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At the , entrepreneurial learning is connected to real-world practice.  

As students shape venture ideas, develop business models and refine their pitches, advisors from the Haskayne Entrepreneurial Advising Team (HEAT) provide practical feedback, mentorship and market insight that help transform entrepreneurial thinking into actionable, investor-ready ideas. Curated and co-ordinated by Haskayne’s  (CEI), HEAT embeds experienced industry volunteers directly into award-winning entrepreneurship courses such as . 

That hands-on learning opportunity supported third-year supply chain management student Anusha Shaikh in strengthening the skills she would later bring into her work with , a student-led, incorporated association she established prior to her participation in ENTI 317 and HEAT. But the supports available at Haskayne allowed Shaikh to help her grow as a founder and refine her strategic thinking. 

“Courses like Haskayne’s ENTI 317 pushed me to move beyond theory and actually build, test and refine ideas under real constraints,” says Shaikh. In that class, her team developed a prototype called SmartCheck to help universities track attendance, inspired by RFID technology commonly used in fintech. The experience showed her how to translate emerging technologies into practical solutions and communicate with them in a clear, business-focused way. 

Classroom learning was amplified by mentors co-ordinated through HEAT. “In my ENTI 317 course, my course professor, , and advisors and provided that foundation — offering honest feedback, challenging my assumptions and helping me refine both the concept and how I communicated it,” she says. “Beyond the classroom, Ahmed Wahaj from National Payments has been my key mentor.” 

Participation in Haskayne’s further strengthened her entrepreneurial tool kit. The competition challenged her to refine a value proposition quickly, think critically about market fit and deliver a clear and confident pitch. It also opened new doors, including the opportunity to attend 2025 over the summer, expanding her industry exposure and learning. 

From idea to infrastructure 

Outside the classroom, Shaikh was already building something that would grow well beyond campus. “I’m passionate about how technology can transform financial systems and business operations,” she says. “This interest led me to found FinTech ��֦��Ƶ to help companies increase their visibility, connect with key stakeholders and showcase their products through professional events and targeted digital marketing.” 

Among the organization’s early wins was a business-to-business (B2B) engagement program that gives fintech companies a clear line to enterprise buyers. “Through webinars featuring demos, panels and targeted outreach, fintech companies can showcase their solutions to key decision-makers and generate qualified leads. We weren’t just hosting events; we were creating infrastructure that supports real business growth.” 

The journey also came with challenges. “One of my biggest challenges was credibility — being taken seriously as an undergrad,” she says. “I overcame that by focusing on preparation, clear communication and delivering tangible value.” Registering the organization, establishing governance and securing partnerships taught her resilience, structure and long-term thinking. 

A global horizon, rooted in ��֦��Ƶ 

Learning how to pitch and partner open doors abroad. “Being invited to attend the in 2025 was a major milestone,” Shaikh says. “It gave me a global perspective on innovation, regulation and cross-border collaboration and inspired us to help local companies access international markets while supporting global companies in strengthening ��֦��Ƶ’s tech economy.” 

That outward focus also led to an international partnership with , a Singapore-based platform that links financial institutions with fintech solutions. “APIX recognized the work we’ve been doing and reached out to formalize an agreement,” Shaikh notes. “Through APIX, our partners gain access to international competitions, hackathons and exposure to emerging trends.” 

Leading with vision, structure and heart 

“I’ve learned that effective leadership combines vision, structure and relationships, and I’m especially grateful for my team — Vice-President Vennela Guttapalem, Operations Director David Grigg, our FinTech managers and the entire team — whose commitment, initiative and trust made execution possible and momentum sustainable,” says Shaikh. 

Looking ahead, FinTech ��֦��Ƶ will continue expanding B2B programming and hosting high-impact events while supporting new student competitions at U��֦��Ƶ. “We’re strengthening our network in ways that create real value for fintech companies,” she says. 

Her advice for aspiring entrepreneurs: “You never know who’s watching or what opportunities can come from simply putting your ideas into action. So, surround yourself with people who inspire you, stay curious and persistent, and with the right mindset and effort, even a small idea can turn into something meaningful.”