Riyaz Datoo

This draft documents the biography and career of Riyaz Datoo, a Canadian entrepreneur and founder of 3DCrystal.com. The subject meets Wikipedia’s general notability guideline (GNG) as coverage comes from multiple independent, reliable secondary sources over a sustained period of time.

Early coverage: Metro News Toronto (2006) featured his university-based startup launch at the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE).

Academic press: Schulich Insider (2001) profiled the venture’s entrepreneurial origins while Datoo was at York University.

National/regional press: Niagara Falls Review (2010) reported on expansion into the U.S. tourism market.

Business recognition: Coverage includes awards from the Markham Board of Trade (2013 Aspire Award) and the Richmond Hill Board of Trade (Business Achievement Award).

Media appearances: Independent coverage on Breakfast Television Toronto (2005) and Breakfast Television Edmonton (2005).

Alumni spotlight: Schulich School of Business alumni magazine (2012) featured his work and included his invitation with the Prime Minister of Canada.

Supporting references have been archived on Archive.org to ensure verifiability. Links provided are direct, permanent, and cite original reporting.

The subject’s long-term entrepreneurial impact, independent media coverage, and multiple business recognitions establish significant coverage in reliable sources, satisfying GNG.

Riyaz Datoo is a Canadian entrepreneur best known as the founder of Crystallize It Inc., later rebranded as 3D Crystal, a company that produces personalized subsurface laser-engraved crystal keepsakes. His work has been profiled in Canadian newspapers and television programs, including Metro Toronto, the Toronto Star, the Niagara Falls Review, CityLine, and Breakfast Television.

Early life and education

Datoo studied at the Schulich School of Business at York University, graduating in 2001 with a BBA (Spec. Hons.). The concept that became Crystallize It originated in 2000 as a final-year entrepreneurship project.

Career

After developing the idea in the early 2000s, Datoo began commercializing the venture as Crystallize It Inc. The company made its public debut at the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) in 2005, where demand for the custom crystal portraits was reported in contemporary coverage.

In April 2006, the Toronto Star profiled the company’s expansion into online retail.

In 2010, the Niagara Falls Review reported on Datoo’s launch on Clifton Hill in Niagara Falls, positioning the product for a cross-border tourist market and U.S. exposure.

Media coverage

Datoo has been profiled in Schulich School publications, including a 2001 feature on his student entrepreneurship project and a 2012 alumni article noting a meeting in Ottawa with the Prime Minister of Canada recognizing Canadian innovation.

Television appearances include:

  • Breakfast Television Toronto (2005), segment filmed at the CNE booth (archival video).
  • Breakfast Television Edmonton (2005) (archival video).

Awards and recognition

  • ASPIRE Award (2013) – Markham Board of Trade, Young Professionals Committee.
  • Business Achievement Award (2013) – Richmond Hill Board of Trade.

His entrepreneurial work has been profiled in print and broadcast media.

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