GATE's Journey

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 startup bootcamps, innovation summits, and career networking and readiness. In fall 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.

GATE has recently hired an academic lead, Professor Bruce Anderson, who will develop further entrepreneurial programming, alongside, two additional 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.

Currently, the U of R is renovating the sixth floor of the Dr. John Archer Library and Archives to house the new GATE Centre where students can collaborate, work on their startups, mentor with experienced entrepreneurs, and attend academic lectures.

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.

Bruce Anderson

Bruce Anderson is distinguished in the Hill School of Business, celebrated for his leadership and extensive experience. His research focuses on strategic thinking, board development, and the effective application of business practices in not-for-profit management. Bruce is particularly passionate about addressing challenges encountered by business start-ups.

Dr. Twyla Salm

Dr. Salm's research interests focus on teaching and learning in higher education with specific interest in developing the professional educator, mentoring and health curriculum change in higher education. She also studies anti-oppressive teacher education and the implications for interprofessional collaboration on school and community health.

Tianna Bell

Tianna Bell is an accomplished leader in higher education administration, distinguished by her extensive experience and impact within the University. She has demonstrated exceptional leadership and management skills, driving process improvements, managing budgets and staff, and enhancing student support programs across multiple faculties and departments.

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.

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

Partners

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