PhD Student from McMaster University Wins $10,000 Grand Prize at SMU's National Pitch Competition, The Arena.
Manak Bajaj, a second-year PhD student from McMaster University, has been awarded the $10,000 grand prize in The Arena, Saint Mary's University's national pitch competition, for his breakthrough product, Wonder Guard an AI-powered catheter bag module capable of detecting and predicting urinary tract infections (UTIs).
After 29 days of intense competition, with over 60 participants from 37 post-secondaries across Canada, Manak Bajaj, won the grand prize of $10,000 for his product called Wonder Guard an AI-powered Catheter Bag Module capable of detecting and predicting urinary tract infections (UTIs). Wonder Guard integrates electrochemical biosensors for real-time detection, quantification, and prediction of UTIs. This allows immediate diagnostic feedback to users and health information systems for AI-driven clinical decisions.
"The Arena was a fantastic event! I profoundly enjoyed the challenges brought on by each round, and each iteration taught me so much about how to share the story of Wonder Guard," said Bajaj. "I am grateful to be the Champion of The Arena 2025, and I'm eager to advance our efforts to create a lasting impact on patients' lives. Thank you to all the judges who participated in my rounds your feedback has given Wonder Guard a stronger pathway to market."
The Arena, presented by the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre at Saint Mary's University, is Canada's premier national pitch competition for student entrepreneurs. This year's event welcomed 64 students from leading institutions including the University of Toronto, McGill University, Queen's University, University of Alberta, University of Calgary, University of Waterloo, and universities throughout Atlantic Canada.
Over 29 days, students competed in a head-to-head pitch format, presenting their business ideas to panels of expert judges. In total, $17,000 in prizes were awarded: $10,000 to the first-place winner, $5,000 to the runner-up, and $1,000 each to third and fourth place.
"The calibre of world-changing ideas from these young entrepreneurs is impressive. They are inspired and inspiring," said Michael Sanderson, Director of the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre. "These students are going to make their mark on our world, and the Centre is delighted to help them realize their dreams."
The Arena is generously sponsored by Metronomics, a company founded by Shannon Byrne Susko (BComm'89, BSc'92), a Saint Mary's University alumna and successful serial entrepreneur. Susko has been recognized among Canada's Top 25 Inspirational Women Leaders and Canada's Top 100 Most Powerful Women.
Since its launch in 2021, The Arena has awarded $95,000 in prizes and showcased more than 320 student business ideas from across the country.
With a focus on growth, innovation, and cultivating entrepreneurial mindsets, the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre is Atlantic Canada's premier hub for entrepreneurial education and open innovation. Over the past five years, the Centre has supported over 4,000 students and 3,000 businesses through programs, mentorship, and community engagement.
