Eight Atlantic Canadian companies and organizations have been recognized as part of the 2020 Canie Awards, presented by the Ottawa-based Innovators and Entrepreneurs Association, and Startup Canada.
The eight East Coast winners are part of a group of 40 entrepreneurs and support organizations that are being honoured as leading lights in Canada’s innovation economy.
The awards’ objectives centre on promoting the Canadian startup ecosystem, as well as encouraging community-building and networking.
“It is incredible to see the resilience of entrepreneurs and innovators across the country during times like this,” said Innovators and Entrepreneurs Foundation Board Chair Kayla Isabelle in a press release. “Coming together to recognize the strength and tenacity of our community is more important than ever.”
The awards and winners are:
The Enterprise Support Award
Fredericton startup incubator Planet Hatch, with Director Adam Peabody.
The Global Entrepreneurship Award
Halifax marketing automation startup SimplyCast, with CEO Saeed El-Darahali.
The Production Innovation Award
New Brunswick food preservation company Chinova Bioworks, with CEO Natasha Dhayagude.
The Social Innovation Award
Yarmouth-based innovation hub Ignite Labs, with CEO Doug Jones.
The Woman Entrepreneur Award
Dallas Mercer, president of Dallas Mercer Consulting, which helps employers manage workplace disability claims in the Atlantic provinces.
The Indigenous Support Award
Keith McIntosh, CEO of Fredericton-based software testing company PLATO Testing, whose employees are largely from First Nations communities.
The Youth Impact Award
Ariel Gough, co-founder of Halifax-based, cruelty-free and hypoallergenic fragrance company Bailly Cosmetics.
The Entrepreneur of the Year Award
Karen Campbell, president of preservative-free pet food maker Totally Raw Pet Food.
