Schmieding, President and Founder of Arthrex, will share his story with students on May 20, 2026.
UM students, staff and faculty are invited to IDEATE—a presentation and free breakfast with business icon Reinhold Schmieding.
The recipient of the 2026 IDEA award, Schmieding is the President and Founder of Arthrex – a company generating an annual revenue of $5 billion and employing 10,000 people worldwide.
IDEATE will take place on May 20, 2026.
In a remarkable feat of entrepreneurship, Schmieding founded Arthrex, an orthopedic surgical tools company in 1981.
Over the company’s 45-year history, Schmieding’s company has created over 2000 surgical tools used for knee and shoulder surgeries that have improved the quality of life for millions of patients.
Notably, high-profile athletes have been able to perform at the top of their game thanks to Schmieding’s innovations. Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck recently received knee surgery using Arthrex technology prior to his gold medal win at the 2026 Olympics!
Reinhold Schmieding, President and Founder of Arthrex, is the recipient of the 2026 International Distinguished Entrepreneur Award (IDEA), the highest honour given by the University of Manitoba and hosted by the Associates of the Asper School of Business.
Since 1984, The Associates of the Asper School of Business have presented the International Distinguished Entrepreneur Award (IDEA) to illustrious business leaders who have achieved international stature, outstanding entrepreneurial success, and have made an exemplary global contribution. IDEA is an internationally recognized, prestigious honour.
Dr. Bruno Silvestre, Dean of the Asper School of Business and CPA Manitoba Chair in Business Leadership, expresses the significance of the annual IDEATE student presentation.
“Here at the Asper School, we train students to thrive in business and contribute to the social and economic future of Manitoba. As UM’s connection to the business community, the Asper School is proud to offer all students the opportunity to connect with and learn from real business leaders.”
“We are honoured to welcome Reinhold Schmieding to our School,” says Dr. Silvestre. “I am excited to learn about Mr. Schmieding’s storied career and innovations, and I can’t wait to hear the questions and curiosity from a room full of students.”
When: May 20, 2026
9:00 a.m. -- Doors open
10:00 a.m. -- Start
Where: Desautels Concert Hall, 150 Dafoe Rd. W, University of Manitoba
FREE Breakfast!
Following IDEATE, Reinhold Schmieding will be presented with IDEA award at the 42st IDEA dinner, to be held on May 21, 2026, at the RBC Convention Centre. RBC is IDEA’s platinum partner, celebrating entrepreneurial excellence through the IDEA celebration each year.
To be part of IDEA 2026 – to learn more visit the Associates website.
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