Canadian Innovators: Shaping a Better Future Through Innovation and Impact

Across Canada, a wave of innovation is reshaping industries and addressing global challenges. From mitigating the environmental impact of artificial intelligence to championing LGBTQ+ rights and boosting Black entrepreneurship, these changemakers are leaving an indelible mark on society.Their dedication and ingenuity offer a beacon of hope for a brighter future.

Sasha Luccioni: Measuring the Carbon Footprint of AI

Sasha Luccioni,an AI researcher at Hugging Face,is leading the charge in measuring and reducing AI’s environmental impact. Her journey began in 2019 with a startling discovery: a study suggesting that training some AI models could emit five times the carbon dioxide of a car’s entire lifespan. “I thought, that can’t be the case for all AI models,” luccioni said. “These were huge numbers.”

This revelation,coupled with her PhD from the Université du Québec à Montréal,spurred Luccioni to dedicate her research to understanding and reducing AI’s energy consumption. “That was my eureka moment,” she recalled. Her work with colleagues resulted in CodeCarbon, software downloaded millions of times since 2020, which estimates the carbon footprint of code and suggests ways to utilize renewable energy sources. Further research with Emma Strubell demonstrated that general-purpose AI models are considerably more energy-intensive than specialized ones, challenging industry assumptions.

One study revealed that training a single open-source generative AI model consumed as much energy as 30 homes annually and emitted nearly 25 tonnes of carbon dioxide—equivalent to five circumnavigations of the globe by car. In February, Luccioni launched an initiative at Hugging Face to create an energy efficiency scoring system for AI models, similar to the EPA’s Energy Star program. While facing resistance from some companies hesitant to disclose details about their proprietary models, Luccioni remains persistent. “It’s been an uphill battle,” she admitted. “They’re afraid of looking bad, essentially.”

julie Segal: Championing Climate-Aligned Finance

Julie Segal, a senior program manager at Environmental Defense in Montreal and a visiting fellow at the London School of Economics, is navigating the complex world of climate finance policy. At 29, she has already advised on the Canadian Senate’s Climate-Aligned Finance Act, testified before parliamentary committees, and presented at international conferences, including the OECD’s 2024 forum on Green Finance and Investment. Her work has involved high-level meetings with major Canadian political parties to address climate change’s impact on the financial system. According to Keith Brooks, Environmental Defence’s programs director, Segal “did a lot of work to frame this up as a missing piece of Canada’s climate plan and to push for commitments.”

Brendan MacArthur-Stevens: LGBTQ+ Rights advocate

Brendan MacArthur-Stevens, a partner at Blakes in Calgary, combines a demanding legal career with a passionate commitment to LGBTQ+ rights. His pro bono work played a notable role in a landmark 2023 Supreme Court decision that explicitly recognized the vulnerability and resilience of transgender and queer youth. MacArthur-Stevens described the ruling as “one of the highlights of my life.” At 35, his advocacy continues to make a profound impact.

Yinka Adesesan: Boosting Black Entrepreneurship

Yinka Adesesan, Black Innovation Programs Manager at toronto metropolitan University’s DMZ, is dedicated to fostering Black entrepreneurship in Canada. His experiance witnessing the challenges faced by talented entrepreneurs in Nigeria fuels his commitment. After immigrating to Canada in 2022, he joined DMZ and quickly spearheaded initiatives to address disparities in chance and funding for Black founders. Statistics Canada reports that only 2.1% of Canadian business owners are Black; at DMZ, that figure is 24%.

adesesan’s efforts have resulted in over $2.5 million distributed in grants and services to more than 1,000 Black entrepreneurs. He launched the Black Innovation Launchpad,Dream Hub workshops,and the $5,000 Black Youth Entrepreneurship Award. He also led the annual Black Innovation Summit, awarding $55,000 in funding to Black-led startups, with Montreal-based Cleanster securing the top prize. Abdullah Snobar, DMZ’s executive director, praised Adesesan’s “commitment to connecting as many Black entrepreneurs as possible…[and] driving widespread impact across Canada.” Adesesan emphasizes a “founders first” approach, recognizing that “Failure is still a success if it makes you smarter,” and that access to capital is crucial for success. “Just being able not to worry about money helps you do better business,” he stated.

