Jon French recognized with Minister of Colleges and Universities' Award of Excellence
Published: February 1, 2022
Jon French, director of University of Toronto Entrepreneurship, has received a Minister of Colleges and Universities' Award of Excellence for working with industry and business to drive economic development.
鈥淪ince starting at U of T in the early days of the pandemic, Jon French has cultivated a vibrant community of entrepreneurs, mentors and investors,鈥 said Leah Cowen, U of T鈥檚 vice-president, research and innovation, and strategic initiatives. 鈥淗e has overseen innovative virtual forums such as U of T Entrepreneurship Week and helped forge global connections through programs like the Indo-Canadian Entrepreneurship Exchange.
鈥淭he University of Toronto congratulates Jon on this important recognition of his work to harness the talent and enthusiasm of U of T鈥檚 entrepreneurship community and support their efforts to translate ideas and research-based innovations into startups that are solving problems, creating jobs and enriching the economy.鈥
French said he was 鈥渉onoured and humbled鈥 to receive the award, which he noted is a validation of the hard work and accomplishments of many innovators and staff across U of T鈥檚 three campuses.
鈥淭he profound impact of the U of T Entrepreneurship community is on display through initiatives including our Intellectual Property (IP) Education Program, activities such as the Black Founders Network to support inclusive excellence and the rapidly growing level of global interest and investment into the startups and talent supported by the University of Toronto,鈥 French said.
