Earlier this summer, ICUBE marked an exciting milestone—10 years of empowering entrepreneurs at U of T Mississauga. What began as a vision from founder Donna Heslin to create a hub for innovation has since grown into a thriving ecosystem that has supported hundreds of ventures, connected founders with mentors, and inspired changemakers across industries.
The anniversary celebration brought together students, alumni, partners, and community members to reflect on ICUBE’s journey and the many ventures it has nurtured.
The event opened with welcome remarks by Donna Heslin, who reflected on ICUBE’s origins and its evolution into a vibrant entrepreneurial community. This was followed by a founders’ panel featuring Kyle Wang, Kay Boamah, and Shirook Ali, who shared their journeys, lessons learned, and insights into building ventures that balance innovation, resilience, and social impact.
Together, these conversations captured the essence of ICUBE: a space where bold ideas meet mentorship, collaboration, and the drive to create change.
As we reflect on the past decade, one thing is clear—ICUBE has been more than an incubator. It has been a community of changemakers, where students and founders can test ideas, learn from failure, and build with purpose.
Looking ahead, ICUBE remains committed to supporting entrepreneurs who are ready to shape a better future. The past 10 years have been filled with ideas and impact—and we are excited to see what the next 10 will bring.
