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2026 Expo Recap
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Hub Incubator Awards

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Each year, the Hub Incubator recognizes top student entrepreneurs with awards at the IgniteLab and LaunchLab pitch competitions. These awards provide valuable funding to help students take their businesses to the next stage, celebrating innovation, strong pitches, and community impact.

2 individuals holding a cheque with the text 'brewed beauty"

Warren and Deborah Jestin Impact Award

Two awards are presented annually

  • IgniteLab (Fall): $500 prize
  • LaunchLab (Winter): $500 prize

Award Description: The Warren and Deborah Jestin Impact Award is given annually to a student in the Hub Incubator program. The award recognizes the business that demonstrates the highest community and social benefit along with a sustainable and profitable business model. The winner is decided each year by a panel of judges.

Daniel Grygorachyk and Luca Ghizzardi, Brewed Beauty (Winter 2026)

Manahil Zaid and Vanya Khanna, Neer (Fall 2025)

Navkiren Ghag, Throne Room (Winter 2025)

Kimia Mehrafshan, VitaMaker (Fall 2024)

Jessica Ulbikas, Code Red (Winter 2024)

Jessica Ulbikas, Code Red (Fall 2023)

Arianna Sultani, Whisk & Co. (Winter 2023)

Jessica Xu, Omochu Studios (2022)

4 individuals holding a cheque with the text " Best Pitch - SmartJump"

Best Pitch Award

Two awards are presented annually

  • IgniteLab (Fall): $500 prize
  • LaunchLab (Winter): $1000 prize

Award Description: The Best Pitch Award is given to the team that delivers the most compelling and well-structured pitch during the competition. Recipients of this award demonstrate strong storytelling, a clear and persuasive ask, and the ability to confidently address questions from the judges. This award recognizes not only the strength of the business idea but also the team’s ability to communicate its value effectively.

Grace Meyers and Gregory Thase, SmartJump (Winter 2026)

Tamanna Nijjar and Nimrat Vilkhu, ProMint (Fall 2025)

Nick Dernovsek and Sam Heard, Crown Kombucha, and Sammy Rutherford, Boosted Bouillon (Winter 2025)

Nick Dernovsek and Sam Heard, Crown Kombucha (Fall 2024)

Abdullah Al-Hayali, Dice Health (Winter 2024)

Zach Cymbaluk and Josh Jones, Unident (Fall 2023)

Segun Odumosu, ShopSurer (Winter 2023)

Jacob Claessens, Oriole AI (Fall 2022)

2 people holding a cheque with the text 'Glory Bakes - People's Choice

People's Choice Award

Two awards are presented annually

  • IgniteLab (Fall): $250 prize
  • LaunchLab (Winter): $500 prize

Award Description: The People’s Choice Award is given to the pitch that resonates most with the audience. Voted on by competition viewers, this award recognizes the team that delivers the most engaging, memorable, and impactful presentation.

Thanuja Fernando, Glory Bakes (Winter 2026)

Gregory Thase and Grace Meyers, Smart Jump Equine Solutions (Fall 2025)

Will Cheng, SeaSEAL (Winter 2025)

Sammy Rutherford, Boosted Bouillon (Fall 2024)

Marco Pepe, Myco-Phyto Bio Labs (Winter 2024)

Christine Mariathasan, Brainiome (Fall 2023)

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The John F. Wood Centre for Business and Student Enterprise is developing innovators and entrepreneurs at the University of Guelph. We look for innovative and sustainable solutions to economic, social and environmental problems. It is through this mission that we empower a new generation of business leaders committed to community engagement and a sustainable future. We instill in our students a sense of social responsibility and leadership, character-building values that help develop citizenship. We help to bring ideas to life!