THUNDER BAY — The hard work and fresh ideas among people and companies in Northwestern Ontario were showcased at the Superior Inn on Thursday.
The Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre honoured innovative companies and individuals in the region with the 15th edition of the RBC Innovation Awards.
“It’s really important to let the community know about the innovators and businesses in our region,” said Abby Sherlock, who is the coordinator of business advisory services for the Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre.
“A lot of people don’t realize all of the cool things that are happening in our communities and this award ceremony really highlights that for everyone to see.”
Grade 11 student Mason Maggrah is one of those bringing fresh ideas to the forefront.
The founder of Poly3D, which is a 3D printing startup based in Thunder Bay, was named the young innovator of the year.
“Honestly, I was kind of surprised when I got the award, especially when I saw what all of the other nominees had put together for their presentations,” Maggrah said.
“I wasn’t really expecting this … but it’s pretty amazing and it’s definitely an honour.”
Bobbie Parr, who is the director of the Dryden-based 807 Food Co-op, was named the innovation hero of the year for her work in strengthening food security and sustainability throughout the area.
“It’s definitely a good feeling to have that acknowledgement of the past few years of effort from all of us and what we’ve been trying to do for the community,” Parr said.
“I don’t think people realize how many barriers the local food scene kind of faces. To be able to dismantle those barriers and really reduce the regulations for food producers and be able to spur the agrifood movement is definitely an honour.”
Waves and Frequencies won the innovative project of the year for developing high-end speakers for residential and commercial spaces, while Cirro by AirSuite Inc. was named the innovative company of the year for helping to streamline workflows for small to medium aviation operators.
Judy Sander received the Marvin Detweiler advisor of the year for her work with the Innovation Centre over the last two decades.
