May 2, 2025 – Ontario youth are making their mark through innovation. The Rideau Hall Foundation’s Ingenious+ challenge has announced sixty-nine regional awards for projects led by teens in the province. This nation-wide search connects youth with funding and resources to expand and improve their projects. Each regional winner receives $1,000 and a spot in the national competition where they will vy for up to $10,000 along with prestigious learning and networking opportunities.
“The number of made-in-Ontario innovations we received this year was outstanding,” says Teresa Marques, President and CEO of the RHF. “These youth are breaking ground with projects that benefit their communities and beyond. I’m so excited to see what they do next.”
Regional winners from Ontario a web application that uses artificial intelligence to increase diverse representation among participants in clinical trials, an organization that drives youth participation in civic engagement and political activities, and a camp that unites kids and seniors through coding and building programs.
These projects represent a small fraction of the innovations in the running for national Ingenious+ awards. Regional winners from across the country can be explored at IngeniousPlus.ca in the weeks leading up to the national awards ceremony. National winners will be celebrated in Ottawa during Canadian Innovation Week, May 26-30.
For interview requests and further information:
Mélanie Béchard
Senior Communications Officer
Rideau Hall Foundation
613-914-0651
melanie.bechard@rhf-frh.ca
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/
Ontario Regional Winners
AGEile
Nirek Shetty, Toronto – Ontario
A mobile app that helps seniors manage their health affordably by reducing fall risks, streamlining communication with physiotherapists, and simplifying technology through AI.
AgriFlow
Amrita Ghag, Brampton – Ontario
AgriFlow is a data-driven app that uses NASA satellite data to help farmers monitor soil moisture, optimize irrigation, and boost crop resilience.
AlzSaliva
Krish Mendapara and Reeya Pandya. Brampton – Ontario
AlzSaliva is a non-invasive, cost-effective test that detects early Alzheimer’s using salivary biomarkers, with about 90% accuracy.
“Amira, your fellow Muslimah”
Maya Hassan, St. Catharines – Ontario
An AI chatbot offering 24/7 support to Muslim women on Islamophobia, mental health, identity, and faith-related issues.
A Novel Quantum-Dot-Nanoparticle Methodology to Aid in Targeted Drug Delivery
Karan Kirpalani, Ottawa – Ontario
This innovation uses microneedle patches and a wearable sensor to deliver medicine painlessly with light and adjust the does in real time, making treatment more accurate and accessible.
Art Therapy and Anti-Violence Sessions Improving Mental Health of Low Income Residents and Homeless Youth
Manha Yusuf, Newmarket – Ontario
This innovation offers free art sessions with new books and supplies, focusing on anti-bullying and violence prevention for youth in co-op housing and homeless communities in York Region.
A Voice For The Voiceless | A Novel Approach to Real-time American Sign Language Translation
Vedant Sheel, Waterdown – Ontario
This innovation bridges the communication gap for the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing community by instantly converting ASL gestures into text and speech. It offers an accessible and cost-effective communication tool.
Bright Smiles Foundation Dental Care for Kids
Joshan Chopra, Oakville – Ontario
An interactive community-driven initiative offering free dental education to children in underserved communities. It fosters lifelong oral hygiene habits through engaging activities.
Canada Youth Aerospace Team | Accessible STEM Opportunities For All Canadian Youth
Casper Dong, Waterloo – Ontario
This organization provides mentorship, collaborative projects, and competition opportunities for youth across Canada, advocating for inclusion and access to STEM opportunities in aerospace.
The ChitoBloom: A Sustainable Microalgae Filtration System Using Chitosan Flocculation
Rachel Lee, and Celine Fu. Markham – Ontario
This algae filtration system uses chitosan-based flocculation to control harmful algae blooms. It offers a sustainable, non-toxic method that minimizes disruption to aquatic ecosystems.
CibuScan: Developing Machine Learning Algorithms for Nutritional Analysis of Meals
Yuefan Xu and Raymond Wu. Aurora – Ontario
An app that uses machine learning and OpenCV to analyze food images and provides personalized nutritional advice, supporting users in making informed dietary decisions.
