Addressing UN SDGs

SimpliCITY

SimpliCITY seeks to reduce homelessness by connecting individuals to essential resources like shelters, housing, health services, and food, while addressing barriers such as lack of awareness, complicated eligibility criteria, and language difficulties.

They have demonstrated a transformative approach to homelessness support by:

• Engaging healthcare providers, such as emergency physicians, to improve access to critical community resources for individuals experiencing homelessness.
• Collaborating with public health agencies and NGOs, including Ottawa Public Health鈥檚 CityStudio, to strengthen community efforts in addressing homelessness.
• Conducting targeted needs assessments in Montreal and Ottawa to identify gaps and tailor solutions for high-prevalence areas.
• Empowering over two cohorts of Algonquin College students with hands-on experience in developing SimpliCITY, combining practical learning with meaningful community contributions.

Credit Jambo

Credit Jambo is a digital platform that provides affordable and convenient micro-loans to low-income earners and SMEs in Rwanda while promoting financial inclusion and supporting economic development of the community.

In 2023, Credit Jambo:

• provided 450 loans to low-income earners and 5 loans to SMEs
• spanning all 5 provincial regions of Rwanda
• and changing the lives of over 600 family members
• they raised $85K in capital
• and launched their loan management system

- Phocas Maniraghua, co-founder & COO
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Leedana

Leedana uses sandponics to convert unproductive desert land into thriving farms using fish waste in a closed-loop system with very little water. Leedana provides a simple, lowcost platform to help farmers in arid regions grow food sustainably without depleting natural resources.

They have proven an affordable, sustainable way to grow food by:

• Using 90% less water compared to traditional farming methods, saving over 24 million liters of water annually in a closed-loop system that reuses the same water 100 times.
• Saving 213 tons of CO² emissions annually.
• Helping over 1,000 individuals, including farmers, restaurant owners, chefs, and consumers eat healthy, fresh food.
• Growing 30 different vegetables in the same sand.

MealCare

MealCare is a non-profit organization dedicated to diverting surplus food from going to waste and delivering the rescued food to community members facing food insecurity.

In 2023, MealCare:

• diverted +26,900 pounds of food going to waste
• and delivered +29,590 meals
• in 12 Canadian cities
• preventing +67,200 pounds of CO² emissions with their food rescue efforts

- Milton Calderon Donefer, co-founder & cheffer
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Cura Therapeutics

Cura Therapeutics is pioneering a first-in class immunotherapy platform to address a wide range of solid malignancies and infectious diseases. Their therapies leverage cytokines and immune receptors to develop multifunctional proteins with novel immunomodulatory properties.

They have proven an innovative approach to cancer treatment by:

• Developing CT101, a cytokine fusion protein that activates and synchronizes key immune system mechanisms to target and destroy cancer cells.
• Combining immunostimulatory, antimetastatic, and anti-angiogenesis activities into one drug, offering a comprehensive solution unmatched by current treatments.
• Advancing the fight against solid malignancies through therapies that redefine the potential of immunotherapy.

Ozone Technologies

Ozone Technologies leverages advances in 3D printing and robotics to sustainably provide affordable bionic prosthetics to people living in low to middle-income economies.

In 2023, Ozone Technologies:

• customized prosthetics to individuals with limb loss
• acquired a metal 3D printing system
• increased their staffing capacity
• have a pipeline order of prosthetics

- Kojo Owusu-Koranteg, co-founder & CEO
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Curious Neuron

Curious Neuron empowers parents with science-based tools and strategies to help them regulate their emotions, manage stress, and model emotional resilience for their children. Through practical and accessible resources, Curious Neuron promotes personal growth and emotional well-being in families.

They have proven an impactful way to support parents by:

• Growing a community of 160,000 parents worldwide taking benefits in the science-backed resources and tools designed to foster emotional resilience.
• Rating 5 stars on Spotify with over 7 seasons featuring experts from Harvard, UCLA, and 黑料不打烊 University.
• Curious Neuron was invited by the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority and a Palo Alto school to talk about how parents can "work" of emotional regulation and stress reduction through expert insights and exercises.

Paper

Paper is the Educational Support System that makes high-dosage tutoring accessible to every student.

In 2023, Paper:

• grew from 60,000 to 3 million learners across 40 US states
• conducted 14 collaborative studies
• with students showing an 8% uptick in Math percentiles and a 5% enhancement in English percentiles by year-end
• introduced a round-the-clock service encompassing tools for reading, vocabulary, math, and career and college preparedness
• and won 20 industry awards

- Phil Cutler, co-founder & CEO
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Mohana

Mohana is a precision health platform designed to empower women in perimenopause by providing personalized tools and resources to navigate this transition with confidence and ease. Mohana addresses the gap in hormonal health education and support, offering a science-driven approach where traditional healthcare systems often fall short.

