Deadline Date: January 23, 2026
Do you have an idea that can make a difference? Whether your innovation helps your community, tackles climate change, or supports well-being, Ingenious+ is here to celebrate and support your work.
The program is built on the belief that innovation is about making meaningful improvements, whether by enhancing an existing product, service, or process, or by creating something entirely new that addresses real challenges and creates positive impact.
Participants are invited to identify an issue they want to solve or improve in their community or beyond. Through Ingenious+, youth innovators can access financial support, valuable learning opportunities, and mentorship from leading Canadian innovators, helping them develop their ideas and turn them into impactful solutions.
Projects submitted to Ingenious+ can take many forms, including entrepreneurial, scientific, social, or community-based innovations. A wide range of topics is welcomed, as long as they align with the program’s focus areas. Innovations may address community and civic engagement by strengthening local or global communities through civic action, tackle climate change and environmental challenges by promoting sustainability and green solutions, or advance equity and inclusion by helping create fairer and more inclusive societies. Applicants may choose to apply under one or more of these categories.
The awards are structured in two stages. In the first stage, youth aged 14 to 18 can apply to receive a $1,000 regional award, along with learning opportunities designed to help grow and refine their innovations. These awards recognize promising ideas at an early stage and encourage continued development.
In the second stage, regional award recipients advance to the national competition. Up to 13 young innovators may be named national finalists in their region, each receiving an additional $1,000. From these finalists, one $10,000 cash award is granted in each of five categories: Community and Civic Engagement, Climate Change and the Environment, Equity and Inclusion, Health and Well-being, and Technology and Entrepreneurship. These national awards also include mentorship and further learning opportunities.
Ingenious+ is open to both individuals and teams. To be eligible, applicants must be between 14 and 18 years old at the time of entry, have permission from a parent or legal guardian if they are under the age of majority in their province or territory, and ensure that their innovation project is led and created by youth. Applicants must also be Canadian citizens or permanent residents. Through Ingenious+, young Canadians are empowered to use their creativity, curiosity, and passion to drive positive change and shape a better future.
For more information, visit Fondation Rideau Hall Foundation.