Clear the Air: A Guide to Indoor Air Quality
Shiven Taneja, Mississauga – Ontario
This guide offers evidence-based, actionable solutions for creating cleaner, healthier indoor environments to help individuals understand and improve indoor air quality.
Code for a Cause
Dean Parsons, Ottawa – Ontario
Code for a Cause strives to bridge the gap between the gaming industry and the social sector, providing a platform for developers to apply their creativity into making a positive change.
ConnectED
Arav Mathur, Caledon – Ontario
Combining a personalized scholarship search engine, a data-driven financial aid calculator, and mentor matching, ConnectEd revolutionizes scholarship access for students.
Designing Red Blood Cell-Derived Vesicle Natural Killer Cell Engagers for Agnostic Cancer Treatment
Kathy Han, Ottawa – Ontario
This project addresses immunotherapy limitations by designing a biocompatible and histology-agnostic natural killer (NK) cell engager platform, with a process that enables optimized cytotoxicity and targeting of cancer.
EcoPlastic
Dev Katyal, Toronto – Ontario
An AI-powered platform tackling Canada’s plastic pollution crisis, that streamlines recycling programs, and educates 1000+ users nationwide on sustainable practices.
EchoPulse
Reeya Pandya and Harshini Patel. Brampton – Ontario
A device that diagnoses cardiopulmonary diseases with 94% accuracy by analyzing heart and lung sounds. It is easily accessible in remote areas of low and middle-income countries.
EcoQuest
Mir Kahol, Oshawa – Ontario
EcoQuest gives schools save on-premaccess AI while cutting energy use. . It monitors energy consumption and can reduce AI-related energy use by up to 65%.
Equilibrium
Isaac Samuel Vas, Ottawa – Ontario
Equilibrium is an AItool that helps teens critically assess credibility, bias, and potential misinformation in social media apps.
eQ-PRISM: EEG-Quantum Model for Parkinson’s Diagnosis
Abigail Chan, Waterloo – Ontario
eQ-PRISM leverages the efficiency of quantum computing to produce an accurate diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease by analysing electroencephalogram biomarkers.
FlexAid
Arish Shahab, Luca Pelletier, Peter Wang, Lewis Zhang and Arish Shahab. Oakville – Ontario
Arehab device that uses AI and motion sensors to enhance physical therapy with real-time feedback, resistance adjustments, performance tracking for optimal movement patterns.
Flywheel Regenerative Shock Absorber to Increase EV and Hybrid Vehicle Mileage
Matt Fong and William Zhou. Toronto -Ontario
A novel flywheel regenerative shock absorber system that recaptures and recycles lost energy in a vehicle’s shock absorbers. This innovation can enable the replenishment of an EV’s battery, increasing mileage and decreasing charging frequency.
Gen-Grow
Russell Bui, Toronto – ON
An app that connects middle and high school students with elderly seniors to share knowledge and support each other in growing fruits and vegetables. Enabling environmental benefits such as including reduction of food waste.
GoTO
Caroline Chan, Toronto – ON
GoTO is a free mobile app designed to engage youth in environmental action by gamifying the process of cleaning up litter in exchange for digital rewards. By tracking their efforts, users can see a direct impact on their community.
GradeAssist – The AI Agent for Teachers
Daniel Martinez. Concord – Ontario
GradeAssist is an AI agent for teachers that analyzes students’ submission by providing a grade breakdown, smart annotations, and highlighting specific areas. This personalized grading experience is 90% faster.
Green Cement
Aliyan Boodhwani, Ottawa – Ontario
Green Cement is about turning algae blooms on the Great Lakes from pests to profit. Using modified clay, it sustainably cleans up algae blooms, saving local communities more than 300 million dollars.
Grapplear: A Novel Medical Device to Treat Cauliflower Ear
Vaughn Michelutti, Wolfe Island – Ontario
The “grapplear” is an innovative cauliflower ear treatment device, using specialized silicone-compression to disperse even pressure on the auricular cartilage. It maintains optimal blood flow while preventing hematoma formation, the primary cause of ear deformity.
