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What We DoInnovation Challenges

Innovation Challenges

MaRS Innovation Challenges urge Canadians to solve society’s most pressing problems.

These competitions tap into the wider innovation ecosystem of entrepreneurs, companies, researchers, and citizens to bring their best solutions forward, regardless of sector or background. Prizes can include cash rewards, in-kind support or access to essential growth resources and scaling pathways.

For each of our challenges, we work with a mix of corporates, government agencies and foundations. Together, we empower Canadian innovators — helping them advance breakthrough ideas and technologies to make global impact.

CURRENT MaRS COMPETITIONS

Healthy Neighbourhoods Data Challenge

Searching for innovators to propose new data sets, sources and methodologies to help us better understand how elements of the physical environment can affect an individual’s health. Finalists will receive $10,000 for their concepts. Up to $50,000 will be awarded to the challenge winner, along with the chance to scale their solutions across Canada.

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Women in Cleantech Challenge

Supporting Canada’s top female entrepreneurs addressing the world’s most daunting energy and environmental problems. Finalists receive an annual stipend, as well as guidance and support from MaRS and the federal government. At the end of the challenge, $1 million will be awarded to the most promising woman-led venture. Please note: the application window is now closed.

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Opioid Data Challenge

Asking Canadians to propose and test new data sets, sources and methodologies to help tackle the opioid crisis. Finalists receive $10,000 for continued development of their concepts. Up to $50,000 will be awarded to each challenge winner (maximum of two winners), along with the chance to scale their solutions across Canada. Please note: the application window is now closed.

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Contact our team to help plan Canada’s next great innovation challenge.

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