Shaping leaders of tomorrow's business world

Over the last month, Diploma Programme students, Elya Djaffar, Nabil Patel and Rudra Aryan have been working hard at shaping their business ideas at the Ryerson University DMZ Basecamp summer programme in Toronto. Experts in their respective fields have been assigned as mentors who share their perspectives, passion and experiences with the students, who have also been identifying customer groups and revenue funnels to keep their businesses sustainable.

In total, 25 high school students from 12 high schools are taking part in the business incubator camp, at the end of which the three best business ideas will win a sum of money to launch their businesses with. The Aga Khan Academies are the only international schools participating; all the rest are based in Toronto.

Nabil and Rudra, who are on the same team, are developing a product aimed at fellow teenagers that is geared at minimising procrastination by encoding certain features into laptops and tablets that will tackle distraction through social media, gaming and other commonly used recreational websites. They have been guided through setting long-term goals, designing business plans and brainstorming solutions to possible problems. “Even if we don’t win, Rudra and I want to set up our business anyway,” says Nabil.

“We have started creating a prototype of our product, using DMZ’s huge network of resources ranging from their own in-house design zone packed with 3D printers for swift prototyping, to professionals well established in their own specialized fields," explains Rudra. "Ultimately, we will be able showcase the products to potential investors and get funding."

When asked about the growth of Elya’s business she said, “After discussing my proposed idea with other members at the camp, I have seen a number of problems come up, but with the nurturing environment and the support of my mentors here at DMZ I  have been able to tackle these barriers one by one.”

It hasn’t been all classroom learning. Academy students have also had opportunities to see what working in a start-up looks like, with an exclusive visit to the Shopify office in downtown Toronto, and another trip to the Facebook headquarters, where they were exposed to concepts such as brand awareness and customer acquisition. The young entrepreneurs further had a chance to engage with a panel of three successful businesswomen who initiated their very own start-ups, dealing with the ‘technology of empathy’, digital sports content aimed at empowering women, and preventing sun damage.

Networking events, resource sessions by guest speakers from other tech firms, and weekend sightseeing trips around Toronto are making this experience invaluable for Rudra, Nabil and Elya. With this holistic approach to entrepreneurship, the Sandbox Basecamp by DMZ is helping shape the future leaders of tomorrow of the business world.

Contributed by Nabil Patel, Rudra Aryan & Elya Djaffar