May 7, 2026, Toronto, ON – Youth from across Ontario are being celebrated today as regional winners in the Rideau Hall Foundation’s Ingenious+ challenge. From communities across the province, these young innovators are responding to what they see around them, developing ideas that improve health, protect the environment, increase accessibility, and strengthen connection.
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.
This year’s Ontario winners will be recognized in Toronto, Ontario, at a ceremony held at the MaRS Discovery District. The event will bring together young innovators from across the region, with the Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, in attendance. Each winner will receive $1,000 to further develop their innovation and advance in the national competition.
“It’s an honour to celebrate these young innovators from across Ontario,” says Teresa Marques, President and CEO of the Rideau Hall Foundation. “These ideas are thoughtful and grounded in real needs, from improving healthcare and accessibility, to protecting the environment and building stronger communities. What stands out is the care behind each innovation, and the determination to make a difference in their communities.”
The 2026 Ontario winners reflect a wide range of innovations. Projects include AI-powered tools that support medical diagnosis and surgical planning, early detection systems for diseases, and assistive technologies that improve independence and quality of life. Others focus on environmental sustainability, from reducing waste and monitoring pollution to advancing clean energy solutions. Many are also strengthening communities through initiatives that expand access to food, mentorship, arts, civic engagement, and inclusive programming for youth, seniors, and underserved groups.
Across the country, interest in entrepreneurship continues to grow. Programs like Ingenious+ play an important role in supporting this momentum early, helping young people move from ideas to real-world solutions that contribute to stronger communities and a more competitive economy.
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 solutions with creativity, empathy, and purpose.
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/
Regional winners from Ontario include:
Hidden Hero
Aany Vital Ramos
Strengthens planning, time management, and emotional regulation skills for children with ADHD through free community‑based programs and peer mentorship.
SwipeGuard: A Magnetic Self-Sanitizing Mechanism for High-Touch Surfaces
Aaron Sethi
An affordable, self‑sanitizing door‑handle add‑on that automatically disinfects high‑touch surfaces using a passive wicking system and magnetic wiping mechanism.
H2@Home
Aayan Shaikh, Abdulhamid Daghistani, and Rashid El-Shikh
A smart residential hydrogen system that enables safe, decentralized fuel production, accelerating adoption of hydrogen fuel while reducing costs.
EM-PATH: Electroencephalogram-MRI Brain Models for Automated Computation of Neurosurgical Trajectories
Abigail Chan
An AI‑powered tool that uses brain scans and brain activity data to help surgeons plan safer brain surgeries. It improves accuracy while reducing risk for patients.
GalleryBox
Community and Civic Engagement
Aidan Mao
Installs and runs mini outdoor gallery boxes to showcase youth art in everyday life across Markham.
WCCA Youth Club
Aileen Gao
A student‑led initiative delivering free, inclusive community programs and events in the Waterloo region that connect youth, build real‑world skills, and foster a strong sense of belonging.
The Pattern Bridge Project
Akshat Goenka, and Madheswaran Kamal
A “mental gym” that uses cubing lessons to build spatial reasoning, motor skills, and social confidence in neurodivergent students.
CKDu Guardian: Solar-Powered Kinetic Kidney Screener
Akshit Erukulla
A portable diagnostic tool that enables early detection of chronic kidney disease through real‑time urine analysis.
Kingston Homeless Alliance’s Elementary Outreach Project
Ali Mezher
Interactive school workshops to reduce stigma around homelessness, mobilizing students to assemble care packages distributed through local shelters and partners.
Actions of Change
Andrew Wang
Joyful and accessible music experiences and games for children with developmental disabilities and seniors with neurodegenerative conditions.
Redshifted
Andy Han, Swanish Baweja, and Sarmistha Pal
A program that gives youth hands-on experience building real hardware projects, helping them explore STEM careers and apply technical skills to real-world problems.
My Volunteer Pathway
Angela Kalopisis, and Rubab Rizvi
A student-led digital platform that connects organizations with reliable volunteers, simplifying recruitment while creating meaningful and accessible opportunities.
