Hub Incubator Awards

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.

Previous Winners

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.

Previous Winners

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.

Previous Winners