Dr. Kelle Hurd: Championing Culturally Safe Healthcare

Dr. Kelle Hurd, Métis and with a Luiseño grandmother, is a Vice-chair for Indigenous Health at the University of Calgary. As one of few Indigenous physicians at the university,she’s leading the charge for culturally safe medical spaces. “We’re creating culturally safe spaces where Indigenous patients can access meaningful care that resonates with them,” she says. This includes incorporating Indigenous healing practices, such as smudging—a ceremonial burning of plants to cleanse negative energy—into hospital care. This trauma-informed approach demonstrates a commitment to holistic well-being.

Efosa Obano: Empowering Black Entrepreneurs

Efosa obano, founder of the Black Founders Network (BFN) and the African Impact Initiative, is making a significant impact on entrepreneurship. Growing up in Nigeria, he witnessed firsthand the transformative power of access to technology. “I remember learning that there were places in the world where those things were available 24/7,” he recalls. “And I realized that entrepreneurs were the ones creating that access.” Since launching the african Impact Initiative in 2018 and the BFN in 2021, he’s empowered over 15,000 entrepreneurs, facilitating more than $10 million in funding. His goal? “I want to get to a place where seeing thriving Black founders in every industry is wholly ordinary,” he states.

Orlane Panet: The Urban Farming Revolution

Orlane Panet, co-founder and CEO of Montreal-based MicroHabitat, is transforming unused urban spaces into thriving mini-farms. Partnering with corporations, real estate companies, and institutions, MicroHabitat has cultivated over 73,000 pounds of fresh produce, donating to 38 food banks across North America and contributing to initiatives like Canada’s Breakfast Club and America’s No Kid Hungry. “I’ve done all the jobs my staff have done,” Panet says,highlighting her hands-on approach. Initially targeting the hospitality industry, MicroHabitat expanded its reach to include office, retail, and industrial spaces, from Calgary’s Southcentre Mall to skyscrapers in New York City. “People have redefined the purpose of the workplace. Humans need to have access to outdoor spaces, to connect with community, to connect with nature,” she explains. “People are connecting deeply with what MicroHabitat is offering.” This year, microhabitat plans to expand into the U.K., Switzerland, and France.

Canadian Innovators: Disrupting Industries and Solving Global Challenges

From reducing carbon emissions in steel production to revolutionizing access to healthcare and affordable housing, Canadian entrepreneurs are making significant strides in various sectors. Their innovative solutions address pressing global challenges, showcasing ingenuity and a commitment to positive change.

Decarbonizing Steel Production with Biocoal

Dr. Geoff White, founder of CHAR Technologies in Ontario, is leading the charge in enduring steel production. His company utilizes biocoal,a sustainable option to customary coal,to significantly reduce emissions in electric arc furnaces. “Electric arc furnaces require dramatically less coal, making it possible for CHAR to produce enough biocoal to fully meet steelmakers’ needs,” White explains, highlighting the potential to reduce emissions by roughly 75%. He envisions a future where steelmakers adopt entirely new technologies to eliminate their carbon footprint, but acknowledges the need for short-term solutions. “but between now and the next 25 to 30 years, there’s a lot of these industrial processes that are going to keep running, and we can decarbonize them for the short term.”

White’s ambitions extend beyond steel, aiming to apply CHAR’s technology to other carbon-intensive industries, including battery production and energy storage. “Is Ontario going to continue to be a leader in battery technology? As a bunch of those components are carbon-based. Could they be biocarbon rather of fossil carbon? That’s just one example,” he says,emphasizing the vast potential of biocoal.

Empowering Data Control with Blockchain Technology

Zain zaidi, founder of TransCrypts in Whitby, Ontario, is leveraging blockchain technology to address data privacy concerns. Inspired by his family’s history of facing adversity, Zaidi created a blockchain-based platform that streamlines employment and income verification, bypassing traditional, often discriminatory, background checks. “Zain is incredibly humble, curious and collaborative,” says Jon French, director of University of Toronto Entrepreneurship. He’s using blockchain and AI to make a real impact on the world.

TransCrypts’ decentralized medical records platform, launched during the war in Ukraine, has facilitated the transfer of over 200,000 medical records across seven countries, including in the aftermath of the Türkiye earthquake in early 2023. This initiative, offered free through non-profit partnerships, has garnered significant attention, including a $3.2-million funding round led by Mark Cuban.

Harvesting Water from Fog: A Solution to Scarcity

tatiana Estevez, founder and CEO of Montreal-based Permalution, is tackling water scarcity with an innovative approach: fog harvesting.”we’re addressing the problem of water scarcity by, as I like to say, milking the clouds,” Estevez explains. Her company’s three-unit system—a predictive atlas, a radar sensor, and durable fog collectors—harvests fog, converting it into 150 to 2,000 liters of water per unit, per day. The World Bank recently recognized Estevez as a CEO Water Champion for this groundbreaking work.