Food for the Capital
Angelyn Joseph
A charitable initiative addressing food insecurity through community-driven action and collaboration, contributing to a resilient and nourished community.
Handmade It
Apple Wang
A youth‑led marketplace that connects young artists with student entrepreneurs, creating real‑world business experience while showcasing and selling student‑made artwork.
Graypass
Arav Mathur
A biometric authentication layer that verifies identity using unique neuromuscular patterns such as reaction timing and rhythm, creating a secure, device‑agnostic brainprint.
Safe Spark
Areej Shahzad
A seizure-detecting wearable that automatically alerts trusted contacts or medical services, ensuring rapid response and safety for people living independently with epilepsy.
MycoShield
Ashish Chettimada
A scalable and environmentally safe alternative to conventional fungicides that prevents fungal infection through precise gene targeting without harmful chemicals.
The Kindness and Smile Zone
Ayona Jaswal
A program that brings joy and creativity to children facing illness through art, storytelling, and engaging educational resources that build confidence and connection.
World Saves Lives
Bernice Tang
Free, youth‑led and game‑based training in CPR, overdose response, and mental health that builds lifesaving skills through schools and community organizations.
Abstractly.ca
Brahmleen Papneja
An AI‑driven platform that helps pre‑medecine students organize experiences, track growth, reflect with intention, and access mentorship guidance to streamline their path to medical school.
BL’s Little Free Pantry
Bryanna Leeder
A program that strengthens food security through free, community‑based programs that ensure individuals and families have access to nutritious meals.
Scrible
Cindy Cheng, and Thomas Lenh
A novel AI that accurately digitizes handwriting affected by chronic impairments, enabling individuals to communicate freely—from schoolwork to everyday self‑expression.
Narratives of New Canadian Youth (NNCY)
Clayton Yang
A photojournalism project that amplifies the stories of young immigrants across Canada to challenge xenophobia and reshape online narratives around immigration.
Zora
Cyndi Zou
An early‑intervention app combining a haptic wearable with gamified tools and stigma‑free resources to support youth taking guided steps toward eating‑disorder recovery.
Bin to Bite: Website + Planter Kit
Daisy Zhang
An affordable vertical gardening kit combined with a web app that creates recipes from images, supporting urban food security and reducing food waste.
Beyond The Grid
Daniel Bretchkin, and Anthony Bretchkin
An immersive VR experience that allows students to explore energy poverty firsthand by interacting with real‑world artifacts and implementing sustainable energy solutions.
PulsePal: Translating Genetic and Lifestyle Risk into Preventive Cardiovascular Action
Deena Farrukh
Helps young people identify inherited cardiovascular risk early and take evidence‑based lifestyle action to prevent disease.
COJA Civics Ready
Diya Elz Praveen
A bilingual initiative focused on engaging young people in municipal politics, civic education, and local democratic participation.
Vaughan–Woodbridge Youth Council
Elizabeth Goloubov
An initiative that brings meaningful opportunities to collaborate on community initiatives focused on volunteerism, skill‑building, connection, and open dialogue on local issues.
Students4Students
Emerson Ni, and Ethan Li
Free, student‑led after‑school programs that foster engaging, peer‑based learning for elementary students.
Development of an Autonomous Bionic Sea Turtle Robot for Ecological Monitoring using AI
Evan Budz
A robot that uses autonomous technology to monitor ocean health, detecting coral bleaching and invasive species while minimizing harm to marine life.
CarbonScan
Fengjia Zhang
An app that uses AI photo recognition to identify foods, evaluate their environmental impact, and provide personalized recipes that help users reduce waste.
Detecting Alzheimer’s Patterns Using EEG Alpha Waves and Machine Learning
Filza Farrukh
A machine learning tool that identifies early Alzheimer’s patterns in brain waves, helping shift diagnosis from late-stage treatment to early, and life-changing prevention.
Sarbat Sangeet
Gurbakhash Budwal
An initiative that reserves Canadian South Asian classical music by providing accessible education, therapeutic programming, and modern digital production for youth, elders, and underserved communities.