High Precision Recycling System
Ethan Jeon, Tony Yuan, and Luyu Wu Vankerkwijk. Toronto – Ontario
This innovation is a recycling sorting system that offers improved accuracy and precision in sorting garbage via spectroscopy techniques. It uses Raman spectroscopy to capture a unique chemical footprint and sort the right item.
Inclusive Music Recitals
Sia Peetush, Waterloo – Ontario
This innovation is an inclusive community music and talent recitals that celebrate the abilities of disabled children in sensory-friendly spaces. Performances feature lower volumes, dim lighting, fidget toys, and flexible seating.
Indigenous Dance Foundation: Dance to Empower Programming
Victoria Greenwood, Toronto – Ontario
Combining a Summer Dance Program and a Virtual Dance Portal Platform, this innovation increases opportunities to dance participation, particularly to Indigenous and northern based youth in Canada. Aiming to complete Truth and Reconciliation Call to Action #89.
LabPath.ca
Krish Mendapara, Brampton – Ontario
LabPath is an open-access hub expanding student access to research in Canada. With 8.5k users in 3 months, it’s helped 100+ students land summer positions and explore hundreds of labs—saving time and opening doors to meaningful research.
MacQS: A Novel Synthetic Immune Cell Therapy for Biofilm Eradication in Cystic Fibrosis
Krish Mendapara, Brampton – Ontario
MacQS is a novel synthetic immune cell therapy designed to target Pseudomonas aeruginosa – a leading cause of Cystic Fibrosis. Current. MacQS disrupts bacterial persistence by offering lab-developed and research-driven therapy.
MarineMatch
Dev Katyal, Toronto – Ontario
MarineMatch is an app built in Android Studio that uses image classification for users to identify 60+ different types of ocean animals and fish species. The app processes images instantly by identifying the species with 97% accuracy.
M-SCAHN: A Point-of-care Digital Dermoscopy Software System for Rapid Screening of Skin Cancers
Anthony Efthimiadis, Oakville – Ontario
M-SCAHN is a point-of-care software for fast, accurate, and non-invasive skin cancer screening using computational image analysis. It addresses misdiagnosis, racial bias in AI, and clinical inefficiencies. Reducing mortality, unnecessary biopsies, and healthcare costs.
Matrix
Liam McNamara, Waterloo – Ontario
Matrix is a truly at-home test solution that detects and quantifies 103 biomarkers using COVID-19-like test strips and smartphone cameras. Eliminating the need for lab-based analysis, Matrix revolutionizes biomarker testing making it 20x cheaper and 1000x faster.
Nitrous Oxide Reduction in an Industrial Wet Scrubber Utilizing NosZ Reductase and P. denitrificans
Maya LeBlanc, Oakville – Ontario
This innovation is an advanced nitrous oxide reduction system designed for industrial facilities. Offering a scalable, cost-effective solution that directly mitigates greenhouse gas emissions, supporting industries in achieving climate goals.
NOpaque
Mohammed Al-Oda, Atharv Mahida, Ruvin Mallawaarachchi, and Rusiru Mallawaarachchi. Mississauga – Ontario
NOpaque offers affordable, sustainable, and accessible eyewear kits with an integrated self-testing tool allowing users to determine their generalized prescription and assemble unique glasses. Ensuring that underserved communities have access to proper eyewear.
Novel Design and Simulation of Gallium Nitride-Based Gammavoltaics
Gursaaz Gund, Waterloo – Ontario
This innovation is a novel design for gamma-voltaic devices with the use of gallium nitride – a relatively inexpensive semiconductor with promising characteristics for gamma-voltaic electricity generation.
Portable Autonomous Chemistry Unit (P.A.C.U.)
Sebastian Arellano-Rubach, and Sterling Huang. Toronto – Ontario
This project is an affordable, user-friendly robotic chemistry lab that autonomously performs tasks like flow chemistry, Raman spectroscopy, and high-performance liquid chromatography. Making advanced chemistry more accessible to researchers and citizen scientists.
PowerThreads
Reeya Pandya, Brampton – Ontario
PowerThreads is an energy harvesting, storage, and transfer textile that generates electricity from movement using piezoelectric PVDF fibers. This system removes the need for external charging while addressing global energy access challenges.