They have proven an effective way to support women鈥檚 health by:

• Offering tailored solutions that address the unique challenges of perimenopause, reducing reliance on unreliable online sources or inadequate medical advice.
• Selected in the TOP 3 at SLUSH 100, an international competition where the best startups pitch for 鈧�1,000,000 in equity investment from the biggest European ventures.

Smart Innovation Hub

Smart Innovation Hub is a non-governmental organization established to educate youth, especially young girls on entrepreneurial skills and promote learning opportunities through quality education.

In 2023, Smart Innovation Hub:

• saw a 30% surge in female students鈥� participation using SMART PAD
• 5,000 female students benefitted across Nigeria from SMART PAD

- Oluwabunmi Amosu, co-founder & CEO
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Nauti-Metrics Solutions

Nauti-Metrics Solutions develops innovative solutions for monitoring and improving water quality in lakes and rivers. By leveraging advanced technology, their floating drones help identify pollution sources and provide actionable insights for better water management.

They have demonstrated a transformative approach to water sustainability by:

• Deploying floating drones equipped with high-end analyzers and sonars to collect comprehensive data in a single run, mapping the health of lakes and rivers.
• Supporting individuals and industries by identifying sensitive areas in water bodies and optimizing wastewater pond performance during proof-of-concept trials.
• Contributing to a more sustainable world by addressing pollution sources in aquatic ecosystems and promoting better resource management.

Biocene Solutions

Biocene Solutions developed Algo as an innovative device that clears harmful algal blooms, using waste resources to create cleaner water bodies across the globe.

鈥淲e work on delivering circular solutions that activate green markets through the restoration of natural environments.鈥�

- Kimia Shafighi, co-founder & CEO
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Hydrolux

Hydrolux is dedicated to developing green hydrogen service stations for heavy transportation, providing carriers with a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to fossil fuels. By enabling the transition to low-carbon energy solutions, Hydrolux is helping to build a resilient and carbon-free economy.

They have demonstrated a transformative solution for heavy transportation by:

• Offering green hydrogen infrastructure that supports the decarbonization of heavy transportation fleets, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
• Facilitating the transition for carriers to adopt low-carbon energy solutions, driving industry-wide change in transportation.
• Providing operational benefits comparable to diesel, including a diesel-like range, cold resistance, and fast refueling in as little as 15 minutes (depending on the truck).
• Delivering economic advantages with approximately 25% savings on energy costs compared to diesel.

SWTCH

SWTCH is a fully-managed end-to-end solution that plans, installs, and manages electric vehicle charging infrastructure for multi-unit residential, commercial, and retail buildings. By implementing innovative EV charging solutions in high-density multi-tenant settings, SWTCH is accelerating the electrification of transportation.

By 2023, SWTCH has:

• deployed 8,500+ charging ports across North America
• entered agreements to make charging stations and apps interoperable with over 600,00 charging ports in North America including Hydro Qu茅bec, Electric Circuit, and BC Hydro EV networks
• more than 1,200 real estate clients and 100,00 drivers have used SWTCH

- Carter Li, founder & CEO
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Pagato

Pagato is a cutting-edge platform connecting businesses with on-demand, hourly workers for temporary employment opportunities. By streamlining these connections, Pagato helps businesses fill shifts efficiently while empowering workers with better pay and flexibility.

They have transformed workforce management by:

• Achieving a 98% shift fill rate, ensuring reliable staffing when businesses need it most.
• Offering workers 1.5x higher wages than traditional hourly roles, promoting fair pay.
• Providing instant payments after shifts.
• Simplifying onboarding for businesses, reducing hiring time and effort.
• Enforcing a zero-tolerance policy for last-minute cancellations, ensuring reliability.

Ecova

Ecova鈥檚 mission is to make conscious shopping second nature. Through storytelling, they offer consumers real sustainable treasures, one fabric at a time.

In 2023, Ecova:

• released its seed-to-sew completely traceable supply chain
• launched a cashmere collection with 65% recycled cashmere and 35% virgin cashmere
• designed an Honor Tees collection with fair living wages to artisans in India
• diverted +67,200 pounds of CO² emissions

- Stephanie Beaulieu, founder & CEO
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RailVision Analytics

RailVision Analytics leverages data from rail fleet equipment to deliver actionable insights that enhance efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and improve safety. By applying proven AI algorithms, RailVision helps railways optimize operations and achieve significant fuel savings.

They have transformed rail operations by:

• Reducing Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions and cutting CO² emissions by over 4 million kg annually through optimized fuel use.
• Achieving an 11% reduction in fuel consumption, saving 1.5 million liters of diesel and over $2 million per year.
• Enhancing rail safety with AI-driven insights for safer, more efficient operations.
• Securing US$4 million in seed funding to expand their impact.