SynaptiQ: An AI-powered platform for the prediction and prevention of hospital-induced delirium
Gurnoor Kaur
An AI-powered, non-contact platform that continuously detects and helps prevent hospital-induced delirium, enabling early intervention while supporting clinicians and safeguarding patient dignity.
THAW
Heather Kong
An affordable assistive communication system that allows people with ALS or paralysis to communicate using eye blinks, restoring independence, and providing reassurance to caregivers.
IndigoCircle
Helen Duong
A tech-enabled platform connecting college students with trusted, interest-aligned mentors to foster safe connection, growth, and belonging.
Crescent Dual Agent System
Hongyi Sun, and Jinru Yi
A system that helps schools improve information accessibility and transform their websites into more engaging, user‑friendly digital spaces.
ClockWise
Iman Alyousif, Afshal Fatima, and Nadia Radwan
An AI-powered study companion that helps students overcome procrastination, build healthier digital habits, and learn more effectively through personalized support, motivation, and social accountability.
CareBotix in Motion: An Integrated Humanoid Robot for Caregiving Support of Older Adults
Imran Allarakhia
A 3D‑printed humanoid robot using advanced imitation learning and vision‑language‑action (VLA) models to enable older adults to age well and remain independent at home.
Melody Minds: Exploring AI-Assisted Creativity
Inaaya Zia
A custom AI model working alongside Suno to transform curriculum content into songs, improving student engagement and knowledge retention.
Equilibrium
Isaac Samuel Vas
An AI-powered tool that equips teens to identify bias and misinformation in social media through interactive visuals, personalized reflections, and youth-centered features.
Perform for a Smile
Ishaan Grotra, Arjun Kulkarni, and Joy Li
A youth-led nonprofit that brings student performers into senior homes through weekly live arts programming, fostering connections and reducing social isolation among seniors.
Sustainability Metrics for Consumer Products Using Open-Source Data, Python and QR Code Technology
Jacob LeBlanc
A consumer-focused system that translates agro-food sustainability data into clear, actionable insights for informed grocery purchasing decisions.
Verix
Japvansh Bhalla
An AI-powered call screening app that safeguards elderly users from scam calls through real-time caller analysis, risk assessment, and guided response suggestions.
RISE Wellness – (Realistic, Inclusive, Safe Education)
Jayen Chopra
A teen-led wellness platform delivering expert-backed fitness, nutrition, and mindfulness content to promote healthy habits, reduce risk, and foster a safe, supportive online community for adolescents.
VisionAccess Northern Ontario: AI-Powered Diabetic Retinopathy Screening for Remote Communities
Jeea Thakker
A portable AI-powered screening system capable of detecting diabetic retinopathy in under one minute, bringing rapid, sight-saving eye care to underserved and remote communities.
Noctura
Jeffery Cai and Shaurya Sehgal
A non-invasive, AI-driven sleep optimization system that predicts sleep onset latency and converts lifestyle insights into personalized daily plans to sustainably improve sleep quality.
Mind-Motion: An EEG-Powered Robotic Exoskeleton for FMD Patients
Jordan LeBlanc
An exoskeleton that restores voluntary limb control for individuals with Functional Movement Disorder (FMD), supporting independent daily activities and enhancing overall quality of life.
AI-Driven Satellite Monitoring of Ocean Plastic Pollution
Justin Huang
A tools that uses satellite imagery to detect and monitor floating ocean plastic in near real time, delivering free, actionable insights that help communities target cleanups without costly field surveys.
Sentinel-Stream: An Autonomous AI Network for Erosion Control and Microplastic Mitigation
Kanav Gulati
A two-part, AI-driven river health system that autonomously detects and selectively removes microplastic pollution while supporting ecosystem restoration.
Improving Anti-Cancer T Cells Through a Novel Patient-Centered Gene Software System
Karan Kirpalani
A novel, patient-data-driven framework that identifies circadian-regulator genes driving T‑cell exhaustion to support personalized cancer immunotherapy optimization.
ThreadBack
Kelly Liu
A school-based circular fashion system that reduces textile waste while improving equitable access to clothing within student communities.
