09/01/2026
As a new partner institution in The Schulich Foundation's network, is excited to welcome its inaugural cohort of Schulich Leaders this fall. As recipients of Canada's most prestigious STEM scholarship program, Schulich Leaders are entrepreneurial-minded students recognized for their outstanding leadership, creativity and innovation. Among them are A***n Thakur and Matteo Volpini, who are driven by a shared desire to create meaningful impact through artificial intelligence and sustainable agriculture.
A recent graduate of Southwood Secondary School in Cambridge, Ont., A***n Thakur’s interest in artificial intelligence and machine learning drew him to U of G’s Computer Engineering program. Eager to launch his own start-up, he hopes to build a strong foundation through the program’s co-op stream and experiential learning opportunities. Driven by a desire to help others, he aspires to use technology to create meaningful solutions and make a positive impact in people's lives.
Growing up on a small hobby farm in Grimsby, Ont., Matteo Volpini saw firsthand the impact that disease, pests and environmental stressors can have on crops. Inspired to find solutions, the Blessed Trinity Catholic Secondary School graduate chose U of G's Bachelor of Science in Agriculture program, where he hopes to deepen his knowledge of plant science and food sustainability. His goal is to one day start a business that supports Canadian farmers by developing more resilient crop varieties able to withstand pests, disease and unpredictable weather.
Learn more about U of G's first Schulich Leaders: https://uoguel.ph/vcw3m