Acentury

CEO CORNER EDITION: by Frank Ye, CEO

Saying yes to a student project in the middle of a packed schedule doesn’t always make immediate business sense - but sometimes, it can lead to unexpected growth, the kind that no strategic plan can predict. Not just for the student, but for the business too. That’s exactly what we discovered through the global-manager-initiative, which offers a Global Manager Initiative as part of its MBA program, a program that goes far beyond internships and instead builds real partnerships between companies and emerging talent ready to make an impact.

When I first came to Canada, I was struck by how kind and welcoming people were. That kindness played a huge role in helping my wife and me find our footing, and eventually, helping my business thrive. This is something I’ve always carried with me. So when the University of Toronto reached out about the Global Manager Initiative, I was immediately intrigued. While our team was busy and operating at full capacity, this opportunity was a way to give back, support the next generation of talent, and help students gain the experience they need to succeed in Canada’s growing tech industry.

When students and companies grow together, everyone wins.

By connecting students with experienced professionals and innovative companies, the program gives students hands-on experience with real business challenges. The program begins with a foundational course: International Business in the World Economy. From there, each student is paired with a Canadian company to help develop a corporate global strategy. Finally, the program culminates in a government-supported trade mission, giving both students and companies the opportunity to put their strategies into action on the international stage.

For companies like ours, which operate in a tight niche solving complex technical challenges, reducing operational barriers, and driving innovation are part of our day-to-day. That's why programs like this are so important. Not only do they support the next generation of industry leaders, but they also help Canadian tech companies compete globally.

Where education meets execution.

This year, we were fortunate to work with Nishant and Simran. Both brought unique perspectives and relevant experience to the team, showing up each day with enthusiasm and curiosity. Recently, we reconnected with Nishant following his time with GMI and Acentury, where he shared his experiences with us. After hearing a series of company pitches, he ranked Acentury as his top choice—and we’re glad he did. His enthusiasm and initiative stood out right from the start. Over the course of a month, Nishant worked closely with our team. While we showed insight into the complexities of our projects and explained our market, Nishant shared thoughts and ideas, giving a fresh perspective that sparked new conversation.

After the initial month of working with our team, Nishant participated in the GSMA Mobile World Congress with us. As part of the Global Manager Initiative (GMI) program, students are given the opportunity to travel with their partnered businesses. These experiences expose students to international business environments and allow them to build valuable networks, gain cultural insights, and understand the practical realities of entering and competing in foreign markets.

More than just a conference.

For many students, these trips are transformative, turning the theoretical knowledge they gained in school into real-world experience. After speaking with Nishant, a key takeaway for him was just how big and impactful the event was. But perhaps the most meaningful moments happened behind the scenes. He shared, “It was the interactive, personal moments of talking to someone who has been in the business for over twenty years” that resonated most with him.

Nishant has played an instrumental role in helping us identify key contacts and prospects who could be ideal customers for Acentury. He was able to zero in on the people and organizations most likely to be interested in our solutions, and even secured meaningful meetings with potential partners, one of which has led to ongoing conversations with a potential channel partner in Europe. This engagement shows promise and reflects the real impact Nishant has made in expanding our network.

"Working closely with a mid-market business and assisting them with strategical global growth was eye-opening; it was especially eye-opening to learn about the Canadian government support ecosystem that has conducive programs to power international business growth for SMBs." — Nishant.

Seeing the bigger picture, one conversation at a time.

Acentury is committed to continuing our involvement with programs like the Global Manager Initiative. We’ve seen firsthand how impactful these experiences can be—for students, for businesses, and for Canada’s digital economy as a whole.

To other Canadian companies: if you have the opportunity to get involved with programs like this, I encourage you to take it. For a product-based company, especially one in specialized technology fields like wireless or RF components, the Canadian market alone can be too small to sustain and grow the business in a significant way. Expanding internationally can help, but it is often a giant step. Programs like these can help not only the students but also the companies they partner with.

Looking ahead.

We’re proud to support the next generation of Canadian tech leaders. We extend our thanks to the University of Toronto, our team, and especially to students like Nishant who bring energy, curiosity, and drive to everything they do!

At Acentury, we remain committed to innovation, education, and making a lasting impact in the communities we serve. Programs like the Global Manager Initiative remind us that mentorship isn’t just about teaching—it’s also about learning. Every fresh perspective challenges us to think differently, improve what we do, and stay connected to the future of our industry.

We believe that when companies and universities collaborate, great things happen—not just for students, but for the tech ecosystem as a whole.

Interested in learning more about the Global Manager Initiative or the MWC Barcelona Conference? Visit: University of Toronto - Rotman School of Management and MWC Barcelona.