Beyond the degree: International Business University launches the IBU Signal to deliver validated skills and abilities to employers. May 19, 2026, 15:00 ET TORONTO, May 19, 2026 /CNW/ - International Business University (IBU) has formally unveiled the IBU Signal, a new institutional comprehensive skills record designed to provide clear, tangible validation of graduate skills and abilities. The launch marks a significant milestone in IBU's commitment to respond directly to growing calls from industry to produce graduates who are job ready. The IBU Signal provides students and employers with validated evidence of applied competencies, with a strong emphasis on human and higher-order cognitive skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and adaptability. These capabilities underpin transferability across roles and support effective change management in dynamic work environments. It represents a shift from credentials based solely on course completion to a system grounded in the demonstrated assessment of performance and proven ability. The announcement was made during a showcase event titled The First IBU Signal, which served as the public reveal of the university's new comprehensive skills record, including its name, design, and purpose. The event also marked its first official issuance to students. "In her comments to the Ontario business community, President Vezina passionately shared "we heard you and we responded. Ontario companies, shared directly with us the most important skills university graduates need to have and today, with the guidance of our Industry Advisory Council and members of the Future Talent Research Institute we are showcasing our response to your call for action. Our goal was to design alongside industry an approach that would make skills visible, credible, and trusted by employers. With the IBU Signal, we are intentionally developing and measuring students on the core human, higher-order cognitive skills and AI-Digital Fluency skills that you have told us are required for success today's workplace. It is how we will ensure our graduates are not only educated, but ready to contribute with confidence from day one." Developed through a deliberate process of research, validation, and curriculum redesign, the IBU Signal reflects the university's next-generation approach to education. IBU engaged employers, analyzed labour-market expectations, and aligned its programs to ensure that skills are not only taught, but intentionally built, observed, and measured across the student experience. "The world of work is shifting fast, and IBU is preparing its graduates to meet this moment. We reached out to 78 employers to research what they needed most, and they were clear: they were searching for people who arrive equipped with the right skills, ready to apply them, and able to make an impact from day one. The IBU Signal was built from those real-world insights; delivering exactly what graduates have always deserved: validated proof of what they know, what they can do, and how ready they are to contribute," said Gina Jeneroux, Professor of Practice in Future Work and Skills at International Business University. The introduction of the IBU Signal underscores IBU's broader institutional commitment, aligned with Ontario's vision for a future-ready workforce. It reinforces the university's goal of producing outcomes-driven, skills-based business education, ensuring graduates are prepared not only with knowledge, but with validated skills and abilities that meet the demands of today's evolving labour market. About International Business University International Business University (IBU) is Ontario's first independent, not-for-profit university exclusively dedicated to business education. Guided by its mission to provide accessible, affordable, and personalized learning, IBU prepares graduates to thrive in a global, purpose-driven economy. With Centres of Excellence such as the Future Talent Research Institute and the Centre for Sustainable Business, IBU ensures its curriculum is continuously aligned with employer demands and emerging workforce needs. Through small class sizes, industry-engaged faculty, and innovative teaching methods, IBU delivers a graduate education that is practical, globally relevant, and deeply connected to the real world of business. From its foundation, IBU has integrated sustainability, innovation, and industry collaboration into every program-positioning itself as a forward-looking institution committed to shaping Canada's next generation of business leaders. SOURCE International Business University For media inquiries, please contact: Flossy Lobo, Email: [email protected]

