As well as winning Nova Scotia’s recent Provincial Spotlight Award, rural innovation hub IGNITE Atlantic is celebrating taking the Science Champion Award.

The Provincial Spotlight Award, presented by Digital Nova Scotia, celebrates organizations outside Halifax that demonstrate growth through tech-focused export, recruitment, and community engagement.

The Science Champion Award, offered in support of Halifax’s Discovery Centre, has gone to IGNITE CEO Doug Jones. The award recognizes promotion of science and technology education and STEM careers.

As well as supporting young companies, IGNITE has helped youth and communities engage with STEM. Examples include the $100 Startup Challenge, which encourages youth to explore entrepreneurship by creating their own businesses, and the Up + Atom Sports and Science Camp, a program that blends hands-on STEM learning with sports.

“To be recognized as a Science Champion is an incredible honour and a testament to the incredible work our team and community partners do every day,” said Jones in a press release.