2023 Award Nominations Open
Let the nominations commence for the 2023 YEG Startup Community Awards!
Welcome back! We’re excited to have you join us for the 2023 YEG Startup Community Awards, as we help spotlight the diversity of the fantastic people and organizations that make Edmonton a better place to build technology businesses. The festivities take place on May 10, 2023. More information on exact time and location to be announced shortly - stay tuned!
Like any other year, these startup awards would not be possible without our generous sponsors. By showing your love for the Edmonton startup community, we’ll wrap you up in its incredible energy through in-person connections at the event and beyond. If you want to contribute or have questions, send us a note or email us directly at hello@yegstartupawards.ca.
Without further ado, here’s the lineup of this year's awards. Don’t forget to submit your nomination for any one of these categories!
Most Edmonton Startup of the Year
2022 Winner: Drugbank
2021 Winner: RUNWITHIT Synthetics
In other words, a startup that demonstrates a focus on community, innovation, and risk-taking.
This award recognizes the startup that has most embodied the spirit of Edmonton’s startup community in the past year. This startup has shown resilience, innovation, risk-taking, and a significant focus on community. You could argue that there are at least a dozen ways to define what the Most Edmonton Startup means to you or us. So, we want to hear from you in your own words why the nominated startup is the Most Edmonton Startup of the Year.
Submit Your Nomination
Best Startup Workplace
2022 Winner: Future Fields
2021 Winner: DrugBank
In other words, providing a safe, engaging, and meaningful place to work.
This award recognizes the startup that is known within and outside of the startup ecosystem as one of the best places to work. It's a company that is doing great work in employee engagement, empowerment, EDI, professional development, social gatherings, and more. It’s clear that this company has a team of people that are happy to be there. We understand that there are a lot of things that can make a startup a great place to work. We want to hear from you in your own words why the nominated startup is the Best Startup Workplace.
Submit Your Nomination
People’s Choice: New Startup of the Year
2022 Winner: Ruth
2021 Winner: Areto Labs
In other words, the most promising new startup demonstrating key growth values.
This is a People’s Choice award that recognizes the most promising new startup in Edmonton. This startup is turning heads and making waves in the local market and beyond. Keeping the criteria in mind, tell us why the nominated startup should be considered for the New Startup of the Year award.
Submit Your Nomination
Pivot of the Year
2022 Winner: Islamic Family & Social Services Association (IFSSA)
2021 Winner: CODO
In other words, companies who are chasing new promising opportunities.
This award recognizes an Edmonton startup's most successful pivot. With the dire to save or augment their startup, we want to celebrate a startup that acted quickly and decisively to emerging opportunities. The startup is now rebuilding or proving market fit, using what it learned before and transforming into a new, stronger business. Keeping the criteria in mind, tell us why the nominated startup should be considered for the Pivot of the Year award.
Submit Your Nomination
Community Champion of the Year
2022 Winner: Colin Christensen
2021 Winner: Ashlyn Bernier
In other words, having a huge impact by championing the growth, momentum, and authenticity of our community.
This award recognizes the person who has substantially contributed to better Edmonton's startup community over the past year. They have been an integral part of and inspiration for Edmonton's startup community's continued growth and development. Keeping the criteria in mind, tell us why the nominated individual should be considered for the Community Champion of the Year award.
Submit Your Nomination
People’s Choice: Connector of the Year
2022 Winner: Cecile Wendlandt
2021 Winner: Laurie Wang
In other words, a critical human in our social fabric making new connections possible.
This award recognizes the person who is the best connector in the community. This is someone who is always ready to make an introduction to those who can help you or your startup grow and prosper. Keeping the criteria in mind, tell us why the nominated individual should be considered for the Connector of the Year award.
Submit Your Nomination
Volunteer of the Year
2022 Winner: James Keirstead
2021 Winner: Gail Powley
In other words, a treasure within our community supporting our ambitious efforts.
This award recognizes the best volunteer who always gives their time to support the community and is always available to help. They go above and beyond with their passion and determination to help at the forefront of everything they do. Keeping the criteria in mind, tell us why the nominated individual should be considered for the Volunteer of the Year award.
Submit Your Nomination
Mentor of the Year
2022 Winner: Allan Waine
2021 Winner: Kristina Milke
In other words, providing an outstanding commitment to sharing knowledge and growing entrepreneurs.
Submit Your Nomination
Student Entrepreneur of the Year
2022 Winner: Ghalia Aamer
2021 Winner: Eden Redman
In other words, a full-time student within the province building a startup at the same time.
This award recognizes the most promising and innovative student entrepreneur of the year. This individual is committed to fostering an entrepreneurial spirit in and out of the classroom. Keeping the criteria in mind, tell us why the nominated individual should be considered for the Student Entrepreneur of the Year award.
Submit Your Nomination
People’s Choice: Community Initiative of the Year
2022 Winner: Startup TNT Investment Summit IV
2021 Winner: Startup TNT Investment Summit I
In other words, community members, groups, service providers, or partners working to provide a high-impact initiative for the community.
This award recognizes the best, most impactful program, event, or another initiative that contributed to the startup community in a meaningful way. It should reflect the spirit of Edmonton’s startup community and should be focused on bringing together a broad group of individuals for a common purpose.
Submit Your Nomination
Support Organization of the Year
2022 Winner: NAIT Mawji Centre (Service Provider), RBCx (Corporate Champion)
2021 Winner: Startup Edmonton (Service Provider), MNP (Corporate Champion)
Collaboration builds strong resilient interconnected relationships.
This award recognizes an Edmonton company or service provider (for-profit, government, non-profit) that has been the strongest supporter of the community in regard to its service offering, sponsorship, mentorship, and advocacy. Keeping the criteria in mind, tell us why the nominee should be considered for the Support Organization of the Year award.
Submit Your Nomination
Investor of the Year
In other words, shining a light on those who are leaders in the investment community, who support, believe in, and are committed to investing in YEG startups.
This award celebrates the most influential and impactful investor in Edmonton who supports our startups with much more than capital. They are bold, and brave, and contribute significant added value to support the growth and success of our community beyond their capital.
Submit Your Nomination
The Process
Once nominations close, nominees will be notified by April 19, with the final results being compiled before the end of April 2023.
The People’s Choice award is a special category for community members to vote for their favourite nominee in this category, and the winner is determined by the highest number of votes.
When it comes to adjudication for this year’s awards, it’s all about bringing together a diverse group of experts passionate about innovation in our community. The full process and judging eligibility can be found here.
