Volta, the Halifax-based startup hub, has recognized six Atlantic Canadian groups and individuals with its annual Ecosystem Impact Awards, which it announced last week.

Launched in 2019, the Ecosystem Impact Awards recognize the people who are having a positive impact on the support system for startups in the region.

“The efforts of each company, individual and supporter in our community deserve to be recognized, so we’re happy to be able to do that at these awards,” said Volta CEO Martha Casey in a statement. “These organizations and individuals are pivotal in establishing Atlantic Canada as a place for growth, innovation and entrepreneurship.”

The winners are:

● Fredericton-based Joint Economic Development Initiative, or JEDI, received the Catalyst Award, which recognizes an organization that has helped create cohesion and growth in the Atlantic Canadian startup ecosystem. JEDI is an economic development agency for Indigenous communities in New Brunswick.

● Halifax-based Digital Nova Scotia, the association supporting IT industries in the province, received the Community Leader Award, which recognizes a company or founder impacting the development of the technology and innovation ecosystem in Atlantic Canada.

● Microsoft Canada received the Corporate Supporter Award, which recognizes a corporate partner that has been a supporter of the tech startup community in Atlantic Canada.

● Halifax-based Outcast Foods received the Disruptor Award, which recognizes an Atlantic Canadian technology startup that has experienced significant success over the past year. The company, which makes food supplements from unwanted produce, raised $10 million in equity investment this year, and this week will open its new manufacturing plant in Burlington, Ont.

● Food for Thought Software Solutions received the Positive Impact Award-Company, which recognizes a company that has implemented solutions for social, cultural and/or environmental issues. Started by sisters Melissa and Shandra MacMaster, Food for Thought’s platform allows schoolchildren and parents to order a healthy school meal online from restaurants and pay what they can afford.

● Alfred Burgesson, Founder and CEO of Tribe Network, received the Positive Impact Award-Individual, which recognizes someone who has developed and implemented solutions for social, cultural or environmental issues. Tribe’s platform allows entrepreneurs from BIPOC – Black, Indigenous and People of Colour – communities to accelerate their growth by linking with appropriate support organizations.

Volta's next big event will be the Volta Cohort pitch event on Nov. 24, which you can register for here.