Dr Doug Sparkes has had over 30 years’ experience in Academia, Consulting, Government and Industry. He is one of the founding faculty members of the University of Waterloo’s Conrad Business Entrepreneurship and Technology Centre, and currently is its Associate Director, Undergraduate Programs. The Conrad Centre is part of the Faculty of Engineering and provides entrepreneurship education and support across all faculties. He has been responsible for the development of the Centre’s undergraduate education programs, as well as being involved in programs and competitions focused on fostering student entrepreneurship.

Doug is an electrical engineer and entrepreneur who has been involved in several technology start-ups in addition to his own company in the Ottawa and Waterloo regions. He has also worked for the National Research Council of Canada and Stelco Inc. He is a member of the Professional Engineers of Ontario, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, and is active in local minor sports.

The University of Waterloo and the Region of Waterloo have established a reputation as a leader in Canadian Entrepreneurship. This presentation provides an overview of the evolution of entrepreneurship programs within Waterloo’s Conrad Centre, and how the lessons learned have shaped their development. Through our own journey, we have come to understand many of aspects of the programs that are important for entrepreneurship education and how they impact the student’s personal entrepreneurial journeys.