AgriLanka
Kevin Theivendran, and Naman Jain
A lease‑to‑own solar irrigation model for smallholder farmers in Northern Sri Lanka that aligns pay‑as‑you‑harvest financing with income cycles to provide affordable, low‑emission irrigation.
SynerDose: An AI Framework for Adaptive Cancer Therapy and Drug Resistance Management
Kyle Cheng
An AI-powered decision-support system that applies machine learning and evolutionary modeling to personalize cancer therapies, improving outcomes while reducing toxicity and trial-and-error.
FLIP Digital Ski Coach
Legend Wang
A tool that provides real-time feedback to freestyle skiers using motion sensing and machine learning, enabling safe, independent progression through high-performance performance insights.
Q-CaDD: Accelerating Silico Methodologies with Quantum Computation and Machine Learning for Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor
Lohitaksh Badarala
Computation simulation and machine learning to rapidly screen and identify promising cancer drug candidates, outperforming traditional methods despite current quantum hardware limits.
NeuroTraject
Lukas Chang
This project investigates whether artificially induced, light-based memories share genetic signatures with natural memories, informing new treatments for PTSD, Alzheimer’s disease, and other memory disorders.
SynaptiStep: Early Detection of Neurological Disorders Through Intelligent Gait Analysis
Madhav Saravanan
An AI-powered camera system that analyzes gait to identify early Parkinson’s indicators, enabling earlier care and better long-term outcomes.
Humidity-Driven Propulsion for UAVs
Mahmoud Salah
A lightweight moisture-harvesting fabric that generates electricity from ambient humidity, extending drone endurance and reducing battery reliance.
WindDrift: An Autonomous Low Cost Two Modality Real-Time Environmental Monitoring System
Maria Polyanska
An autonomous, solar-powered Lagrangian sensing platform for tracking air and water flows to enhance weather forecasting, pollution monitoring, and environmental research.
The Youth Map
Martine Chen
Electoral maps transformed into canvases for youth expression by replacing political party colours in ridings with youth artwork, amplifying youth voices in politics through art.
Novel Wave Energy Converter Utilising a Winch PTO and Flywheel
Matt Fong, and William Zhou
A wave energy system that uses a flexible winch to handle large waves safely, making electricity generation more reliable and affordable.
NexYouth Society
Max Wen, and Justin Huang
A youth-led nonprofit that removes access barriers to skills, mentorship, and real-world projects, enabling young people to turn learning into community and environmental action.
Aletheia
Maya LeBlanc
A novel algorithmic diagnostic platform that identifies lupus and other autoimmune diseases through gene expression analysis, reducing diagnosis time from years to weeks using a single blood sample.
Wi-QuantumNet: A Multi-Dimensional Latent Wireless Channel Intelligence Framework for Non-Contact Human State Sensing
Mustafa Arif
A low‑cost, contact‑free way to sense the physiological and cognitive states of multiple people using everyday wi‑fi, without the use of wearables, cameras, or special hardware.
HomeGrown
Nabira Rashid
A local business discovery platform connecting online shoppers with small businesses, helping communities support local and helping small businesses compete with big chains.
Unlock Games
Nathan Mahidhara, and Foster Peckham
A student‑led company designing tactile board games that empower visually impaired players to enjoy independent, strategic play through inclusive and assistive design.
Hackathons Canada
Nirek Shetty, and Naman Sonawane
A national hackathon organization, reaching millions online and engaging a 5,000‑member community.
LinkAge
Olivia Guo, Sophie Rus, and Le Anne Du
A program that bridges generations by connecting youth and older adults to exchange stories and knowledge, strengthening mental well-being and renewing a sense of purpose for both.
SeniorCare Tech
Patrick Wang, Allen Yang, Austin Song, and Alex Li
A combination of AI‑powered, voice‑first technology and hands‑on workshops to help seniors manage daily routines independently, while keeping families informed through privacy‑respecting support.