Carbicrete

Carbicrete produces cement-free, verified carbon-negative construction blocks. Their blocks are as durable as current commercial blocks, less expensive to make, and each block permanently sequesters 1 kg of CO².

In 2023, Carbicrete:

• manufactured 2,400 CarbiCrete blocks
• is expanding its activities internationally
• added 6 new patents for a total of 17 patents
• is made in Qu茅bec

- Chris Stern, co-founder & CEO
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Kakao Investment

Kakao Investment is an investment firm that supports innovative startups and growth-stage companies, leveraging its resources and expertise to foster a sustainable venture ecosystem in all regions of Korea.

They have proven a transformative approach to investing by:

• Supporting startups in diverse industries, including AI, fintech, and mobility, to drive innovation and expand opportunities.
• Providing strategic guidance and access to Kakao鈥檚 extensive network of platforms and services.
• Helping reduce inequalities by empowering startups from various regions and backgrounds to scale and succeed within Kakao鈥檚 ecosystem.

AbleFly

AbleFly is committed to improving the quality of air travel for the millions of people with mobility limitations who currently face significant obstacles to this mode of transportation.
It is an immediate solution that empowers air passengers with mobility disabilities to fly comfortably, safely, and independently and will be the first and only product of its kind to support the needs of adult passengers.

In 2023, AbleFly:

• developed and tested a working prototype
• designed robust testing protocols
• protected their intellectual property through provisional patent and trademark applications
• assembled a world-class executive team
• received a $440,000 Experimentation Fund grant from Transport Canada
• liaised with international airlines to get their initial feedback and support

- Sandra Gualtieri, co-founder & CEO
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Sensequake

Sensequake leverages advanced sensing technologies and AI to provide comprehensive structural assessments for buildings and infrastructure. Their innovative solutions enhance safety, optimize design, and reduce risks in construction and urban planning.

They have proven a transformative approach to structural analysis by:

• Utilizing proprietary sensing technologies to deliver real-time data on structural health and integrity.
• Featured on more than 15 government buildings, bridges, and institutions across Canada.
• Supporting sustainable urban development by optimizing design and retrofit processes, reducing material waste, and extending the lifespan of structures.

Brique par brique

Brique par brique is a social enterprise whose mission is to create affordable and dynamic living spaces for marginalized people. They achieve this ambitious objective by providing more privileged members of communities with secure and competitive investment products that transfer capital from those that have to those that don鈥檛. To support their mission, they conduct research on market determinants of unaffordable housing.

In 2023, Brique par brique:

• collaborated with close to 20 organizations across Montreal
• opened 31 social housing units
• hosted 60 public community activities, reaching close to 500 people

- Faiz Abhuani, director
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Interius Farms

Interius Farms helps greenhouse growers minimize their spatial and environmental footprints with proprietary vertical farming technology that enhances efficiency and sustainability.

They have proven a game-changing approach to greenhouse farming by:

• Improving spatial efficiency, allowing growers to produce more in less space.
• Lowering capital expenditures (CAPEX) and operational costs for more cost-effective farming.
• Reducing emissions, promoting sustainable and eco-friendly agricultural practices.

GUSH

GUSH鈥檚 mission is to provide the community with locally grown, pesticide-free, gourmet strawberries, 365 days a year.

In 2023, GUSH produced berries that:

• require 97% less land
• 90% less water
• generate 95% less transport emissions
• and reduce waste along the supply chain by 50%

- Phil Rosenbaum, co-founder & CTO
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Alter Climate Intelligence

Alter Climate Intelligence provides businesses with actionable insights to measure and mitigate their carbon footprint through advanced data analytics and AI-driven solutions. By enabling companies to understand and reduce their environmental impact, Alter Climate Intelligence supports a transition to a more sustainable future.

They have demonstrated a transformative approach to climate action by:

• Offering real-time carbon footprint measurement tools to help businesses track and manage emissions effectively.
• Providing AI-powered recommendations to optimize operations and reduce environmental impact.
• Enabling companies to align with sustainability goals and achieve compliance with environmental regulations.

Safe Environment Hub - Kenya

Safe Environment Hub - Kenya is a non-governmental community-based organisation aiming at influencing positive mindset and actions towards interaction with the environment through climate action.

In 2023, Safe Environment Hub - Kenya:

• won a $12,566 grant
• planted over 160 tree seedlings in Kenya
• participated with 15 other entities in river clean-ups
• semi-finalist in the Global Food System Challenge Seed Grant amongst more than 2,000 delegates and hundreds of exhibitors

- Ascarnancy Bako, founder
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Independent Robotics

Independent Robotics develops advanced robotic solutions with a focus on autonomous underwater technology, addressing critical marine challenges with precision and innovation. Their flagship product, the Aqua2 Mk3, is a state-of-the-art autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) optimized for shallow-water operations.

