Up and coming start-up entrepreneur makes the most of Mitacs program
Badlani, whose main academic interest lies in the field of robotics, had applied to four different projects to participate in the Mitacs Globalink program, and his second choice was the project he ended up working on.
A little apprehensive at first, Badlani was quickly made to feel at ease. He was worried that, working with one of the world’s leading authorities in the field of simulation would prove more difficult than it turned out to be. “I was nervous,” he says, “that he would expect a lot from me, but after I met him, I was reassured to discover he has a very balanced personality, like most people here in Canada. He invited me to join into his soccer league, and we play on Tuesdays and Thursdays.”The young Indian scholar is also impressed by the innovative facilities where the research he is working on is conducted. “The lab is new and still expanding; the building itself is an experiment in progress,” Badlani remarks. Later noting that a new program of studies specialized in Human-Computer Interface is all set to be offered shortly, Badlani confirms that the program’s goal of presenting Canada as a leading-edge destination for scientific research to up-and-coming international scholars is being met.
What really sets the Globalink program apart from others, Badlani says, is the emphasis on linking research with industry. He had also been offered a research project in Germany, but the focus on gaining skills and contacts in the real-world marketplace is what tilted the scales in favour of Globalink. Badlani, who aspires to launch his own start-up once he completes his graduate studies, says he gained useful insights from a start-up entrepreneur he met during a networking event he attended as part of the program. “He told me about some of the challenges he faced when he launched his start-up, and gave me some useful advice. It gives me a new perspective on things about which I wasn’t aware before.”
Amit Badlani (far right) with Ayesha Bannerjee, Hindustan Times, and fellow Globalink student Siddhartha Banerjee
Mitacs thanks the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario for their support of the Globalink research internship in this story. Across Canada, the Globalink program also receives support from Alberta Innovates, the Government of British Columbia, the Government of New Brunswick, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Government of Nova Scotia, the Government of Prince Edward Island, the Government of Quebec, the Government of Saskatchewan, and Research Manitoba.
Do you have a business challenge that could benefit from a research solution? If so, contact Mitacs today to discuss partnership opportunities: BD@mitacs.ca
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