PulmoPath
Victoria Yu, Richmond Hill – Ontario
PulmoPath uses machine learning to predict how lung cancer patients will respond to chemotherapy. By analyzing symptoms and clinical features, it identifies key risk factors for toxic side effects. This helps tailor treatment plans and improve patient outcomes.
ReAlign
Ashish Chettimada, Waterloo – Ontario
ReAlign is a web-based application that revolutionizes the diagnosis and treatment of amblyopia in children. Enhancing user experience, it provides a 70% quicker diagnosis and improves accessibility, making early intervention available for youth worldwide.
RedVision
Rhythm Panchal, Whitby – Ontario
RedVision is an AI-powered anemia detection system that uses machine learning and computer vision to analyze fingernail color. Providing a fast, non-invasive, and accurate health assessment, users can monitor their anemia risk anywhere, anytime with a camera.
Sambhaal: A Cultural Solution for Loneliness and Social Isolation in South Asian Seniors in LTC Centres
Shehraz Riar, Brampton – Ontario
Sambhaal aims to tackling loneliness among Canadian South Asian seniors in long-term care by introducing novel culturally tailored volunteer programs into publicly-funded LTC centres.
Senior and Grandchild Lego Robotics Workshops & Camps
Luke Anquillano, Toronto – Ontario
Senior Grandchild Lego Robotics Camp is a program that amplifies STEM across local communities – by teaching seniors and children how to build and code Robots with Lego.
Signematic
Chelsea Wong, Thornhill – Ontario
Signematic improves engagement for Deaf individuals, especially children and ASL-first who prefer using ASL. Using generative AI to create engaging ASL interpretation that appears alongside the video content, making it more immersive and accessible.
SoulSprout
Yanrui (Kevin) Li, Toronto – Ontario
SoulSprout is a task management and emotional wellness app, developed for neurodivergents, students, and professionals. Using a distraction-free and fully customisable interface, it turns productivity into a rewarding experience at a personal level.
SucroSoil
Anushka Punukollu, Brampton – Ontario
SucroSoil is a biodegradable, nutrient-embedded hydrogel that restores soil fertility while preventing water contamination. It offers a cost-effective, eco-friendly alternative to chemical fertilizers for farmers worldwide.
Surge Stitch
Akshit Erukulla, and Sebastian Wu. Ottawa – Ontario
Surge Stitch is a portable, automated suturing device that enhances precision and minimizes errors in wound closure. Using computer vision algorithms in identifying optimal stitching points, its compact and affordable design makes it ideal for hospitals and underserved areas.
Sustainability III : An underwater ROV For Maintenance of Underwater Structures With Enhanced Computer Vision and Machine Learning
Vihaan Vashishtha, Arjun Gupta and Gregory Gu. Oakville – Ontario
This advanced ROV robot is designed to detect early cracks and defects in underwater infrastructure such as pipelines and hydro dams. Using AI-driven imaging and sensor technology, it provides real-time analysis, enabling proactive maintenance.
System Analysis & Reporting for Advanced Hardware
Keerthana Srinivasan, Burlington – Ontario
Spacecraft EPS are prone to radiation effects, oxidative stress, and other dangers that come with being in space. System Analysis and Reporting for Advanced Hardware (SARAH) is an algorithm that is designed to detect faults occurring on an EPS – classifying the type of fault and localizing it so that it can be resolved by astronauts or autonomously.
TensorForest
Rohanth Marem, Shayaan Azeem and Arnnav Kudale. Oakville – Ontario
TensorForest integrates drones, LiDAR, and machine learning to prevent wildfires. By providing accurate wildfire risk data, it aims to help firefighters, environmental agencies, and communities take proactive measures to protect forests and prevent catastrophic wildfires.
The Collection Y.E.O. (Youth Enrichment Opportunities)
Ray-Ray Gingras, Coldwater – Ontario
This project focuses on building the ultimate online portfolio of unique high school experiences in Canada — including camps, programs, exchanges, internships, grants, summits, and contests. It aims to create a curated database of high-quality, outside-the-ordinary enrichment opportunities.
