New Doors Open for Future Founders: Schulich x Friends of Bata 🇨🇦
From classrooms to companies — together, we’re giving students and early-stage founders access to global learning, mentorship, and funding opportunities.
At Friends of Bata, we believe that the next generation of founders is already here: they just need the right access, the right mentors, and the right platform to launch.
That’s why we’re proud to announce our new partnership with the Schulich School of Business at York University (Toronto, Canada), one of the world’s top-ranked schools for entrepreneurship and innovation.
Together, we’re bridging ecosystems and opening doors for young entrepreneurs around the world through three key initiatives designed to turn purpose into action:
🌍 1. The Thomas Bata Future Vision Award
Through Schulich’s Together Mission — an Indo-Canada entrepreneurship bootcamp and pitch competition — Friends of Bata will present the Thomas Bata Future Vision Award, recognizing young innovators driving social impact.
Each year, the winning student founder will receive mentorship and visibility opportunities across the Friends of Bata global network, connecting them with mentors, partners, and potential investors.
đź’ˇ 2. Schulich Desjardins VIP (Spring 2026)
In spring 2026, Thomas Archer Bata, together with Schulich Dean Detlev Zwick and a special guest from the global innovation space, will headline the school’s premier entrepreneurship event. The VIP series will welcome 250+ students, founders, and community leaders for an honest, high-energy fireside on the future of innovation, sustainability, and business leadership.
🎓 3. Schulich Venture Academy Scholarships
Friends of Bata will also sponsor five full scholarships for underrepresented founders to join the Schulich Venture Academy, a 6-week accelerator-style program teaching real-world venture skills in capital, operations, and growth.
This initiative expands access for founders from diverse backgrounds, helping them scale ideas, master investor readiness, and connect with global mentors.
🤝 A Global Mission, One Shared Vision
Beyond these programs, Schulich will join as a supporting partner of our Pitch Lab Podcast, where their founders and mentors will share lessons from the field with young entrepreneurs across the world. For Friends of Bata’s network, this collaboration means one thing: more opportunities to learn, connect, and grow globally.
It’s not just a partnership — it’s a shared commitment to help the next generation of entrepreneurs build a more inclusive, connected, and impactful future.
Embarking on the path of entrepreneurship can be daunting, fraught with obstacles and uncertainties.
However, the journey of Adrian Escabias, as detailed in our latest Friends of Bata case study, offers invaluable insights and practical lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs. Here's why young entrepreneurs should delve into Adrian's story of ups and downs, and the strategies employed to successfully launch Aticco Ventures:
Resilience in the Face of Adversity: Adrian's transition from the corporate world to entrepreneurship showcases the importance of resilience. He faced significant setbacks, including the collapse of his startup Subbo and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Escamu. His ability to bounce back and continue innovating is a powerful lesson for any entrepreneur.
Learning from failure: The case study highlights how Adrian turned failures into learning opportunities. For example, the legal issues and partner conflicts he faced in Subbo underscore the necessity of solid legal agreements and the importance of having experienced advisors.
Importance of Intellectual Property: Protecting intellectual property is crucial, as illustrated by the challenges Adrian faced with his CTO at Subbo. Ensuring proper legal safeguards can prevent devastating losses and help maintain the integrity of your business.
Securing Funding: Adrian's experiences reveal the complexities of startup funding. From relying on personal finances and bank loans to establishing community-based pledge funds, his journey underscores the need for creative and strategic approaches to secure capital.
Building a Supportive Community: Aticco Ventures is a testament to the power of community-driven innovation. By fostering a network of experienced entrepreneurs and investors, Adrian has created an environment where startups can thrive through mentorship, collaboration, and shared resources.
Networking and Relationship Building: The value of strong professional networks is a recurring theme in Adrian's story. Regular networking events and workshops at Aticco Ventures help entrepreneurs build essential connections that can lead to new opportunities and collaborations.
For  aspiring entrepreneurs, Adrian Escabias's journey provides a realistic and inspiring look at the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. It offers practical lessons on resilience, the importance of solid legal foundations, creative funding solutions, and the power of community. By learning from Adrian's experiences,  entrepreneurs can better navigate their own paths and avoid common pitfalls.
Click here to download the case study and find our all details about his challenges and journey!