Estevez’s fog collectors, currently being tested in Abu Dhabi, are designed to be affordable, efficient, and safe, providing a sustainable solution to water scarcity in remote regions. Water that comes straight from the source is very high-quality, comparable to distilled water, she notes, highlighting the purity of the harvested water.

Fairer Ridesharing: A More Ethical Approach

Harrison Amit, founder of Toronto-based Hovr, is disrupting the ridesharing industry with a focus on fairness. inspired by the exploitative nature of existing models, Amit created Hovr with the tagline 100% Fare is 100% Fair. His platform offers drivers a fixed base rate plus additional pay for time and distance,while Hovr receives only a dollar per trip.Despite concerns about higher costs, Amit assures that Most trips are actually less expensive than Uber.

hovr’s ethical approach has resonated with consumers and drivers alike. With over 55,000 drivers on the waitlist and 80,000 Torontonians having downloaded the app, Hovr is rapidly gaining traction in the competitive ridesharing market.

Revolutionizing Affordable Housing: An Inclusive Approach

Sherry Larjani, president of spotlight Growth in Toronto, is challenging the status quo in affordable housing. Her company, The Inclusive, dedicates 70% of its units to affordability, significantly exceeding the typical allocation in traditional projects. With 6,000 units in progress across various cities, The Inclusive provides more than just housing; it offers a complete support network, including food banks, education facilities, and 24-hour childcare. This is about building a model that tackles the housing crisis while truly empowering people, Larjani states, emphasizing her commitment to creating truly inclusive communities.

Democratizing Access to Patent Data with AI

Stephanie Curcio, CEO of NLPatent in Toronto, is leveraging AI to simplify the complex world of patent data. Her company’s platform uses advanced language models to decode dense patent language, making it more accessible to innovators. Since launching its revamped system in 2022, NLPatent has experienced over 100% year-over-year growth, serving clients across the globe. We’re democratizing access to patent data, Curcio explains,highlighting the platform’s impact on innovation.

Simplifying Estate Planning: making Wills Accessible

Erin Bury, co-founder and CEO of Willful in Toronto, is addressing the significant issue of Canadians lacking wills. Inspired by her own experience, Bury and Kevin Oulds created a step-by-step online platform that simplifies the process of creating wills and power-of-attorney documents. There had to be a better way, Bury says, explaining their motivation. How do we take this really opaque, complex thing everyone knows they need but don’t prioritize as it’s uncomfortable, and democratize it?

Willful has helped over 150,000 customers create wills, partnering with organizations like Scotiabank, CAA, and Wealthsimple to expand its reach. Our biggest challenge isn’t that we’re the David versus the Goliath, Bury notes. We mostly compete with complacency.

Accelerating Cancer Research with 3-D Bioprinted Tissue

Karolina Valente, founder and CEO of VoxCell BioInnovation in Victoria, is revolutionizing oncology drug testing with 3-D bioprinted tissue. Driven by her mother’s battle with breast cancer, Valente created VoxCell to produce bioprinted tissue that accurately mimics human samples, improving the effectiveness of drug trials. This business is about accelerating life-saving breakthroughs, Valente emphasizes, highlighting the potential to significantly reduce the high failure rate of oncology drug trials.

The Rise of Non-Alcoholic beverages: Inclusivity and Community

Louis Bellemare and Simon Poulin, co-founders of Upside Drinks in Montreal, are capitalizing on the growing demand for non-alcoholic beverages. Responding to the limited availability of high-quality alcohol-free options, they launched Upside in 2022, quickly scaling from 100 orders a month to 5,000. Poulin highlights their community-focused approach: There are a lot of people on a mindful drinking journey. It’s all about inclusivity. With revenue growing by 250% last year and an eight-figure projection for this year, Upside is poised for significant growth in the burgeoning non-alcoholic beverage market.

SpacesShared: A Solution to Student Housing Shortages

Rylan McKinnon, co-founder and CEO of Toronto-based SpacesShared, found inspiration for his company while working on student mental health issues for Ontario colleges. His work in Sault Ste.Marie,a city facing a declining population and a shortage of affordable housing,revealed a critical need. He observed the challenges faced by post-secondary students struggling to find affordable accommodation. He’d read about housing models that matched students with senior citizens, illustrating a successful model of shared living. This led to the creation of SpacesShared, a home-sharing platform connecting students with homeowners who have empty bedrooms.

