April 16, 2026 – Youth from across Quebec are being celebrated as regional winners in the Rideau Hall Foundation’s Ingenious+ challenge. From classrooms and community initiatives to hands-on research and creative projects, these young innovators are bringing forward ideas shaped by their lived experiences and the needs they see around them.
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 Quebec winners will be recognized in Quebec City at the Office of the Lieutenant Governor. The event brings together young innovators from across the province. 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 here in Quebec,” says Teresa Marques, President and CEO of the Rideau Hall Foundation. “These projects reflect a strong sense of community and creativity, from supporting health and well-being, to advancing environmental action and creating space for culture and connection. It’s inspiring to see how these young people are shaping ideas that bring people together and respond to real needs.”
The 2026 Quebec winners reflect a diverse range of innovations, from health and environmental solutions to community initiatives and creative platforms that support learning, inclusion, and cultural expression. Projects include tools that support early detection of dementia, sustainable approaches to warmth and energy, youth-led environmental action, and initiatives that use art, language, and technology to build connection and belonging.
Across the country, interest in entrepreneurship is growing. 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.
Regional winners from Quebec include:
The Widespread Early Symptoms Testing dementia project
Jonathan Charbonneau
A free and easy to use mobile app that helps detect early signs of dementia. Using cognitive tests and daily check-ins, it gives users insights into their cognitive health.
SNOWCAPE
Zhijian Sun
A reusable blanket that generates heat from snow using a zeolite based reaction. With biodegradable materials, it provides sustainable, electricity free warmth.
Smart containers
Mohamed Rayen Jaouadi
A smart shipping container that uses real time sensors and a cloud platform to monitor shipment conditions, ensuring product integrity and reducing waste and loss in transit.
NutriJeunes – Eating Well, Simply and Together
Charlotte Tankam
Promoting healthy, simple, and inclusive eating habits among youth, particularly immigrant and Indigenous youth.
As If Chinese Drama Society
Amy Xia
A student led theatre initiative using Chinese language drama to foster youth belonging, well being, and intercultural dialogue through accessible performances and workshops.
En Marge, Golden Edition
Salma Nassiri
A benefit show that brings together art and the community to raise funds, supporting research and improving treatments for pediatric cancer.
Research of Artificial Intelligence at Vanier
Thavin Thanabalasingam and Dante Marcogliese
A student led AI and robotics lab that turns theory into practice through hands on work with physical robots and peer mentorship.
Young Canadians in Action: Reducing Plastic for the Climate
Princesse Tankam
This environmental initiative mobilizes youth to reduce plastic use through education, community action, and concrete climate solutions.
Robots in Motion+: Engineering, Robotics, and Science in Action – Inside and Out
Isaac Njokou Nepowa
Teaching children robotics fundamentals through fun, hands on activities, helping them understand key scientific and technological concepts.
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/
