From Scholarship Recipient to AI Innovator: Wilton Kahgee-Miller's Journey with the Gregg Stewart Future Catalyst Scholarship
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read
When Nuclear Promise X (NPX) launched the Gregg Stewart Future Catalyst Scholarship in 2025, the goal was simple: support Indigenous students pursuing STEM education while helping build the next generation of innovators and leaders.
One year later, the scholarship's first recipient, Wilton Kahgee-Miller, is already demonstrating the impact that investment can have.
A student at the University of Toronto studying Computer Science and Mathematics, Wilton was first introduced to the scholarship by a friend while working at Bruce Power.
"What drew me towards it was what NPX does. I had seen a couple of things about NPXai and heard about their business initiatives, and all of that aligned with what I'm interested in. I thought, why not apply? It seemed like I'd be a good fit." Wilton Kahgee-Miller
At the time, Wilton was working in supply chain at Bruce Power, supporting engineering analytics and automation projects. The opportunity to combine financial support with a paid work term at NPX made the scholarship particularly appealing.
About the Scholarship
The Gregg Stewart Future Catalyst Scholarship was created to honour the legacy of fellow NPX founder Gregg Stewart, a beloved friend, colleague, mentor, and champion of people. Gregg believed deeply in the power of curiosity, innovation, and creating opportunities for others to succeed. Through this scholarship, NPX continues his legacy by supporting Indigenous students pursuing STEM education while helping create pathways into meaningful careers that will shape the future of Canada.
For those who knew and worked alongside Gregg, the scholarship represents far more than financial support for students. It is a continuation of the values Gregg embodied throughout his career: investing in people, creating opportunities, and helping others see potential in themselves. Established in his memory, the scholarship also reflects NPX's ongoing commitment to advancing Indigenous representation and creating pathways for future STEM leaders.
"Gregg believed deeply in the power of people. He was always looking for ways to help others learn, grow, and succeed, whether that was through mentorship, encouragement, or simply creating opportunities for someone to take the next step. This scholarship felt like a meaningful way to honour his legacy while supporting the next generation of innovators and leaders." Margaret McBeath, Chief People and Experience Officer
That legacy is already taking shape through the scholarship's first recipient. Since joining NPX for his summer internship, Wilton has embraced opportunities to contribute, applying his skills to real-world projects while continuing to pursue his passion for artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. His curiosity, initiative, and willingness to learn have made him a valued member of the team.
Supporting Education and Opportunity
For many students, the cost of higher education extends far beyond tuition. Living expenses, professional development opportunities, conferences, and supplemental learning resources all play a role in shaping a student's academic journey.
For Wilton, the scholarship helped create opportunities to pursue those experiences.
"Toronto is not cheap to study in and to live in," he explained. "The scholarship helped with the cost of living, tuition and freed me up to do a lot of the other things that I wanted to do." Wilton Kahgee-Miller
Among those opportunities were AI conferences hosted through Toronto's renowned Vector Institute, as well as books and resources that allowed him to explore subjects beyond his current coursework.
Turning Learning into Real-World Impact
Now entering his fourth year of studies, Wilton is currently completing his internship at NPX, where he has been able to apply his technical skills in ways that extend beyond the classroom.
His long-term goal is to pursue AI research, but the internship has given him valuable exposure to the practical application of artificial intelligence within the nuclear industry.
"NPX does exactly what I was looking for. I wanted to understand the practical side of AI before diving headfirst into research, and I've been able to work on some really cool projects." Wilton Kahgee-Miller
Since joining NPX, Wilton has worked on projects ranging from an onboarding hackathon to developing AI-enabled tools that are already being used internally. For Wilton, one of the most rewarding aspects of the experience has been seeing his work create real value for others.
"I've never worked in a company that does practical applications of AI. Getting to build stuff, especially AI-centred stuff, and then immediately sending it out to people and getting their feedback and iterating on it is something that you really don't get to do anywhere else." Wilton Kahgee-Miller
More Than a Scholarship
While the financial support was valuable, Wilton says one of the most meaningful aspects of the program was the opportunity to connect with the people behind it.
After receiving the scholarship, he was invited to meet members of the NPX team before returning to school for the academic year.
"Usually you just get the scholarship and that's it," he said. "But with this one, you actually get to experience and learn more about the company that's giving it to you. It helped me realize the people here are really great. Getting to hear firsthand from people who work at NPX about their experiences made me feel like this was a place where I could see myself." Wilton Kahgee-Miller
The opportunity to connect with the team before beginning his internship helped Wilton build confidence about what lay ahead. It also gave the NPX team an early glimpse of the potential that made him such a strong fit for the scholarship. Those qualities have continued to shine through both in his studies and in his contributions during his internship.
"Wilton has been an exceptional first recipient of the Gregg Stewart Future Catalyst Scholarship. He brings a level of curiosity, enthusiasm, and determination that aligns perfectly with what this scholarship was designed to support. Watching him apply his talents, contribute meaningful work, and continue pushing himself to learn has been incredibly rewarding. He embodies the spirit of growth, innovation, and continuous learning that Gregg championed throughout his life." Margaret McBeath, Chief People and Experience Officer
Applications Now Open for 2026
The Gregg Stewart Future Catalyst Scholarship was established in memory of Gregg Stewart, a passionate advocate for innovation, mentorship, and creating opportunities for future generations. The scholarship provides financial support and a paid internship opportunity to Indigenous students pursuing STEM-related studies.
Applications for the 2026 Gregg Stewart Future Catalyst Scholarship are now open. Indigenous students enrolled in STEM programs are encouraged to apply before the July 10, 2026 deadline.
To learn more about the scholarship and submit an application, visit the scholarship page below and take the next step toward becoming a future catalyst.
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