Georgian’s research, social innovation leadership earns two Mayor’s Innovation Awards

Georgian College took home two Mayor’s Innovation Awards recently for excellence in research, innovation and creative community collaboration.

The awards, handed out by the City of Barrie on Nov. 29, recognize the most innovative businesses, individuals and community groups in the city.

Nine people stand together in front of a screen reading "Mayor's Innovation Awards." — From left: Kevin Weaver, President and CEO at Georgian; Mira, Executive Director, Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship; Laleh Khodaparast, Director, Research and Innovation; Nicole Norris, Director, Social Innovation; Jill Tettmann, President and CEO of the YMCA Simcoe/Muskoka; Ryan Burwell, Manager, Programs and Services at HBEC; Cristhian Cruz, Georgian alumnus and award winner; Don Bourne, mentor and client service advisor with HBEC; and Amanda Mejia, Business Development Manager with HBEC.

Georgian was honoured with two wins and two runner-up positions:

Creative Collaboration award: Georgian’s Social Innovation department won alongside YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka for its Future of Belonging project, which aims to foster a stronger sense of belonging and inclusivity in the region and spark positive change through innovation. The two organizations released their first Insight Report about the project this fall.

Research and Innovation Contribution award: Georgian’s Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship department won for its innovative research and development for having a high impact on the college and in the City of Barrie.

Georgian’s Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship department and cybersecurity company White Tuque were first runner-up in the Research and Innovation Contribution category.

Georgian’s Henry Bernick Entrepreneurship Centre (HBEC), along with Camphill Communities Ontario, a non-profit that supports adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Simcoe County, were second runner-up in the Creative Collaboration category.

Along with recognition for the college, a recent Georgian graduate of the Electromechanical Engineering Technology – Mechatronics program won an award. Congratulations to Cristhian Cruz, founder of the business HeatPro, who won the Youth Innovator award.

A group of people stand in a long row behind a podium and in front of screens reading "Mayor's Innovation Awards." — *With two awards, Georgian was among the winners at the 2024 Mayor’s Innovation Awards.*

The recognition of the work of Team Georgian affirms the critical role and impact of the college in driving innovation in Barrie and throughout Central Ontario.

Georgian offers valuable opportunities for research and collaboration – for its students and industry partners – playing an important local role in experiential learning, supporting the labour-market workforce and strengthening the community.

Congratulations to all the 2024 Mayor’s Innovation Award winners, runners-up and nominees for their inspiring achievements!

Learn more about Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Georgian