How Sahil Mehra found purpose at the intersection of health and innovation
Experience Ventures placement inspires bold thinking and real-world collaboration
For Sahil Mehra, a fourth-year student at Simon Fraser University (SFU) pursuing a Health Sciences major and Business minor, an entrepreneurial thinking placement with a health startup became a defining moment in his academic journey.
“I had the opportunity to explore how digital health solutions can revolutionize diabetes prevention and management. I was really in the thick of things — researching, analyzing, and helping shape strategies for real-world impact.”
The startup, D2Type, equips patients with prediabetes or diabetes with digital solutions tailored to improve their overall health.
Mehra’s placement was arranged by SFU VentureLabs, a member of the Experience Ventures partner network — a nationwide collaboration of post-secondary institutions that pairs students with ventures for entrepreneurial thinking placements.
Experience Ventures is powered by the Hunter Hub of Entrepreneurial Thinking at the University of Calgary and funded by the Government of Canada’s Innovative Work-Integrated Learning Initiative (I-WIL). The program’s goal is to enable college and university students to practice entrepreneurial thinking alongside real-world innovators.
Dr. Ameneh Madjd, the Co-Founder & COO of D2Type says the company was motivated to participate by the opportunity to provide a student with hands-on exposure to entrepreneurial thinking.
“The program allowed us to collaborate with bright, motivated individuals and introduce them to the intersection of healthcare, technology, and business innovation. It was also an opportunity for us to gain fresh perspectives and creative ideas from the students involved.”
During his 80-hour placement, Mehra conducted in-depth market research and analysis on key partnerships with unions, insurance companies, and medical billing systems.
“His research provided insights into how D2Type could integrate its services into existing healthcare and insurance structures, helping us refine our B2B strategy,” says Dr. Madjd. “He also explored funding opportunities and ways to leverage existing MSP codes to support physicians using our platform.”
Mehra’s contributions included identifying potential collaborations with Canadian labour unions and insurance companies — laying groundwork for future discussions with stakeholders, particularly in understanding how D2Type could align with existing healthcare reimbursement frameworks.
“This work helped shape our next steps in expanding our market reach,” says Dr. Madjd.
Mehra describes his exposure to the rapidly evolving world of healthcare innovation as a dynamic experience.
“It brought the best of both worlds for me. Since I’m doing a major in health sciences and a minor in business, D2Type was a perfect blend of entrepreneurial spirit and digital healthcare. I put everything into action.”
Mehra now sees business and health sciences not as separate domains, but as fields that fuel each other. He credits the Experience Ventures program — and the chance to work alongside real-world innovators like Dr. Madjd and her co-founder Dr. Hamid R. Farshchi — for showing him that firsthand.
“They’re incredibly passionate about solving real problems,” he says. “I saw firsthand how bold ideas become actionable solutions and how persistence fuels innovation. Instead of reading about healthcare transformation, I was part of it.”
Reflecting on his time with D2Type, Mehra points to the people as being the best part.
“I had the chance to collaborate with two brilliant minds who are pushing the boundaries of healthcare innovation. From insightful discussions to brainstorming sessions, every interaction shaped my perspective. I also gained mentors. They didn’t just answer questions — they challenged me to think bigger and gave thoughtful feedback that made me reflect and grow.”
Long-term, he sees himself working at the intersection of business and health innovation.
“Whether that means working in healthcare strategy, leading projects — or who knows, maybe launching something of my own — I know the entrepreneurial mindset I developed through this experience will help shape whatever comes next.”
To other students considering an Experience Ventures entrepreneurial thinking placement, Mehra offers nothing but encouragement.
“Just say yes. Even if you’re not 100% sure what to expect. That’s where the real learning happens.”
Dr. Madjd has similar advice for other ventures.
“The program offers startups access to talented students who bring fresh perspectives and contribute meaningful work. It’s a great opportunity to mentor future entrepreneurs while benefiting from their research and insights.”