This spring, a new generation of young innovators has been stepping forward across Canada. From urban centres to rural towns, coast to coast to coast, they are bringing forward ideas shaped by lived experience, curiosity, and a strong sense of responsibility to the world around them.
Whether focused on the environment, health and wellbeing, equity, technology, entrepreneurship, or community connection, Ingenious+ regional winners are responding to challenges they’ve experienced or witnessed firsthand. Together, their ideas show what’s possible when young people decide to act.
“Being an Ingenious+ winner… lets me be recognized as a youth leader in innovation, inspire others, make the world a better place, and contribute to our community as a whole.” – Yunshu Liao, 2026 Ingenious+ winner
Solving Real Problems, Right Now
These young innovators are responding to real challenges, from climate change and waste reduction to health and wellbeing. They are developing tools to protect land and water, support mental health, and improve access to care. Many are using technology and entrepreneurship to lower barriers and strengthen communities, while others are creating spaces where people can connect and support one another.
From the start, these young innovators are thinking about who their ideas serve, shaping solutions that are accessible, representative, and based on lived experience. These are practical, values-driven responses to the world as it is today, laying the groundwork for a more inclusive future.
Marking the Moment
Between April and May 2026, Ingenious+ regional ceremonies recognized young innovators and their work across communities in Canada. These events highlighted the impact of their ideas and the role they are already playing in addressing real challenges.
Every regional winner receives $1,000 in funding to advance their projects, along with access to mentorship and a national community that now includes more than 600 young innovators. For many, this recognition arrives at a critical moment, helping ideas grow, pilots expand, and early concepts move forward. Across regions, youth shared how this support is helping them refine ideas, collaborate with peers, and reach the people their projects are meant to serve.
“Ingenious+ is a huge opportunity for so many young innovators. Not just because of the grant money, but also because of the community and mentorship it provides.” – Vaishnavi Verma, 2026 Ingenious+ winner
Many regional celebrations were hosted at Government House, with Lieutenant Governors in attendance, highlighting the role youth innovation plays in shaping strong communities and an engaged civic future.
Being welcomed into these spaces gave many of these young innovators a sense of belonging and validation for the work they’re doing in their communities.
From Regional Recognition to the National Stage
As regional ceremonies conclude, the journey continues. Top innovations from each region will move on to the Ingenious+ National Ceremony, where young leaders will be in the running for additional funding. Regardless of what happens next, every regional winner leaves with something lasting – confidence, community, and the knowledge that their ideas matter.