They have demonstrated a transformative approach to robotics by:

• Enabling detailed inspections and maintenance of underwater infrastructure, including pipelines, dams, and marine renewable energy systems, reducing operational costs, improving efficiency, and minimizing risks to human safety.
• Supporting marine research and environmental monitoring by collecting high-resolution data on marine ecosystems to track biodiversity, measure pollution levels, and study climate change impacts with unprecedented accuracy.
• Leveraging their expertise in AI-driven automation to develop scalable solutions for industries beyond marine environments, including agriculture and energy, highlighting their innovative versatility.

Life Out Of Plastic - L.O.O.P.

Life Out Of Plastic - L.O.O.P. is a social enterprise that raises awareness about plastic pollution and its impacts on the marine environment.

In 2023, L.O.O.P:

• produced reusable bags and fleeces made from 100% rPET fiber
• 100% Peruvian value chain
• organized a nation-wide beach clean-up, trash-diving competitions and an online information hub

- Irene Hofmeijer, co-founder and board chair
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Palm Tree Initiative

Palm Tree Initiative provides farmers with affordable equipment rentals, farm management services, and an online marketplace to boost agricultural productivity and efficiency.

They have demonstrated a transformative approach to farming by:

• Offering rental-based mechanization services, reducing costs for farmers.
• Providing curated services, including drone inspections, pesticide spraying, and farmer assistance, to streamline operations.
• Driving over 10 transactions with 8 product listings (e.g., carrots, tomatoes, corn) and supporting 20 farmers in just 3 months.
• Partnering with Katapult Africa to expand support for food technology innovations in Africa.

Dispersa

Dispersa transforms food waste into sustainable, circular biosurfactants for the first time on the global market. The biosurfactants are not only palm and petroleum-free, but also crafted using food waste instead of food-grade sources used in existing biosurfactants.

In 2023, Dispersa鈥檚 products:

• are completely biodegradable and eco-friendly
• prioritize performance and create economical value
• offer higher value and are 100% sourced naturally from our non-toxic organisms

Dashboard

Dashboard is a seamless rental management platform revolutionizing how tenants and landlords engage. By enabling rent payments via credit cards, Dashboard empowers tenants to build their credit history while earning rewards, offering a convenient and transparent rental experience. For landlords, the platform automates administrative tasks, encourages timely payments, and provides valuable insights through tenant reviews and credit score reporting.

Dashboard is revolutionizing FinTech through:

• Credit-Building Rent Payments: Tenants can pay rent via credit cards, building credit scores while enjoying the convenience of digital transactions.
• Automated Financial Tools: Landlords benefit from preauthorized rent collection, automated lease agreements, and financial accountability features.
• AI-Driven Tenant & Landlord Reviews: A unique scoring system enhances transparency and risk assessment, fostering trust in the rental ecosystem.

Compass Startup Legal Clinic

The Compass Startup Legal Clinic was created to empower Canadian entrepreneurs by providing free legal information and fostering networks within the startup ecosystem.

In 2023, Compass has:

• expanded its efforts into the world of investment, equipping investors with the knowledge needed to protect their interests effectively.
• has developed accessible and comprehensive resources in the field of business law, offering support for entrepreneurs and investors alike.

- Keira Chadwick, Director of Legal Affairs
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黑料不打烊 Dobson Centre for Entrepreneurship

The Dobson Centre has attained platinum certification as a sustainable workplace.听

The Platinum level Sustainable Workplace Certification, achieved by select 黑料不打烊 University offices, represents the pinnacle of commitment to sustainability practices within the institution.听

This prestigious certification acknowledges workplaces that have consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication to environmental, economic, and social responsibility.听

This achievement not only showcases leadership in campus sustainability but also aligns with 黑料不打烊鈥檚 broader goals, including its STARS Platinum rating and long-term targets for zero waste and carbon neutrality.

In 2024, the Dobson Centre automatic light system saved 236.5 kWh = 362.75 kg of CO²

The automatic water dispensers saved 1,136 water bottles and we offset our carbon footprint by planting 20+ trees over 25 years through the 黑料不打烊 Bayano Reforestation project.

鈥淥ur goal is to hold ourselves and our startups to the highest global standards, actively contributing to the 17 UN SDGs while fostering impactful and inclusive entrepreneurship that drives lasting change worldwide.鈥�

Konstantina Ntokorou
Program Manager, Sustainability, 黑料不打烊 Dobson Centre for Entrepreneurship