About GATE

Story

Established in 2022, the Graduate Advanced Training and Entrepreneurship (GATE) Centre has partnered with external organizations to bring real-world professional expertise and training to students to build bridges between the University and the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Saskatchewan. External partners act as mentors for participants in GATE’s programming for events such as the Reverse Career Fair, Startup 101 Bootcamp, networking, and more! In the Fall of 2023, TD Bank made a five-year $300,000 pledge commitment to the GATE Centre. This philanthropic investment is a game-changer in making the GATE Centre a leader in the development of a vibrant student culture of professional development and entrepreneurship.

In 2024, GATE hired two staff that are proud U of R alumni and community champions who have created strong relationships across multiple sectors within Saskatchewan to develop collaborative programming- Ashley Dennison and Hannah Tait.

In 2025, GATE partnered with the Hill and Levene Schools of Business, and the Faculty of Engineering! As well, GATE moved to the 5th floor of the Education Building! This expanded area enhances the GATE Centre by giving students space to collaborate, book time with staff, work on their startups, and host networking events.

Meet the Team

Dr. Aziz Douai

Dr. Aziz Douai holds a PhD in Mass Communications from Pennsylvania State University, a Master’s of Science in Advertising from Boston University, and has lectured on global communication issues in North America, Europe, and the Middle East. Dr. Douai maintains an active research agenda focused on disruptive communication technologies, international communication and conflict, with a special interest in the MENA media and politics.

Ashley Dennison

Ashley has had great success in event coordination, organizing events ranging from intimate gatherings to large-scale functions. As a community champion, Ashley has created strong relationships across multiple sectors within Regina, demonstrating her dedication to fostering connections and collaboration. She's a versatile professional driven by her enthusiasm for volunteerism, community engagement, and fresh perspectives.

Hannah Tait

Hannah's experience in the Saskatchewan startup ecosystem, includes working with startups, NGO’s, public and private sector organizations to develop and execute a range of strategic priorities. She has worked on projects with teams from over 12 different countries. She's a multi-faceted business professional with a passion for research and multi-disciplinary learning.

Through the GATE: Highlights of Our Journey

TD Bank Group (TD) pledged $300,000 to the University’s Graduate Advanced Training and Entrepreneurship (GATE) Centre in the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research (FGSR). The GATE Centre funding will be used to meet the increasing student demand for professional and entrepreneurial training that is so vital for graduate student success in today’s dynamic econom!

Learn More Here

Dr. Douai and President Keshen accepting $300,000 cheque from TD

Learn More Here

GATE Success:

Reverse Career Fair

Saskatchewan's first Reverse Career Fair! The tables are turned, and employers come to our students in a fun networking event! We bring together top-notch industry professionals and community leaders from Saskatchewan's vibrant ecosystem, including Mosaic, Nutrien, Farm Credit Canada, Cultivator, TD, ISM, ISC, and the City of Regina to speed network with graduate students. We have a hiring rate of almost 10%!

Find out more

Participants standing in front of Sk Startup Institute Screen

Entrepreneurship Week

GATE hosted the University of Regina's first ever Entrepreneurship Week! The week featured a range of events, including panel discussions and networking events, offering opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students, researchers, and industry partners to connect and collaborate.

Check it out

Partners

Thank you to our partners for their continued support and collaboration.

For more information, reach out to our team here: gate.innovation@uregina.ca

My experience as an entrepreneur has been relatively limited but thanks to GATE and the startup bootcamp I have had my first introduction into being an entrepreneur. GATE has provided me with support in the application of provisional patents for my research and has given me an introduction into the entrepreneurial world.

Joshua Adams

Aureus Pharmaceuticals Co-Founder

Contact Us

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