International Business University celebrated expansion with the grand opening for IBU Ottawa Campus. PR Newswire Today at 8:01am PDT OTTAWA, ON, May 1, 2026 /CNW/ - International Business University (IBU) marked a significant milestone in its growth with the grand opening of its Ottawa campus, reinforcing the institution's commitment to expanding access to industry aligned, career-ready business education in Canada's capital at a time of rapid technological, economic, and global transformation. Ottawa's economic landscape offers a dynamic mix of global technology firms, high growth startups and scaleups, life sciences, clean energy innovators, and federal research institutions. The city's Economic Development Strategy identifies innovation, talent development, and technology adoption as central to its future competitiveness, while the federal government has emphasized that Canada is at a pivotal moment in artificial intelligence and digital modernization. Against this backdrop, IBU's expansion into Ottawa reflects the university's broader objective of playing a critical role in strengthening innovation ecosystems and preparing graduates who can lead technological advancement, manage complex international markets, and drive the competitiveness and economic growth of Canadian organizations at home and abroad. The grand opening featured remarks from the Honourable Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security; Dr. Asima Vezina, President & Vice -Chancellor, and Dr. Alastair Summerlee, Ottawa Campus Academic Principal. The program also included remarks from Ms. Kelly Daize, Executive Director of the Kanata North Business Association, representing Kanata North; Canada's largest technology park and one of the country's leading hubs for innovation and high-growth technology firms. Her participation underscored the strong connection between IBU Ottawa and the region's tech ecosystem, as the event brought together academic partners, industry stakeholders, faculty, students, and community members to mark an important moment for higher education in the National Capital Region. A key highlight of the day was the formalization of new academic pathways and partnerships. IBU announced the signing of an academic pathway Memorandum of Understanding with La Cité, alongside two new industry partnerships with Tech Access Canada and Kanata North Business Association. Together, these agreements expand access to graduate education, strengthen workforce alignment, and create new opportunities for experiential learning, reinforcing IBU's commitment to building long term collaborations that support Ottawa's innovation driven economy. Marking the significance of the grand opening, Dr. Vezina shared, "This moment reflects IBU's commitment to developing the talent Canada needs as AI, digital transformation, and global market shifts reshape the economy. Our programs focus on technology and innovation, entrepreneurship, and advanced global business strategy; preparing graduates with the skills needed across various industrial sectors to build, scale, and support new and existing ventures, navigate evolving trade frameworks and tariff environments, and strengthen the resilient international supply chains Canada depends on. Ottawa's position as a global technology centre - home to federal research institutions, international firms, and one of Canada's most educated workforces; makes it the ideal place for this expansion." In his address, the Honourable Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security, highlighted: "In the face of economic uncertainty, ensuring Ontario has a strong, dynamic business workforce is critical to our province's success," said Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. "International Business University's new campus in Ottawa will equip the graduates our top industries need with a world-class education so they can continue driving our economy on the global stage." IBU Ottawa is currently offering two of the university's flagship Master of Business Administration programs, designed to meet the needs of a rapidly evolving economy: * MBA in Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship * MBA in Global Business Management Delivered through small class sizes, a strong and diverse faculty, and industry-relevant capstone and classroom experiences, these programs strengthen the connection between academic learning and real-world application. Adding to this, Dr. Alastair Summerlee, Ottawa Campus Academic Principal, noted: "Establishing IBU Ottawa allowed us to broaden access to high-quality business programs while maintaining academic rigor and strong industry integration. The campus is built to foster partnerships with local employers and create hands-on learning opportunities that will prepare students to lead and innovate in a competitive global environment." The event concluded with a networking reception that brought together government representatives, educational partners, industry leaders, and members of the IBU community, underscoring the university's dedication to cultivating meaningful partnerships and long-term collaboration. About International Business University International Business University (IBU) is Ontario's first independent, not-for-profit university exclusively dedicated to business education. Guided by its mission to provide accessible, affordable, and personalized learning, IBU prepares graduates to thrive in a global, purpose-driven economy. With Centres of Excellence such as the Future Talent Research Institute and the Centre for Sustainable Business, IBU ensures its curriculum is continuously aligned with employer demands and emerging workforce needs. Through small class sizes, industry-engaged faculty, and innovative teaching methods, IBU delivers a graduate education that is practical, globally relevant, and deeply connected to the real world of business. From its foundation, IBU has integrated sustainability, innovation, and industry collaboration into every program - positioning itself as a forward-looking institution committed to shaping Canada's next generation of business leaders. SOURCE International Business University This is a paid placement. For further inquiries, please contact PR Newswire directly.