The RECYCLABALL Program
Abby Fletcher, Toronto – Ontario
This initiative repurposes worn-out athletic balls helping schools reduce waste in a simple and cost-effective way, while supporting wildlife conservation, and diverting them from landfills.
Treating Avascular Necrosis in Dhaka, Bangladesh
Araf Reshad, Waterloo – Ontario
This Dhaka-based research project uses PRP therapy to create a low-cost, and effective treatment for Avascular Necrosis, a degenerative bone disease affecting 8 million+ people globally.
Testing prosthetic joints in the aerospace industry
Amit Weis, Waterloo – Ontario
This innovation aims to improve prosthetics in the aerospace industry by 3D printing and observing how different joints react under the G-force of a NASA sounding rocket.
The Eye Spy Scanner; The Window to Your Health
Raneem Salah, Ottawa – Ontario
This AI-powered device detects early signs of serious eye conditions through machine learning and image analysis. The scanner provides a quick and accurate diagnosis of potential eye-related issues, enabling timely intervention.
The Stars Diverged Journal
Ivy Janes, Ottawa – ON
This online literary magazine supports the inclusion of neurodivergent voices in the world of writing – while creating a space where their perspectives are not only accepted but also celebrated.
TISS Treasure Chest: Decreasing Barriers to Education
Savannah Blanchard, Brockville – Ontario
This initiative provides confidential access to food, clothing, hygiene items, and school supplies for secondary school students ensuring dignity and privacy.
Trial Unity
Shreeya Prasanna, Orianna Sabapathy, Azaleah Sabapathy, and Praveena Chenthooran. Mississauga – Ontario
TrialUnity is a web app that enhances clinical trial diversity by leveraging AI algorithms for unbiased patient selectionto minimize the underrepresentation of marginalized communities.
Verdaplast: A High-Performance Starch-Based Bioplastic
Madhav Saravanan, Mississauga – Ontario
This bioplastic product is a sustainable alternative to conventional plastics, crafted from renewable plant-based materials.
VitalVent – Whisper-Quiet Kitchen Ventilation for Better Indoor Air Quality and a Healthier Home
Shiven Taneja, Mississauga – Ontario
VitalVent is a high-performance, ultra-quiet range hood that delivers 2.5 times the airflow of standard models without the disruptive noise. It removes carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter to provide cleaner, healthier indoor air.
Virtual Lifeguard: An Innovative Approach to Drowning Prevention
Evan Budz, Burlington – Ontario
This imaging system simulates the monitoring capabilities of a lifeguard in residential pools. Using AI, it notifies bystanders within seconds of a potential drowning incident, reducing the number of fatalities.
Wildfire monitoring and prediction system
Jasmine Wang, Oakville – Ontario
This innovation detects wildfires and predicts future outbreaks. Using AI, it achieves 15% better fire detection, and 61% better fire prediction accuracy compared to existing machine learning models.
Wok & Roll: Bridging Cultures Through Culinary Innovation
Ryan Hernandez-Deng. North York – Ontario
This innovation is focused on creating a unique fusion of dishes by promoting food education and sustainability through workshops and free lessons.
Youth Civic Leadership Initiative
Olantu Nini, Ottawa – Ontario
This initiative empowers youth to actively engage in civic and political spaces—equipping them with impactful knowledge and skills to become leaders in their communities.
Young Company Student Mentors
Isabella Paul, Krys Sullivan, and Cameron Connelly. Gananoque – Ontario
This innovation connects elementary students with high school mentors to learn hands-on skills in arts and trades like sewing, painting, and woodworking–building confidence and sparking interest in future career pathways.
Youth Tech Labs
Aasha Khan, Grace Qiu, Sakina Syed, and Maizah Tanveer. Waterloo – Ontario
This initiative empowers young people with AI skills, real-world experience, and industry connections to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital world.
Youth Tutoring Project
Bupa Zhang, Ottawa – Ontario
This initiative offers free, high-quality tutoring to K–8 students to address educational inequities worsened by COVID-19 and combat broader education inequality.
