A host of Simon Fraser University alumni and students are featured in the BCBusiness 30 Under 30 list for 2026. The annual award showcases the very best in young entrepreneurial talent in British Columbia.
As Canada's number one university for innovation, SFU provides funding, mentorship and guidance to emerging entrepreneurs every step of the way through programs like the Charles Chang Centre for Entrepreneurship and SFU VentureLabs.
We asked the SFU winners what the recognition means to them and how SFU helped shape their growth and journey.
Amin Sharifi, co-founder and CEO, Enya Learning
The recognition means a lot, especially as someone building in a space that often goes overlooked. For me, it reflects a growing awareness that too many students are being left behind by systems that were never designed for them.
At Enya, we're focused on rebuilding how learning works for underserved communities like newcomer and neurodivergent, and this kind of recognition helps bring more attention to that work. It's encouraging and it pushes us to keep going.
SFU played a big role in shaping how I think about problems and who I build for. Classes at the Charles Chang Institute grounded me in the fundamentals of entrepreneurship.
Being part of such a diverse student community gave me a direct view into the challenges many students face, especially those from immigrant backgrounds.
Through the Friends of Simon program, I also had the chance to work directly with newcomer students and see gaps in the system firsthand. That perspective stayed with me and shaped the direction of Enya. It also gave me the confidence to start early and learn by doing, which has been essential to our growth.
Annika Ng, co-founder and chief operating officer, Blossom Social
Building Blossom has been such a wild (and very rewarding) journey, so it's really special to have that recognized in this way. What started as an idea to make investing more transparent and accessible has grown into a community of over 650,000 investors learning and sharing together, which still feels a bit surreal.
I think B.C. sometimes gets a reputation for not having as strong of a startup scene compared to other Canadian cities, so being recognized alongside so many incredible people really shows how much talent and momentum we have.
SFU played a huge role in my growth and journey. I was really involved during my time there and was even elected President of the SFU Business Administration Student Society in 2018, which ultimately became my gateway into entrepreneurship.
In that role, I got to lead a team, think creatively about how to engage students, and bring ideas to life in a tangible way. It pushed me outside of my comfort zone and taught me how to take initiative, make decisions, and be accountable for outcomes.
Looking back, that experience was such an important foundation, and a lot of how I think about leadership, building teams, and creating community today really started at SFU.
Arshita Saini, CEO of Glutenull
When I moved to Canada at 17, I never imagined that one day I would be named to the 30 Under 30, it's a full circle moment that means so much to me.
My time at SFU has been instrumental in that journey; being a joint major in molecular biology and biochemistry (MBB) and business has shaped how I think and lead. MBB taught me to think critically and analytically, while business equipped me with the practical skills to execute ideas and drive impact in the real world.
I also got an opportunity to do a co-op at Fraser Health where I was able to apply both business and molecular biology concepts. It was a turning point in my career and helped me excel at my job at Glutenull.
Being recognized as part of the 30 Under 30 is not just a personal milestone, but a reminder of how far I've come and the impact I hope to continue creating.
Ganeev Chug Sethi, co-founder of MV Burrard Queen
Being named one of the 30 Under 30 is incredibly meaningful and humbling. It's been a challenging journey building and growing this company - filled with constant learning and invaluable experiences along the way.
This recognition feels like more than just a personal milestone; it reflects the incredible community we've built within the business, especially the support and dedication of our crew and staff.
A significant part of my growth can be attributed to my time at SFU. Transferring into Beedie in my second year challenged me to step outside my comfort zone and adapt quickly to a new environment.
I became actively involved in student life, volunteering with the Simon Fraser Student Society and joining Alpha Kappa Psi (business co-ed fraternity), where I developed strong leadership and collaboration skills.
Additionally, many of my third- and fourth-year courses exposed me to real-world learning through case studies and networking opportunities. This experience helped shape my confidence and perspective on business operations, especially as I began my journey with Burrard Queen in my fourth year in 2019.
Hamza Saqib, vice-president, Oto hearing products
I am truly humbled to be included among such an accomplished group of individuals. To be recognized like this is a true honour. It shows the impact of what we are creating and why we need to keep raising the bar in our industry.
Also, it is a reminder that when you care deeply about what you do and give it your full effort, that commitment can create real impact and inspire others. Finally, I want to thank my father for being an incredible role model and mentor throughout my career.
SFU played an important role in shaping my growth and journey. What stands out most is how strongly the university bridges academic learning with real world experience. The community and professors create an environment that encourages students to think bigger, challenge themselves and prepare for life beyond the classroom.
One of the biggest lessons I would share with students is to invest in networking early. I have attended many networking events over the years, and some of those connections have become clients in my business. The connections you make in university may one day turn into future partners, colleagues or even clients.
Jennica Palecek, associate vice-president, Colliers International
The recognition is a meaningful signal that the work I've been putting in is moving in the right direction. I still feel very early in the journey, with a lot ahead that I'm excited to build toward, but it's a nice moment of validation that the effort and focus are being recognized.
My time at SFU had a lasting impact on how I think and operate. Studying economics and business gave me a strong foundation, but it was the people and experiences that really shaped me. One of my professors, Emrul Hasan, had a meaningful influence - he believed in me early on and we're still connected today, which speaks to the kind of mentorship SFU fosters.
SFU also gave me the opportunity to compete in several case competitions including the Catalyst Case Competition, where our team placed second against MBA competitors. That was the first time I experienced the intensity and energy of working in a small team toward a big, business-driven goal, and the reward of pushing through something challenging together.
Those moments, both in and out of the classroom, helped shape how I approach problems, work with others, and see opportunities.
Justin Cheung, CEO and founder of Second Savour
Being named one of the BC 30 Under 30 is incredibly meaningful as it validates the impact of my work in sustainability and entrepreneurship, especially being nominated because of Second Savour. It motivates me to continue creating change and to support others who want to pursue this path.
My time at SFU, particularly through the Charles Chang Institute for Entrepreneurship and Enactus SFU, pushed me to create my own path in entrepreneurship, turning Second Savour into a cool start up.
Vansh Sobti, founder of Cloud Nine Clothing
I think the biggest thing for me is that the recognition represents all the behind-the-scenes work that people don't see.
There were a lot of long nights, uncertainty and moments where things weren't really working, so having something like this is a reminder that all of that effort actually led somewhere. It feels less about the title itself and more about what it represents.
My time at SFU played a role in my journey. I was building Cloud Nine throughout my time there, so it really taught me how to manage my time, balance multiple priorities, and stay consistent even when things got challenging.
- Read more: The 2026 BCBusiness 30 Under 30 Winners
