The DeGroote School of Business at McMaster University has appointed Tej Sandhu (BCom ’10) the first Entrepreneur in Residence for the Marinucci Entrepreneurial Bridge at the McLean Centre for Collaborative Discovery.
The Marinucci Entrepreneurial Bridge will be the physical home of entrepreneurship at McMaster, a dedicated space that will support innovation across all disciplines at every stage – from ideation to scale – through mentorship, resources and experiential programs that turn ideas into impact.
Sandhu, a proud DeGroote alumnus, brings a wealth of experience and passion that he is eager to share with students in the new role.
Instilled with an entrepreneurial spirit from a young age, Sandhu launched his first business at the age of 16 and continued to run it out of his dorm room during his first year at McMaster – without formal guidance or a built-in support system.
“Becoming DeGroote’s inaugural Entrepreneur in Residence feels like a full-circle moment and a chance to help build the kind of ecosystem I wish existed back then,” says Sandhu.
“After returning to Hamilton to found Merit Brewing, I reconnected with McMaster and saw firsthand how entrepreneurship was becoming a core pillar of the university’s future.
“The Marinucci Entrepreneurial Bridge is a bold next step, and I’m excited to help shape it into a place where visionaries across disciplines can collide, collaborate and create real-world impact.”
After graduating from DeGroote, Sandhu explored entrepreneurial endeavours in the entertainment and creative industries before returning to his roots as the co-founder and CEO of Merit Brewing in Hamilton.
He serves as chair of BLK Owned, a non-profit organization that celebrates, showcases and supports Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs in the greater Hamilton area, is on the advisory board of the Centre for Research on Community-Oriented Entrepreneurship and is a board director at the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce.
Sandhu is known in the local business community for his commitment to collaboration, innovation and community growth.
He believes that entrepreneurship is about more than building businesses – it’s about creating purpose-driven ventures that enrich both individuals and the communities they serve.
Sandhu’s leadership at Merit has been characterized by a focus on teamwork, resilience, and a deep connection to Hamilton’s vibrant culture.
“Hamilton is where I learned what it means to build with a community, not just in one,” explains Sandhu.
“There’s a unique energy here that is a mix of scrappiness, solidarity and belief in building something meaningful and lasting. That spirit shaped how I lead at MERIT and how I show up as a collaborator.
“McMaster’s commitment to entrepreneurship through the McLean Centre and the Marinucci Entrepreneurial Bridge sends a strong signal: Hamilton is a launchpad for bold ideas. Together, we’re building a city where innovation is rooted in place, powered by people, and built to last.”
Entrepreneur in Residence
As Entrepreneur in Residence, Sandhu will serve as a mentor and advisor to DeGroote students as well as aspiring entrepreneurs across campus.
“I want every student who engages with the Bridge to leave with two things: the confidence to start and the clarity to follow through,” says Sandhu.
Through workshops, one-on-one mentorship and collaborative projects, he will provide hands-on guidance, share his authentic experiences and help students navigate the challenges and opportunities of launching new ventures.
“Whether they’re building a venture or driving innovation inside an organization, they’ll learn how to think entrepreneurially – how to identify opportunities, build with intention and lead with purpose,” he says.
“We’re not just teaching business. We’re preparing students to thrive in an economy that rewards creativity, adaptability and impact.”
Entrepreneurship is a key strategic focus for the DeGroote School of Business and the University, says Khaled Hassanein, dean of the DeGroote School of Business.
“I’m excited to welcome DeGroote alumnus Tej Sandhu as the first Entrepreneur in Residence for the Marinucci Entrepreneurial Bridge,” Hassanein says.
“Entrepreneurship is more than launching a new business – it’s about developing a mindset focused on innovation and the ability to navigate uncertainty.”
“As a local business leader, students across DeGroote and McMaster will benefit from Tej’s mentorship, guidance and his passion for entrepreneurship.”
The Marinucci Entrepreneurial Bridge
The McLean Centre for Collaborative Discovery is a purpose-built facility designed to foster entrepreneurship and enrich the student learning experience in a dynamic university setting.
The Marinucci Entrepreneurial Bridge, located on the seventh floor of the McLean Centre, features the Teresa Cascioli Teaching Studio, an ideation lounge and a collaboration studio.
The Bridge also houses the Social Impact Hub and the Design and Innovation Hub, spaces that encourage cross-sector collaboration and equity-forward, inclusive design.
Here, students from all faculties come together to brainstorm, prototype and launch solutions to real-world challenges, breaking down traditional academic silos and building a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem.
To increase the expertise available to McMaster students, each thematic Learning Hub in the McLean Centre will offer students access to a community of executives, experts and/or entrepreneurs.
To become involved in McMaster’s entrepreneurship ecosystem or express interest in supporting students through an “in-residence” commitment, please contact askmccd@mcmaster.ca.