Entries open for Ingenious+ Youth Innovation Challenge in Canada

Ingenious+ is a Canadian youth innovation program that supports young people aged 14–18 who are developing ideas to improve communities, protect the environment, advance equity, or enhance well-being. The program offers funding, mentorship, and learning opportunities, with awards ranging from $1,000 regional grants to $10,000 national prizes across five impact categories.

Ingenious+ is a national innovation awards program designed to recognize, fund, and mentor youth-led innovations that create positive social, environmental, and community impact. The program empowers young Canadians to turn meaningful ideas into real-world solutions through financial support, skill-building, and expert mentorship.

What Is Ingenious+?

Ingenious+ is built on the belief that innovation does not need to be disruptive to be impactful. Innovations can:

• Improve an existing product, service, or process

• Introduce a new solution to a real-world problem

• Strengthen communities, protect the environment, or promote inclusion

The program welcomes entrepreneurial, scientific, social, and community-based innovations led by youth.

Key Focus Areas and Categories

Applicants may submit projects under one or more of the following five official categories:

Community and Civic Engagement

• Strengthening local or global communities

• Encouraging civic participation and social responsibility

Climate Change and the Environment

• Promoting sustainability and environmental protection

• Addressing climate change through green solutions

Equity and Inclusion

• Advancing fairness, accessibility, and social justice

• Supporting marginalized or underrepresented groups

Health and Well-being

• Improving physical, mental, or community health

• Enhancing quality of life and well-being

Technology and Entrepreneurship

• Using technology or business models for positive impact

• Developing scalable, innovation-driven solutions

Award Structure and Funding

Ingenious+ awards are delivered in two stages.

Stage 1: Regional Awards

• Eligibility: Youth aged 14–18

• Award: $1,000 regional grant

• Additional support: Learning resources and skill development

• Purpose: Support early-stage ideas and encourage growth

Stage 2: National Awards

• Eligibility: Regional award recipients

• National finalists: Up to 13 per region

• Additional finalist award: $1,000

• Grand prizes: $10,000 cash award in each of the five categories

• Includes mentorship and advanced learning opportunities

Who Is Eligible?

To apply, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

• Aged 14 to 18 at the time of entry

• Canadian citizen or permanent resident

• Applying as an individual or team

• Project must be youth-led and youth-created

• Parental or legal guardian permission required if under age of majority

How Ingenious+ Works

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Identify a problem you want to solve or improve

2. Develop an innovation aligned with one or more program categories

3. Submit your project to Ingenious+ as an individual or team

4. Compete for a regional award and learning support

5. Advance to the national stage if selected

6. Receive funding, mentorship, and national recognition

Why Ingenious+ Matters

• Empowers youth as changemakers and innovators

• Supports early-stage ideas with real financial backing

• Builds skills in problem-solving, leadership, and entrepreneurship

• Encourages youth participation in community, climate, and equity solutions

• Strengthens Canada’s future innovation ecosystem

Tips for a Strong Application

• Clearly define the problem your innovation addresses

• Explain the real-world impact and who benefits

• Show how youth leadership drives the project

• Keep the solution realistic and achievable for your stage

• Align clearly with one or more program categories

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is Ingenious+?
Ingenious+ is a Canadian youth innovation awards program supporting impactful, youth-led ideas.

2. Who can apply?
Youth aged 14–18 who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents.

3. Can teams apply?
Yes. Both individuals and teams are eligible, as long as the project is youth-led.

4. How much funding is available?
$1,000 regional awards and $10,000 national prizes in five categories.

5. What types of projects are accepted?
Entrepreneurial, scientific, social, and community-based innovations.

6. Do applicants need parental consent?
Yes, if they are under the age of majority in their province or territory.

7. Can a project fit multiple categories?
Yes. Applicants may choose one or more relevant categories.

Conclusion

Ingenious+ provides young Canadians with the funding, mentorship, and recognition needed to turn ideas into meaningful action. By supporting youth-led innovation across community, climate, equity, health, and technology, the program helps shape a more inclusive, sustainable, and innovative future—driven by the next generation of changemakers.