From Student to Employer Partner: Darlington Etaje’s Journey with Venture for Canada

Meet Darlington Etaje,

a Ph.D. graduate in Petroleum Engineering and the Founder of Physics Inspired Drilling Simulator Corporation (PhiDrillSim), an early-stage startup dedicated to transforming oilfield operations with innovative and sustainable solutions. PhilDrillSim is laying the groundwork for tools that empower operators to make informed decisions and mitigate risks and their vision is to enhance safety, efficiency, and environmental responsibility in the oil and gas sector.

Central to their mission are inclusivity and collaboration. Partnering with initiatives like the BIPOC Foundation, PhiDrillSim is committed to driving diversity and innovation within the energy sector, addressing the unique challenges faced by underrepresented communities.

How did you first learn about Venture for Canada and what motivated you to get involved? 

Darlington first learned about Venture for Canada (VFC) while he was a student at the University of Calgary. During this time, he worked on two projects through the Intrapreneurship Program. Initially motivated by the prospect of earning extra money and gaining practical experience, the experience offered him much more.

“Those projects gave me hands-on learning opportunities, challenged me to think critically, and helped me build connections that I still value today. Looking back, I’m grateful for how those experiences shaped my professional growth and gave me a sense of purpose in pursuing meaningful work,” Darlington reflects.

Do you have any exciting updates or stories to share with the VFC community? 

Now, Darlington has transitioned to the employer side of the Intrapreneurship Program, working with VFC students, or Intrapreneurs, on projects such as conducting market research on sustainable drilling technologies. This seven-week engagement allowed the students to identify market trends, pinpoint gaps, and better align PhiDrillSim with global sustainability goals.

“The students bring incredible energy, participating in weekly check-ins and presentations on core business values like accountability and integrity. These sessions not only enhance their professional growth but also contribute to the company’s progress in meaningful ways. This experience has been both inspiring and rewarding, reinforcing our commitment to innovation and sustainability. I’m sincerely thankful to VFC for creating this opportunity, which is making a positive impact on both the students’ development and our company’s vision,” says Darlington.

Which word best represents your entrepreneurial journey and can you share a challenge you’ve faced and overcome? 

Describing his entrepreneurial journey, resilience is the word that comes to mind. Darlington learned the hard way the importance of validating ideas outside the theoretical vacuum, incorporating real-world customer feedback into his development process—a transformative move that fortified his dedication to continuous learning and customer-focused innovation.

What’s the #1 piece of advice you would give to your younger self and the next generation of entrepreneurs? 

Start small but start now: “Don’t wait for the perfect moment. Test your ideas early, seek feedback often, and embrace failure as a learning opportunity. Surround yourself with mentors, collaborators, and customers who challenge and inspire you. Most importantly, stay true to your vision, but remain flexible in your approach.”

About Venture for Canada’s Intrapreneurship Program 

Curious how innovative businesses like these are supported by Venture for Canada? Our Intrapreneurship Program connects student teams with small businesses to tackle innovative projects. Students work part-time while in school, earning $22/hour, with all costs fully subsidized by Venture for Canada. Perfect for early-stage startups and small businesses seeking fresh insights without the financial burden.

For Businesses: 

Enhance your team with eager-to-learn students ready to contribute to your projects at no cost to you. Learn more about fostering the next generation of entrepreneurs through hands-on experience and mentorship. 

Applications open on February 24th! Sign up for the waitlist here.

For Students: 

Gain practical experience and earn while you learn, working on real projects that make a difference. This is your chance to apply your studies in a real-world environment, enhancing your skills and building your resume before graduation. 

Applications open on February 24th! Sign up for the waitlist here.