Tech has given her a diverse skill set that she brings to her role as Program Coordinator for the Incubator Program.
In addition to her expertise in communications, student development, and outreach, she also has valuable knowledge in areas such as project management, event planning, and community engagement.
Research & Innovation
About Alizah
Alizah Zaidi (she/her) serves as an Administrative Assistant with the Brilliant Catalyst. A three-time Experience Ventures participant who has also assisted with program delivery, Alizah brings a unique perspective to Brilliant.
Prior to joining Brilliant Catalyst, Alizah represented Ontario Tech University at the Experience Ventures National Hackathon, competing against post-secondary institutions across Canada to win silver.
As a previous student participant with Brilliant, Alizah utilizes her first-hand experiences and design thinking skills to assist with program design and delivery.
Research & Innovation
About Keanu
Keanu is a Start up founder and Brilliant Incubator alumni with ample experience within the startup ecosystem.
He brings unique insight as a former program participant. He assists in facilitating the Startup Visa Program and supporting Brilliant's international founders on their journey to establish their ventures in Canada.
Keanu's firsthand experience as both a student entrepreneur and seasoned ecosystem professional enhances his ability to navigate the challenges faced by entrepreneurs, making him an asset in guiding both local and international startups towards success.
Research & Innovation
About Fatama
Fatama Sarwari is a Social Media Coordinator at Brilliant Catalyst. Her experience working in various departments within Ontario Tech has equipped her with a plethora of skills to cater to the creative needs that drive the online presence of Brilliant Catalyst.
Her familiarity with the university allows her to bring a unique perspective, and her outstanding skills in content research and social media management complement her marketing expertise. By combining her skillset with the good nature of Brilliant Catalyst, she can spread success through every post, tweet, and story she crafts.
Research & Innovation
About Angelique
Angelique serves as an Administrative Assistant for Brilliant Catalyst. Having experience in several Brilliant Catalyst programs and being an Alumni/ Advisor to Enactus Ontario Tech, Angelique is able to leverage these experiences to continue to center the student perspective in program development.
As a recent graduate of the Ontario Tech Political Communication specialization, she excels in communication, student engagement, event planning, project management, and social media coordination.
About Denzel
Denzel is the program coordinator for the Black Entrepreneurship & Skilled Trades program with the Brilliant Catalyst at Ontario Tech University.
Denzel employs a diverse set of skills and attention to detail in contributing to his team's efforts in delivering Brilliant Catalyst material.
He draws from his institutional and self-gained experience in e-commerce, web development, and graphic design to tackle small to large scale problems with identifiable and unique solutions.
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BRILLIANT IN ACTION
OUR VALUES
OUR VALUES
It's crucial that as a startup you have access to a network of experienced mentors and advisors who offer guidance on various aspects of entrepreneurship. Our mentors bring industry knowledge, connections, and practical insights that can significantly accelerate your startup's growth.
We know startups often require specialized resources, whether it's access to cutting-edge technology, business consulting, or expert guidance. That's why we prioritize this need through the delivery of our workshops, the roster of our experts in residence, and our network of entrepreneurs.
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of innovative change makers.
