Since 2018, the Rideau Hall Foundation’s Canadian Innovation Week has brought together thousands of innovators, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders from coast to coast to coast for a digital celebration of innovation. Throughout the week, we invite Canadians to join in and get inspired by sharing their favourite ideas, emerging technology, and innovative discoveries.
This year, from May 26–30, thousands of people from every province and territory joined the digital celebration, with each day celebrating a key theme in innovation:
Monday, May 26, 2025 – Collaboration in action
Turning big ideas into even bigger impact doesn’t happen in isolation. This day celebrated the fact that when we work across sectors, when we reach beyond ourselves to build new networks and relationships, we’re able to achieve so much more.
Tuesday, May 27, 2025 – Communities in action
Big change often starts local. This day celebrated grassroots initiatives, nonprofits, universities and colleges, communities and all the people that are solving problems through creativity and resilience.
Wednesday, May 28, 2025 – Youth in Action
Young people are at the cutting edge of innovation. This day celebrated how young innovators, students, and problem solvers are leading the way with bold ideas.
Thursday, May 29, 2025 – Canada in Action
Innovation creates lasting impact by shifting systems and reimagining the future. This day celebrated Canadian changemakers and thought leaders who are creating big waves here at home and around the world.
Friday, May 30, 2025 – The Future in Action
Innovation is all about possibilities. This day explored the future of innovation and tech. Futurists, thinkers, and innovators focused on what’s next—whether it’s in technology, policy, or culture.
From coast to coast to coast, millions of Canadians tuned in, posted, clicked, and shared. Whether it was a story of local innovation or a bold idea from a young changemaker, the response was remarkable. More people than ever engaged with #CIW25 online, reaching over 5 million Canadians in just one week. The message was clear: innovation in Canada is alive, growing, and inspiring people everywhere.
Moments That Mattered
Some standout moments helped bring #CIW25 to life:
- Innovation Saskatchewan officially declared Innovation Week, coordinating 15+ open-door events across the province.
- DMZ announced up to $100,000 annually in new support for youth from the Ingenious+ program.
- Ministers Melanie Joly and Evan Solomon gave shoutouts to CIW, recognizing Canada’s innovation leadership.
- The National Research Council generated the highest partner reach with a single LinkedIn post seen by nearly 300,000 followers.
- Eight new organizations joined the CIS partner network, including Technovation Montreal and La Cité Collégiale.
A True Coast-to-Coast-to-Coast Celebration
With support from partners in every province and territory, Canadian Innovation Week proved once again that innovation lives everywhere—on the land, in classrooms, in boardrooms, in labs, and in community halls. The week was a reminder of what’s possible when Canadians come together to turn ideas into action.
Thank you to every partner, participant, and supporter who made #CIW25 unforgettable. Here’s to shaping the future—together.
Highlights from #CIW25
Powered by the Rideau Hall Foundation (RHF), Canadian Innovation Space is a partnership of cross-disciplinary organizations that strives to build a stronger, more resilient culture of innovation in Canada. To learn more, visit CanadianInnovationSpace.ca.
