The Together Mission program, an annual bootcamp and pitch competition that pairs Schulich School of Business MBA students with emerging entrepreneurs in India, announced the winners of its pitch showcase, highlighting its work to foster socially driven ventures, expand innovation networks and provide real-world experience for Schulich students.
Together Mission is organized by Schulich, Startup India (an initiative of the Government of India), the Consulate General of India in Toronto and EKonnect, an Indian non-profit that advances sustainable entrepreneurship. The results of the pitch competition mark the end of the month-long, sixth edition of the Indo–Canada program, which brings those partners together to support student entrepreneurs in India while Schulich MBA students serve as venture advisors and are guided by mentors and world-class instructors.
Three ventures were recognized for their innovative solutions and were announced as part of the virtual Global Championship Pitch Finale, which featured remarks from Rhonda Lenton, York president and vice-chancellor; Detlev Zwick, dean of the Schulich School of Business; Dinesh K. Patnaik, Indian high commissioner to Canada; and Christopher Cooter, Canadian high commissioner to India, among others.
The clean-energy innovator MEINE Electric took first place, receiving $10,000 for its metal-air fuel cell technology supporting energy storage. Future Farming India, an agri-tech platform helping smallholder farmers access financing, advisory support and markets, earned second place and a $5,000 prize. The carbon-capture initiative TraceXero placed third, receiving $1,000 for its large-scale CO₂ removal solution.
“Each of these ventures showcases how creative solutions can tackle global challenges while generating measurable social and environmental benefits,” said Shray Kumar Bhatnagar, entrepreneur strategist with Schulich Startups at the Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship. “Through the Together Mission, our students assist startup founders in refining strategies and scaling operations, highlighting the value of collaboration across borders.”
Beyond the winning ventures, the program gives students hands-on experience mentoring emerging founders. Acting as venture advisors, they help strengthen business models, refine strategies and prepare investor-ready pitches, all while navigating cross-cultural collaboration. Their guidance supports projects addressing urgent issues such as climate, food security and clean energy – all areas York emphasizes institutionally – and provides exposure to international startup networks and the practical steps of launching a venture.
“The Together Mission gives our students a chance to see how global ventures are built from the ground up,” said Chris Carder, executive director of the Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, who created the program. “They gain insight into international markets, develop leadership skills and build networks that will shape their careers long after the program ends. That’s why I started the program – to give students hands-on experience that will guide them throughout their careers.”
Since Carder helped launch the program, it has supported more than 1,000 founders from India and 300 Schulich students, guided by over 100 mentors and trained by more than 20 global experts. Students also prepare for the program by training with Schulich instructor Vanessa Rementilla through the course ENTR 6500 - The Together Mission.
The initiative has invested over $200,000 in cash prizes to support early-stage ventures addressing social and environmental challenges. Past winners include a climate-tech startup improving indoor air quality through direct-air carbon capture, a company producing electric semi-automated power tillers for low-income farmers in India and a venture using satellite-based radar analytics to tackle water scarcity.
By combining mentorship, international collaboration and practical experience, the program demonstrates how Schulich students gain skills while helping shape the next generation of socially driven entrepreneurs. The initiative also reflects York’s commitment to global partnerships, innovation and applied education that equips students to make meaningful contributions internationally.
“Together Mission is a truly unique collaboration, bringing together the energy of India’s emerging entrepreneurs with the expertise and global networks of York University and our partners,” Lenton said in her remarks during the virtual event announcing winners. “This initiative has grown into a platform for young people to engage with some of the most pressing challenges of our time.”
For more information about the Together Mission program, visit its website.