If you’re reading this, you probably have an amazing project to submit to the Ingenious+ challenge. Woohoo! We are pumped for you and the incredible things you’re doing in your community. Let’s make sure your application hits the mark.
Application Questions
Download the application questions and prepare to apply for Ingenious+
Application questions
You can submit your project description in writing, in video, or both. You will need to answer these questions:
1. Describe the problem or opportunity your innovation focuses on. Why is it important? (Max 200 words) 10 points
~ Why does this problem exist? Who does it affect? Why is a solution needed? Why does this problem matter to you?
2. Describe your innovation and how you came up with the idea. How will it help solve the problem you described in Question 1? (Max 200 words) 10 points
3. Tell us about the research you have done to help develop your idea. For example, have you talked to people who may use or be affected by your innovation, or people who know a lot about this topic? If you use published research, please tell us where you found it. (Max 200 words) 5 points
~ Research can take many forms. You might talk to people in your community, do a survey, read published research, or learn about the topic on your own.
4. Tell us about how you tested your idea. What did you try, build, or test to develop your innovation? (Max 200 words) 5 points
5. Who is your innovation for, and how will it help them? If your innovation is put into action, what positive changes could it make in your community? (Max 200 words) 5 points
6. What are people already doing to solve this problem, or similar problems? How is your idea different or better? If you could not find any other solutions, why do you think that is? (Max 200 words) 5 points
~ What works well about other solutions? What could be improved?
7. How will you put your innovation into action? Are there any challenges that could make it difficult? If so, how would you deal with these challenges? (Max 200 words) 5 points
~ Explain what you plan to do, step by step.
8. Who has helped, or will help, you bring your innovation to life? How have they helped, or how will they help? (Max 200 words) 5 points
~ What skills, knowledge, or personal experience do they bring to your project?
9. Describe how the Ingenious+ award (cash and mentorship) will help you develop your innovation. What are your next steps and future goals for your project? (Max 200 words) 5 points
~ The Ingenious+ award includes money to help develop your innovation and virtual/in -person mentorship . Mentors can help with topics such as turning your idea into a business, protecting your idea, and building your leadership skills.
Video Submissions
Video submissions must be shorter than 10 minutes long.
Practice your answers to the questions above and record yourself speaking to the camera. Make sure:
- You answer every question.
- You introduce yourself and your team.
- Your face is well-lit with natural or artificial light–we want to see you!
- The video is capturing your audio clearly. Record in a quiet room and use a microphone if you have one.
- Show us your stuff! If it makes sense for the question, show us your innovation as you talk about it. Make sure we can see your project clearly in the video if you choose to include show and tell.
You can record your video in one long shot, or edit together each question. Upload your completed video to YouTube or Vimeo before beginning the online application. You will be asked to submit your video link in the application.
Relevant Files and Documents
All submissions need to include an image that represents your project. This could be:
- An image of you and your innovation, either a physical object or digital rendering
- A photo from an event associated with your project
- A team photo of you and your collaborators
- An image of the problem you are trying to solve
Images must be smaller than 5MB and in .jpeg or .png format. This is your chance to show off your stuff! If your project is a thing, make sure we can see it clearly in the image.
If there are other documents, pictures, drawings, recordings, presentations or videos you would like to include as part of your submission, please upload documents (Max file size 5MB) and/or share the link to Vimeo or YouTube (video should not exceed 2 minutes). Please use the title of your submission in the name of your attachments.
Submitting Your Application
- Start by creating your Ingenious+ account through the application portal. When you request an account, our team will review your request during regular business hours (Monday to Friday, 9 a.m.– 5 p.m. ET). Once approved, you’ll receive login credentials by email.
- Once you’re ready to submit, set aside one or two hours where you can focus in a quiet space and upload your answers and documents. We don’t want you to miss anything, or mix up your responses.
- After you submit your application through the portal, you’ll receive an email the following day with your release form. If you’re under the age of majority in your province or territory, your parent or guardian will also receive a copy to sign. Both forms must be completed for your application to remain eligible.
Send Us Your Stuff…and Wait
Don’t be afraid to contact us (ingeniousplus@rhf-frh.ca) about the application process! We’re here for you if you’ve got questions.
We take time to review each application carefully. Successful applicants will be notified by email. Regional award recipients are announced in Spring 2027. National award recipients are announced in June 2027.
