May 1 2026 – Youth from across Northern Canada are being celebrated as regional winners in the Rideau Hall Foundation’s Ingenious+ challenge. From Yukon and the Northwest Territories, these young innovators are drawing on lived experience, local knowledge, and curiosity to develop ideas that support health, strengthen communities, and care for the land.
Now in its fifth year, Ingenious+ continues to support young innovators across the country as they turn ideas into action, providing funding, mentorship, and a national platform to grow their work. Each regional winner will receive $1,000 to further develop their innovation and advance in the national competition.
“It’s an honour to recognize these young innovators from across the North,” says Teresa Marques, President and CEO of the Rideau Hall Foundation. “These projects are grounded in real needs and reflect a strong connection to community, environment, and culture. They show what’s possible when young people are supported to lead with their ideas and experiences.”
This year’s Northern winners reflect a range of approaches to innovation, from advanced technologies to community-led initiatives. Their work includes tools that support athlete health and performance, environmental solutions that improve air and water quality, and initiatives that strengthen cultural knowledge and on-the-land learning. Together, they highlight the creativity, skill, and leadership of young people across the North.
Across the country, interest in entrepreneurship and innovation continues to grow. Programs like Ingenious+ help build that momentum early, supporting young people as they develop solutions that reflect their communities and contribute to Canada’s future.
Since its launch in 2022, Ingenious+ has supported nearly 600 young innovators across Canada. This year’s regional winners join a growing national community of youth who are building ideas with care, purpose, and a clear sense of responsibility to the world around them.
Regional winners from Northern Canada include:
RAISE (Recovery Analytics and Intensity Surveillance Engine)
Sitka Land-Gillis. Whitehorse, Yukon
A machine-learning algorithm that alerts coaches to warning signs of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) by analyzing athletes’ training data captured through wearable devices.
Wax It to Win It
Sitka Land-Gillis. Whitehorse, Yukon
A machine-learning algorithm that predicts the optimal ski wax for a given day’s snow conditions, supporting skiers of all levels.
Quantum- Boosted Algae Bioreactor
Lilou Lefebvre. Faro, Yukon
An algae bioreactor that uses advanced materials to help capture carbon dioxide, clean water, and produce more oxygen, supporting a healthier environment.
Trapping With Youth
Paxton Gordon, Aklavik, North West Territories
A community‑led initiative passing down traditional trapping and hunting skills to youth, strengthening cultural knowledge, confidence, and on‑the‑land survival skills.
Media Contact
Jill Clark
Sr Advisor, Strategic Communications and Media Relations
jill.clark@rhf-frh.ca
Rideau Hall Foundation
613-619-0230
About the Rideau Hall Foundation
The Rideau Hall Foundation (RHF) is a non-partisan national charity that brings together ideas, people, and resources to celebrate what is best about Canada, while working with partners to meaningfully improve the lives of Canadians. The RHF celebrates excellence while creating opportunities and connecting communities, all towards the shared purpose of a better Canada. Learn more: https://rhf-frh.ca/
