The BEST Startup Experience: Bridging Innovation and Entrepreneurship 

Earlier this month, the Bergeron Entrepreneurs in Science and Technology (BEST) program at York University’s Lassonde School of Engineering hosted the BEST Startup Experience, an immersive opportunity designed to help students develop entrepreneurial skills, collaborate across disciplines, and tackle real-world issues. 

Throughout the weekend, students worked in multidisciplinary teams and were challenged to identify problems affecting people’s daily lives—from healthcare accessibility to sustainability and digital inclusion.  

Using a structured design thinking process, they engaged in hands-on activities such as stakeholder mapping, ideation, rapid prototyping and testing. With guidance from industry mentors, students stepped out of their comfort zones to collaboratively transform their ideas into viable solutions. They received iterative feedback, allowing them to refine their approach before pitching their final concepts to a panel of judges.  

This intensive experience not only encouraged creativity and critical thinking but also helped build essential soft skills—particularly communication, storytelling and strategic thinking—that complement their technical knowledge.  

In addition, the program has cultivated a vibrant community, connecting students with mentors, judges and industry leaders. It has reinforced that with the right support and mindset, students can turn ideas into meaningful impact. 

“Innovation thrives where curiosity meets collaboration. At BEST, we don’t just teach entrepreneurship—we create a safe environment where students can challenge themselves, build confidence and develop resilience,” explained Maedeh Sedaghat, manager, BEST program. “Through this journey, they grow personally and professionally, preparing for the possibilities ahead.” 

The experience culminated in a high-energy final round where the top teams showcased their innovative solutions to a panel of judges. 

1^st Place & People’s Choice – Simple 
 
A platform that integrates with LMS to track student course records and automatically generates a calendar with assignments and deadlines, helping students stay organized and boost productivity. 
 
Team Members: Mohammad Mashrur Mahtab Mahi, first-year Computer Science; Shafaat Razin Sarder, first-year Computer Science; Olusanya Todd, first-year Mechanical Engineering.  

Team Memorabilia takes home 2nd place at BEST Startup Experience 2025 for their AI-powered voice assistant supporting senior independence.

2nd Place – Memorabilia 

An AI-driven voice assistant that helps seniors stay independent at home by providing context-based reminders for tasks like taking medications and changing fire alarm batteries. Designed to bridge gaps in long-term care, Memorabilia keeps seniors safe, organized and connected, easing the burden on caregivers and healthcare providers. 

Team Members: Michelle Saltoun, fifth- year Computer Science; Fatima Vafaei, second-year Electrical Engineering; Negar Khalilazar, third-year Computer Science; Adeola Omojola, fourth-year Computer Science  

3rd Place – YU Learn 

A platform that provides students with essential industry knowledge, equipping them with the skills and insights needed to successfully enter the job market in their field. 

Team Members: Miguel Advincula, second-year Computer Science; Hala Alshareef, first-year Computer Security; Ahmed Abduljader, Computer Security, Komalpreet Singh, first-year Computer Science; Derek Song, second-year Science, Wilfrid Laurier University; David Graciano, first-year Environmental and Civil Engineering Technology, Seneca Polytechnic. 

Other Teams among the Top Seven Finalists: 

• Mechsense 
• Electroengineers 
• TBH AI 
• Momentum 

Testimonials: 

“What surprised me the most during this experience was realizing how much potential there is in student-driven entrepreneurship. I used to think that starting something of my own was out of reach, but I learned that with the right approach and effort, anyone can build something meaningful. My biggest takeaway is that problem-solving, adaptability and user-centered thinking are key skills not just for startups, but for any challenge in life. This experience has given me confidence in my ability to create and innovate beyond just following a traditional career path” – Aruzhan Massalina, second-year Computer Engineering student 

“This experience provided a wealth of opportunities from meeting many new people to building stronger connections with my teammates. It also allowed me to improve key skills such as collaboration and public speaking. My biggest takeaway was all the valuable experience of working effectively within a group and developing essential interpersonal skills.” – Emily Meads, second-year Electrical Engineering student 

“The BEST Startup Experience taught me the power of collaboration and adaptability. I learned from others’ ideas and recognized the strength of diverse teams. I discovered my creative thinking and adaptability while identifying areas to improve, like communication and seeking feedback. The tools I gained, such as brainstorming and agile methods, will shape my future endeavours.” – Yathharthha Kaushal, second-year Space Engineering student 

The BEST Startup Experience was made possible through the support of mentors, volunteers, sponsors and partners who dedicated their time and expertise to guiding participants. Their involvement helped create an environment where students could develop their entrepreneurial ideas and gain real-world insights. 
 
Final judges Rami Goreal, Subashini K., Jonathan Kerr, Elliott Atkins, and Nicole Arsenault provided thoughtful feedback and guidance, helping participants refine their ventures and take meaningful next steps. 
 
Support from KPM Power Inc. and Summer Fresh Salads Inc. played a key role in providing valuable resources for participants, contributing to the success of the event.

A full house at the BEST Startup Experience 2025 kickoff session, where aspiring innovators gathered to launch their entrepreneurial journey.