The John Whelen Family Innovation Advancement Fellowship is shaping the next generation of innovators at McMaster.   

Established in 2023 by John Whelen, MBA ’88, and his wife, Stormie Stewart, the fellowship was created to strengthen McMaster’s innovation ecosystem by supporting aspiring student entrepreneurs and advancing the real-world application of McMaster-generated research.  

Now in its second year, the Fellowship continues to empower entrepreneurial-minded students, awarding them a four- to twelve-month placement with companies backed by the McMaster Seed Fund (MSF) or startups commercializing McMaster research.  

This year’s Fellow – Kinesiology Master’s student, Thomas Szasz – will work with PROVA Innovations, a McMaster startup and recent MSF recipient founded by engineering and MBA graduate, Matthew Rosato. 

“At PROVA, our goal is to enhance mobility and independence through innovative, clinically informed, easy-to-use technology.  This fellowship allows us to bring fresh perspectives into our work while mentoring the next generation of innovators,” says Rosato.  

“Thomas brings a unique blend of academic insight and enthusiasm, and we’re excited to have him contribute to our mission of improving mobility and quality of life for people around the world.”  

PROVA’s WithinStride™ line of smart insoles are revolutionizing care for non-invasive in-home gait training and rehabilitation – particularly for those who suffer from osteoarthritis and other mobility challenges.  

Szasz says he’s thrilled to have been selected for the Fellowship and is looking forward to his twelve-month placement at PROVA.  

“It’s the perfect opportunity to deepen my understanding of the startup world, learn what it takes to bring a medical device to market, and gain industry experience that’s often difficult to find while completing a degree,” he says. 

“In a competitive job market, this fellowship provides a head start as I work towards a career that blends science, innovation, and entrepreneurship.” 

The Whelen Fellowship empowers McMaster graduate students to immerse themselves in dynamic startup environments and gain valuable entrepreneurial skills, says Leyla Soleymani, Associate Vice-President, Research (Commercialization & Entrepreneurship). 

“At the same time, it supports McMaster-founded startups delivering innovative Made at Mac solutions locally and globally,” she says, saluting the Whelen family for establishing such an impactful program.  

John Whelen congratulates Szasz on receiving the Fellowship. 

“This fostering of entrepreneurial talent is essential for turning great ideas into impactful ventures and for building a stronger innovation ecosystem within Canada,” he says.  

The Whelen Fellowship is administered by the McMaster Industry Liaison Office (MILO) and is part of a broader ecosystem at McMaster that champions student-led innovation.  

Learn more about entrepreneurship programs for McMaster students, including those hosted by The Forge, The Clinic and the McMaster Entrepreneurship Academy.