UPEI computer science student, Ben Docksteader, was one of the 72 finalists selected this week to join The Next 36, Canada's entrepreneurial leadership initiative. The second group of 36 promising undergraduates was selected from over 1,000 of the country's leading students who applied from 62 schools. This initiative, one that gives candidates the academic foundation, practical skills, role models, and networks needed to succeed as a top Canadian entrepreneur finished up its selection weekend on November 27.
The finalists headed to Toronto for the National Selection Weekend, where they participated in a series of workshops, interviews and speeches. The judges factored in previous experience, academic excellence, developmental skills, entrepreneurial endeavours, and references to name a few.
Docksteader's efforts during his co-op work term at Timeless Technologies proved to be a pivotal advantage for his selection to The Next 36. Throughout his term, he worked on 'DomainHole,' a website for which he is now developing a mobile application part-time.
Docksteader was ecstatic when he found out he had been selected for The Next 36. 'I am thrilled to be a part of such a unique program; nowhere else in the world can you find a group of such dedicated entrepreneurs, business owners, and professors that are willing to invest their time, money, and wisdom into such a concentrated group of young and aspiring entrepreneurs.' He added, 'An experience like this comes only once in a lifetime, and I plan on taking advantage of every moment.'
UPEI's dean of science, Dr. Christian Lacroix, was thrilled when he heard Docksteader was selected. 'This is a well-deserved honour for Ben. He is a bright young computer scientist and entrepreneur who has been recognized with multiple awards this past year.' He added, 'The faculty of science is proud of Ben's accomplishments and we wish him all the best with The Next 36-a fantastic opportunity to further develop his talents.' In this academic year alone, Ben has been the recipient of several awards including the prestigious Harry W. MacLauchlan Scholarship in Entrepreneurial Leadership, The Bank of Montreal Scholarship, The Deltaware Systems Scholarship, and The Prince of Wales College Scholarship, a renewable entrance scholarship.
The selected candidates for The Next 36's represent 14 universities from across the country. This year's candidates come from disciplines including: business, engineering, science, architecture, mathematics, and the arts.
About The Next 36:
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A year-old educational program championed by Founding Patrons Galen Weston, Paul Desmarais Sr., Jimmy Pattison and a long list of Canadian business leaders.
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The program is spearheaded by a founding group of 50 high-profile business leaders, entrepreneurs, and academics.
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The goal is to increase Canadian prosperity by developing Canada's next generation of high-impact entrepreneurs.
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The young entrepreneurs selected are placed into teams of four and tasked with building a business in the mobile or tablet space.
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During an eight-month period, they are provided mentorship from some of the country's top business leaders; they are given up to $50,000 cash, and academic instruction is given from some of the world's top faculty.