Launched in early 2023, SpacesShared initially partnered with Georgian College in barrie, Ont., and Humber College in Toronto.

AI for a Better World: Sanja Fidler’s Contributions

Sanja Fidler, an associate professor at the University of Toronto and VP of AI research at Nvidia, is pushing the boundaries of artificial intelligence. As joining Nvidia in 2018,she’s focused on real-world applications. One notable project is Cosmos, a world foundation model that understands how objects move in 3-D space, crucial for advancements in self-driving vehicles and robotics.the intuition behind this was that if I can train a model that can anticipate what’s going to happen next, she explains, that model, under the hood, knows how the world works. That’s what robots need.

Food, Culture, and Opportunity: Azrah Manji-Savin’s Syzl

Azrah Manji-Savin, co-founder and CEO of toronto-based Syzl, is revolutionizing food entrepreneurship.Inspired by her family’s experience as refugees, she created Syzl, a platform connecting food entrepreneurs with commercial kitchens. We’re inspired by gig workers and side hustlers, Savin says. Versatility is at the heart of what we do. Syzl’s innovative approach, including offering at-checkout single-day insurance, empowers small businesses, notably those within immigrant and newcomer communities, many of whom are women. We’re not just moving fast and breaking things, Manji-Savin emphasizes. We’re building something sustainable.

Carbon-Negative steel: Andrew White’s CHAR Technologies

Andrew White, founder and CEO of Toronto-based CHAR Technologies, is tackling the carbon footprint of steel production. Using high-temperature pyrolysis, CHAR transforms forestry waste into biocoal, a sustainable choice to metallurgical coal. We saw this big pile of compost—fibrous, what looks like wet, dirty straw, White recalls of his early research. That was the waste product from the anaerobic digestion process. The process is autothermal, creating excess energy and resulting in a carbon-negative product.In 2023, CHAR became the first Canadian company to receive funding from ArcelorMittal’s XCarb Innovation Fund, recognizing its contribution to a greener steel industry. CHAR has been collaborating with Dofasco since 2017 to develop sustainable alternatives for steelmaking.

These innovators represent a wave of positive change sweeping across Canada, demonstrating the power of ingenuity and dedication to build a brighter future.

Pioneering Change: canadian Innovators Transforming Society and Sustainability

Canadian innovators are making significant strides in addressing critical societal and environmental challenges. From combating corporate monopolies to revolutionizing urban farming and promoting healthcare equity,their contributions are shaping a more equitable and sustainable future for Canada. This multifaceted approach to innovation highlights the power of individual initiative and collaborative advocacy in achieving meaningful change.

Canadian Anti-Monopoly Project: Challenging Corporate Power

In Ottawa, Keldon Bester, founder of the Canadian Anti-Monopoly Project (CAMP), is spearheading a movement against corporate monopolies. His journey began in 2017 at the harvard Kennedy School, where a talk by Lina Khan, a rising star in antitrust thinking who later became chair of the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, proved pivotal. Bester already felt that something had gone badly wrong in the economy, with each sector dominated by just a few companies, and Khan’s talk provided a framework for addressing this issue.

A summer internship at the Open Markets institute, a competition-policy think tank, further solidified Bester’s commitment.he learned how to wield “a powerful set of ideas” to foment change. After two years at the Competition Bureau, Bester co-founded CAMP, just as the federal liberals proposed a potential overhaul of the 1980s-era Competition Act.

Bester actively participated in advocating for changes to the Competition Act, testifying before House and Senate committees and building political support for stricter merger regulations in concentrated industries. His efforts, along with those of others, contributed to the rare unanimous parliamentary approval of amendments to the act. This success demonstrates the power of collaborative advocacy in achieving significant legislative change.

In the fall of 2024, Bester co-authored a report highlighting the negative impact of monopoly power on the Canadian food production system, from seed and fertilizer production to the consumer’s kitchen table.This underscores the ongoing need for vigilance and action in addressing the pervasive influence of monopolies.

Expanding Access to Student Housing

Beyond the fight against monopolies, significant progress is being made in addressing other pressing societal needs. A notable example is the expansion of partnerships with several dozen post-secondary schools, including Lakehead University, Trent University, and the University of Toronto, with more collaborations on the horizon. This expansion demonstrates a growing recognition of the platform’s effectiveness in addressing a critical housing shortage for students.

The stories of Rylan Kinnon and Keldon Bester exemplify the power of innovation and advocacy in tackling significant societal challenges. Their contributions are shaping a more equitable and competitive future for Canada.