International Business University opens doors to its new campus in Toronto. International Business University February 18, 2026 International Business University (IBU) marked a major milestone today with the opening of its new Toronto campus, a purpose-built hub designed to integrate business education, industry partnership, and in-demand skills development. The expansion reinforces IBU's commitment to preparing graduates with the practical competencies' employers demand in a rapidly evolving global economy. Located in Canada's financial and commercial capital, IBU's Toronto campus positions students at the centre of a dynamic network of global corporations, leading healthcare organizations, emerging ventures, technology firms, and financial institutions. Through applied projects, employer collaborations, and capstone engagements, the campus bridges academic theory with measurable business outcomes, equipping students with capabilities for AI-driven, digitally transformed, and globally connected workplaces. "Today marks an exciting milestone as we officially open IBU's new Toronto campus," said Dr. Asima Vezina, President and Vice-Chancellor, IBU. "Toronto is an extraordinary hub of innovation, talent, and economic activity, and we are proud to be part of this vibrant ecosystem. At IBU, our mission is clear: to educate graduates who anticipate and drive change. Our programs embed the skills employers are asking for - from AI fluency and data analytics to communication, adaptability, and ethical leadership. We work closely with industry to ensure our students have the capabilities to step confidently into the workforce and contribute from day one." The inaugural ceremony featured remarks from Mr. Lorne Coe, Parliamentary Assistant, Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security; Mr. Daniel Tisch, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, Dr. Feridun Hamdullahpur, Chancellor of IBU and Member of the Order of Canada; and Dr. Asima Vezina, President and Vice-Chancellor of IBU. The event welcomed community leaders, academic partners, industry stakeholders, faculty, and students. Guests then toured the new campus and participated in the ceremonial ribbon cutting, symbolizing a new chapter for business education in Toronto. "IBU's approach places students at the intersection of innovation and application," said Dr. Feridun Hamdullahpur, Chancellor of IBU and Member of the Order of Canada. "Our programs equip graduates with the competencies employers need in an era shaped by artificial intelligence, shifting trade landscapes, and rapid digital transformation. This campus strengthens our ability to shape a workforce that is ready not only for today, but for the future." "Now more than ever, it is crucial that Ontario has a robust business workforce to attract investment and take our province's in-demand sectors to new heights," said Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. "International Business University's new campus in Toronto will equip graduates with the world-class education and skills they need to continue driving our economy on the global stage." The Toronto campus delivers Bachelor of Commerce Honours (BCOM) and Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs built around small cohorts, industry-engaged faculty, and structured experiential learning. Integrated employer projects, applied case collaborations, and capstone engagements ensure students graduate with demonstrable competencies, not only academic credentials. This approach strengthens the connection between academic learning and real-world business application, ensuring graduates are well prepared for leadership roles across sectors. The event concluded with a networking reception that brought together government officials, industry leaders, academic partners, and members of the IBU community, underscoring the university's commitment to collaboration, partnership, and talent development. About International Business University. International Business University (IBU) is Ontario's first independent, not-for-profit university exclusively dedicated to business education. Guided by its mission to provide accessible, affordable, and personalized learning, IBU prepares graduates to thrive in a global, purpose-driven economy. With Centres of Excellence such as the Future Talent Research Institute and the Centre for Sustainable Business, IBU ensures its curriculum is continuously aligned with employer demands and emerging workforce needs. Through small class sizes, industry-engaged faculty, and innovative teaching methods, IBU delivers a higher education that is practical, globally relevant, and deeply connected to the real world of business. From its foundation, IBU has integrated sustainability, innovation, and industry collaboration into every program - positioning itself as a forward-looking institution committed to shaping Canada's next generation of business leaders. For media inquiries, please contact: Flossy Lobo Email: [email protected]