The Pitch Deck: AI-powered Canadian opportunity access platform for high school students in rural and underserved communities
Pranav Thukral, Arnav Jassal, Dhruvil Panchal, and Shivashaant Dineshkumar Kavimani
A platform that improves equitable access to high‑value opportunities for rural and underserved students through a centralized platform powered by AI‑driven personalization.
CricMatrix
Rajmeet Singh
An app that provides cricketers with real‑time, data‑driven feedback using high‑frequency IMU sensors and 3D visualization, democratizing access to advanced technical training.
From Bleeding to Healing; The Zebrafish Approach to Understanding Hemorrhagic Stroke Repair
Raneem Salah
Research that uses zebrafish models to study how statins affect brain cell growth and recovery after stroke, helping to inform safer, non‑invasive treatments.
Firecheck
Remy Aleagha
A vision‑based auditing tool that applies AI‑driven, multi‑frame spatial reasoning to help homeowners identify and mitigate critical wildfire ignition risks through a simple video sweep.
ThinkerLoop
Reyhan Capan
A low‑cost tool that transforms reusable components from electronic waste into beginner‑friendly “mystery tinkering kits” for children ages 8–12.
TerraWash Machine
Rhiya Armogan, and Aarya Armogan
An off‑grid washing solution that reduces unpaid domestic labour, advancing health, gender equity, and economic opportunity.
PulseBand
Rhythm Panchal
A low‑cost, standalone wearable that delivers real‑time heart-rate feedback, with a need for smartphone or connectivity.
Cicada
Riyanshi Sharma, and Devanshi Sharma
Assistive hand technology that enables full‑hand function with AI‑driven haptic feedback, overcoming the limitations of conventional manual and grip‑based aids.
Hydro-Link
Russell Bui
An affordable wearable device that monitors hydration levels in seniors and alerts caregivers when dehydration is detected, helping prevent avoidable medical emergencies.
HealthBridge (Barrier-Aware Prevention Assistant)
Samarth Zala
A barrier‑aware health assistant delivering culturally practical, explainable prevention guidance for immigrant seniors and physician‑ready care summaries.
Healing Power of Music
Sarah Fung
A program that uses music to bring students together, supporting neurodivergent youth while building leadership and life skills in underserved communities.
WarmWishes4Winter Initiative
Sashreek Arunagiri, and John Fu
A program that delivers seasonal care packages to support the physical comfort and emotional well-being of people experiencing homelessness during the winter months.
NavGuard
Sebastian Wu
A wearable device that detects obstacles from the ground to overhead using ultrasonic sensors and vibration feedback, improving mobility for people with visual impairments.
NextGen BIPOC Coders
Shireen Malik
A STEM‑focused coding program empowering children from underrepresented BIPOC communities with pathways to opportunity.
SafeRider: AI-Powered Smart Helmet for Cyclist Collision Prevention and Emergency Response
Surya Narayan Santhakumar
An AI‑powered smart bike helmet offering real‑time vehicle detection, active collision prevention through turn signals and laser indicators, and automated emergency crash response.
SecondLight
Swanish Baweja, and Aaron Sethi
A sustainable, low‑cost energy solution that transforms second‑life lithium batteries into reliable solar power for energy‑poor communities, addressing both energy poverty and the e‑waste crisis.
Magnolia Minds Foundation – Project Bloom
Tanvi Lee
A youth‑led initiative delivering free STEM, arts, and public‑speaking programs, along with shared resources, to expand equitable access to enrichment for marginalized youth.
VITAL-BREATH: A Precise Prognostic System for Immediate Prediction of Lung Volume Decline Across Progressive Lung Diseases
Vedant Sheel
An advanced prognostic system providing immediate, highly accurate predictions of lung volume decline to support earlier intervention and proactive management of progressive respiratory disease.
Indigenous Dance Foundation
Victoria Greenwood
A culturally grounded dance program for Indigenous youth in northern and Arctic communities. Expanding access to dance, fostering confidence, and advancing Truth and Reconciliation through sport and the arts.
The Screenager Project
Viha Trivedi, and Jingyuan (Julia) Wang
A program that addresses post‑pandemic social media addiction and disconnection among teens by creating easily accessible, real‑world social experiences.
