40 Under Forty: Ryan Canuel, 25

Photo | Erika Sidor Winners of the WBJ 2018 40 Under award (from left): Kate Campanale, Bert LaValley Alvara Gjylapi and Ryan Canuel.

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Co-founder & CEO

Petricore, Inc., Worcester

Lives: Worcester

Birthplace: Fall River

College: Becker College

In the three years since Canuel graduated, his video game startup has grown and become so recognized in the industry, Becker College has made it a cornerstone of its expansion into the field. Canuel started Petricore the day after his graduation in 2015 and today, the company – which provides art, design, programming and production services – has five full-time employees and its mobile gaming app has been downloaded more than 700,000 times, attracting people looking to play addictive games like Shopping Spree and Mind the Arrow. When Becker opened its new $7.3-million innovation and entrepreneurship center in March, Petricore was the first company to move into the building, the entrepreneurial result of the college's video game program which now makes up one-third of its student body. Canuel's advised students interested in forming their own startups and attends science, technology, math and engineering events to speak with students about video game development. Canuel creates recreation opportunities through his involvement in Working for Worcester. Canuel won the 2017 Playcrafting Boston Rising Pixel Award from an industry group, the 2016 Becker College Alumni Association Excellence Award and 2016 Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce Entrepreneur of the Year.

From 40 Under Forty judge Milka Njoroge: “Ryan has won several awards in recognition of his work and commitment to the community.”

After it is all said and done, what do you want people to say about you? If people can pronounce my last name right by that time, I'd call it a huge win.

What four people would you take on a road trip? Will Wright, Sid Meier, Neil Young and Jeff Bezos. I could learn a lot from them.

Read about the entire 2018 Class of 40 Under Forty

Michael Alden - Ascentria Care Alliance

Che Anderson - City of Worcester

Victor M. Archila - VMA Electric Inc.

Allison Beckler, DO - YOU, Inc.

Sam Bitar - Webster Five

Mark A. Borenstein - Seder & Chandler LLP

Kate D. Campanale - Massachusetts House of Representatives

Derek Canton - paerpay

Ryan Canuel - Petricore, Inc.

Jennifer Caron - Body Therapeutics