Student entrepreneur and Class of 2025 graduate Imam Khalid has completed his undergraduate studies at York University with an award to recognize his outstanding innovation and leadership.
Khalid, a bachelor of science graduate from the Lassonde School of Engineering, is the 2025 recipient of the prestigious Bergeron Medal for his exceptional achievements in entrepreneurship. The medal is presented annually by the Bergeron Entrepreneurs in Science & Technology (BEST) program, which aims to develop entrepreneurial talent through resources, mentorship and networking to students who have an interest in innovation.
Khalid's achievements and contributions to both his academic and entrepreneurial pursuits exemplify the leadership and excellence that this award recognizes.
“I’m incredibly grateful to be receiving this award,” says Khalid. “I still remember coming to this school as a high school student to pitch at a BEST-partnered event and winning first place. That moment sparked something in me. Since then, Lassonde and the BEST program have become a family where I could bring my wildest ideas to life. What started as a rough concept on a notepad, pitched to Maedeh and Dora, has now grown into one of the fastest-growing startups in North America – all in my final year of university.”
As founder and CEO of SellStatic, a tech startup established at BEST, Khalid has shown a capacity to transform academic knowledge into business solutions. His startup – an innovative AI marketing platform – has been featured at prominent industry events and in national magazines.
Throughout his time at York University, Khalid has earned various accolades. These include the BEST Entrance Award, which acknowledges excellence in academics and innovation, and the BEST Award for outstanding leadership as a student founder. His contributions to the startup community were also acknowledged with the Market Presence Award during the BEST Bridge to Startup Summer Program.
“Imam embodies what it means to go from ‘creative to creator.’ His journey – from pitching ideas as a high school student to building a fast-growing startup – is exactly the kind of impact we hope to inspire at Lassonde,” says Jane Goodyer, dean of Lassonde. “He’s not only turning ideas into action but also lifting others along the way. We’re incredibly proud to celebrate his leadership, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit with this year’s Bergeron Medal.”
Khalid's impact also extends to mentoring and guiding fellow students. He has conducted workshops and presentations on important entrepreneurial topics such as pitching, product-market fit and startup strategy. His role as a mentor for Lassonde experiential education initiatives – such as UNHack and Startup Experience – served to support other students through their entrepreneurial paths.
Khalid served as president of the Entrepreneurship Development Association (EDA) from 2022-24, one of York’s largest and most active student-run organizations.
In addition to these contributions, Khalid has positioned himself as a resource for aspiring entrepreneurs across Canada. He has been a keynote speaker and guest lecturer at various institutions, sharing insights from his entrepreneurial experiences and encouraging others to pursue innovation.
Khalid plans to focus on growing SellStatic after graduation. His team recently returned from Vancouver, where the company placed in the Top 10 at North America’s largest pitch competition during the Web Summit – a prominent global platform for startups.
"SellStatic was recognized as one of the world’s most promising early-stage companies, and we’re excited to keep building on that momentum,” he says.
He encourages aspiring student-entrepreneurs to stay focused and keep working hard.
"You’ll figure out the right path much faster if you focus on moving forward rather than being perfect,” he says. “Momentum beats perfection – launch now, refine later. There will never be an easier time to start. Take the shot."