In today’s competitive and interconnected world, increasing productivity through the creation of new products and services, improving public sector performance, and building an inclusive, compassionate society will be the keys to Canada’s success as a caring, efficient and prosperous nation. As innovation and an entrepreneurial spirit are fundamentally important to all Canadians and can have a transformative, positive impact—regardless of whether it is in the private, public or not-for-profit realms—the awards encompass all sectors of Canadian society.
The objectives of the Governor General’s Innovation Awards are to celebrate excellence in innovation across all sectors of Canadian society and inspire Canadians, particularly Canadian youth, to be entrepreneurial innovators.
The Awards are given to individuals, teams and/or organizations whose innovations are
- Truly exceptional;
- Transformative; and,
- Positive in their impact on quality of life in Canada.
Nominations are only accepted through nominating partners. CICan is your nominating partner.
As per the Call for Nominations, the Governor General’s Innovation Awards will be given to individuals, teams and/or organizations whose innovations are truly exceptional, transformative and positive in their impact on the quality of life in Canada. An expert, merit-review adjudication process will be used to select award winners. Please provide a summary explaining the nature, significance and impact of the nominee’s innovation or innovative activities (maximum 500 characters including spaces).
Selection Criteria
In addition to being assessed on whether the innovations are truly exceptional and transformative, and are having an active and positive impact on society, nominations are assessed based on the following specific selection criteria:
Inspiration: How does the process leading to this innovation, its implementation and its developer(s) inspire future innovators in Canada? (maximum 2000 characters including spaces)
Leadership: How did the innovator(s) demonstrate leadership in their work on this innovation? Discuss evidence of initiative, collaboration, risk-taking and problem-solving in the process of developing and implementing the innovation (maximum 2000 characters, including spaces).
Impact: Is the innovation in question having a positive effect in the world? Describe the successful implementation of the innovation in the sector, economy, society or culture, and the role of the nominee(s) in that implementation. If possible, please quantify the impact. For example, a nominee(s) may have created a B Corporation to market the innovation and realize social benefits at the same time, with sales of $$ and # of persons assisted (maximum 2000 characters, including spaces).