Rideau Hall Foundation Launches Canadian Innovation Week

Spring is the season for new growth, and that might mean more than a few flowers breaking through the dirt.

The Rideau Hall Foundation (RHF) has announced their first-ever Canadian Innovation Week to be held from May 22 until May 31. The purpose is to bring together everyone within the innovation ecosystem, whether they be partners, entrepreneurs, stakeholders or more, all to connect and cultivate new relationships.

The nine-day week (rough definition) will be anchored around the presentation of the Governor General’s Innovation Awards that are taking place at a gala event on May 23. The winners have been announced already and you can explore them here. The week will look to extend the scope of the innovation awards by looking at movers and shakers across the country and shining a spotlight on those growing in various different fields.

“We, as a nation, need to work at fostering a culture of innovation that recognizes achievement and inspires the next generation,” said David Johnston, 28th Governor General of Canada and chair of the Rideau Hall Foundation. “Canadian Innovation Week is an important initiative that does exactly that via a unique partnership platform for connecting, celebrating and cultivating innovation in Canada.”

To prepare for the event, the RHF wants companies and individuals to share their own stories of innovation on social media with the #CanadianInnovationWeek as well as finding local events to take part in and spread their vision. There are also free resources for teachers and instructors to teach students in grade school about what innovation means and how it impacts the country. Those resources, along with events listings, can be found here.

“Canada is an innovation-led nation and that needs to be recognized. Canadians from all parts of the country are leading the way,” said Navdeep Bains, Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development. “Our Innovation and Skills Plan is helping all Canadians on the path to success. Innovation Week is a chance to shine some light on our success in building one of the most innovative economies in the world.”

In addition to the launch of this week, the RHF is also featuring the Canadian Innovation Space, a digital and public platform that also offers tools and events to keep innovation at the top of mind after the week concludes.