The Rideau Hall Foundation (RHF) is calling for all young change-makers to take part in Ingenious+, a national youth innovation challenge. Now in its fourth year, Ingenious+ is accepting applications until February 28th. Participants can win up to $10,000 along with prestigious mentorship and networking opportunities to advance a project that is making positive change in their community and beyond.
“We are looking for passionate youth from coast to coast to coast who have recognized a challenge in their community and taken action to help solve it,” says Teresa Marques, President and CEO of the RHF.
“Ingenious+ is all about discovering the incredible work of young people across Canada, and giving them the resources and connections they need to take their projects to the next level.”
The range of projects welcomed by Ingenious+ is as diverse as Canada itself. Past winners have included everything from after-school support groups to biodegradable road-salt alternatives to self-driving robots. Participants can enter in one of five categories:
- Community and Civic Engagement
- Climate Change and the Environment
- Equity and Inclusion
- Health and Well-being
- Technology and Entrepreneurship
Yurui Qin, a 2024 national winner, was awarded $10,000 for her invention AI-QUA Savior, a low-cost submersible device that uses artificial intelligence to aid underwater search and rescue missions. Since winning Ingenious+, she has connected with industry experts to propel her innovation forward. “They’re providing me with lots of support. I’ve met incredible people from coast to coast to coast,” she says, encouraging other young people to apply.
Entering Ingenious+ is as simple as submitting a written or video application about your project at IngeniousPlus.ca. The Rideau Hall Foundation has made the challenge as uncomplicated as possible to encourage all sorts of innovators to apply. “Some young people may not identify as innovators or entrepreneurs yet,” says Marques. “But we want to encourage all young people to recognize the power they have to create change. True innovation happens when different ideas and perspectives come together, so we hope to see submissions from across the country that reflect the diversity of the Canadian experience.”
Ingenious+ is open to 14- to 18-year-olds living anywhere in Canada. In addition to priceless mentorship and networking opportunities, the Rideau Hall Foundation is offering a total of more than $250,000 to Ingenious+ winners with cash prizes ranging from $1,000 to $10,000. National award recipients will be celebrated during Canadian Innovation Week taking place from May 26-30.
Applications for the Ingenious+ Challenge are open now at ingeniousplus.ca and can be submitted until February 28, 2025. Winners will be celebrated during Canadian Innovation Week taking place May 26-30.
