U of R receives grant from TD Bank Group to help advance graduate student innovation and entrepreneurship
TD Bank Group (TD) has pledged $300,000 over five years to the University of Regina to support the University’s new Graduate Advanced Training and Entrepreneurship (GATE) Centre in the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research.
“GATE will be a catalyst for innovation and entrepreneurship in the prairies and nurture the development of future talent and the acceleration of start ups,” says Dr. Chris Yost, vice-president (research) at the University of Regina. “The support from TD demonstrates our institutions’ shared commitment to supporting the professional development needs of our students to meet industry needs in the changing labour market.”
The GATE Centre supports Saskatchewan’s Growth Plan by addressing student demand for professional and entrepreneurial training, and developing career-ready students for Saskatchewan’s evolving labour market.
"In today's changing world, TD remains committed to helping set the foundation for individuals to feel financially secure," says Hamida Sachedina, AVP, Corporate Citizenship, Social Strategy and Advice. "Through the TD Ready Commitment and our collaboration with the University of Regina, we are proud to support programs like GATE that promote innovation and entrepreneurship, helping students from diverse communities gain the skills required to seize new opportunities in Saskatchewan's labour market."
As a result of TD’s grant, the GATE Centre will be able to offer graduate and post-graduate students: advanced training and entrepreneurship opportunities through mentoring and networking programs with industry and community partners; competitive scholarships to test innovative ideas for commercialization; and opportunities to compete in prairie-wide innovation events and conferences where graduate students compete for prizes.
The landscape for graduate-level educational programming is evolving as more graduate and post-doctoral students seek to test and commercialize their research findings and pursue entrepreneurship.
“GATE will play an indispensable role in empowering our graduate students and supporting student entrepreneurship,” says Dr. Aziz Douai, dean of Graduate Studies. “Students will have an incredible opportunity to develop transferable skills and entrepreneurial opportunities, particularly for BIPOC and traditionally disadvantaged students.”
- 30 -
About the University of Regina
Set in the heart of the Canadian prairies we are a comprehensive, mid-sized university where the opportunities are as limitless as the horizon. Our campuses are on Treaty 4 and 6 - the territories of the nêhiyawak, Anihšināpēk, Dakota, Lakota, and Nakoda peoples, and the homeland of the Michif/Métis nation. It is our responsibility to strengthen relationships with Indigenous communities to build a more inclusive future for all. Our three federated colleges, 10 faculties, 25 academic departments, and 18 research centres foster innovative research with practical and theoretical applications. We are committed to cultivating the potential of our 16,700 students and supporting their health and well-being. We take learning beyond the classroom through work and volunteer experiences to develop career-ready graduates.
Let’s go far, together.