UNIVERSITY OF PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
UPEI MBA graduate turns classroom insights into AI-powered construction innovation

For UPEI MBA in Global Leadership graduate Dylan Cooper, learning about disruptive technologies in the classroom has become a springboard for building a business at the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and construction.

Dylan Cooper presenting at Innovation PEI's Ignition Fund pitch competition

Cooper, founder of Boardwalk Inc., is developing AI-enabled software designed to automate time-consuming construction estimating and compliance processes. His company is currently developing technology that can generate compliance reports for requests for proposals (RFPs) and complete system designs, including bills for materials, using standard construction drawings. The goal is to help construction professionals save valuable estimating time while reducing the potential for human error.

Since completing the MBA in Global Leadership program at UPEI in August 2026, Cooper has achieved several significant milestones in advancing his venture. Most recently, he was selected as a recipient of Innovation PEI's Ignition Fund, receiving $25,000 in seed funding to help move his innovative technology toward commercialization. Innovation PEI's competitive Ignition Fund provides seed capital to entrepreneurs developing innovative businesses and products.

Cooper has also been accepted into Volta's AI Residency in Halifax, a program supporting Atlantic Canadian AI startups as they work toward validating their products, gaining customers, and building scalable businesses.

In addition, Boardwalk Inc. has been selected for the Prime stream of Creative Destruction Lab (CDL)-Atlantic, a nine-month, objectives-based mentorship program for early-stage science and technology ventures that connects founders with experienced entrepreneurs, investors and other mentors as they work toward key business objectives. The program is housed within Dalhousie University's Faculty of Management in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

For Cooper, the momentum represents more than the growth of a new technology company. It also reflects the practical value of the MBA experience.

"The MBA gave me a different way of looking at business and, in particular, the opportunities that come with emerging technologies," he said. "The Disruptive Technologies course really helped me think differently about what is possible and how technology can be applied to solve real problems."

The course, taught by McDougall Faculty of Business professor Gary Evans, is one of the electives available through the MBA in Global Leadership program. It explores disruptive technologies, the pace and direction of technological change, and creative thinking in response to a changing business environment.

"Dylan is a great example of how our MBA students can take what they learn in the classroom and apply it to real-world challenges," said Evans. "His work demonstrates the kind of creative and forward-thinking approach that we hope students develop throughout the program."

UPEI's MBA in Global Leadership is designed to equip students with the skills needed to navigate complex and changing business environments. In addition to core courses in areas such as strategy, leadership, finance, marketing and business analytics, students choose from electives that include Disruptive Technologies and Creative Business Thinking, and Innovation and Entrepreneurship in the Global Business Environment.

Cooper's company is now moving into its next stage of development. He is in the final stages of hiring his first developer who will help commercialize the technology.

For Cooper, the opportunity to build a technology company while drawing on the perspectives and experiences gained through his MBA has reinforced the value of combining business education with an openness to emerging technologies.

"I think one of the biggest things I took away from the MBA was the importance of understanding where things are going rather than just where they are today," he said. "That mindset has been really valuable as it has pushed me to challenge what is possible with technology and its practical applications."

As Boardwalk Inc. moves toward commercialization, Cooper hopes the technology will help modernize workflows in the construction industry while creating opportunities for growth on Prince Edward Island.

His experience also illustrates one of the possibilities at the heart of UPEI's MBA in Global Leadership: giving students the opportunity to explore new ideas, challenge conventional approaches, and translate their learning into meaningful work beyond the classroom.