Mayor's Innovation Awards

  • Thursday, November 28, 2024|6:00–9:00pm
  • Organization
    Invest Barrie
    Phone
    (705) 728-9850
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    Mayor's Innovation Awards Logo

    The sixth Mayor’s Innovation Awards cultivated stories of strength, creativity and adaptation from across Barrie. These awards recognize businesses, individuals and organizations whose innovative approaches and sheer determination contribute to a resilient foundation for our city.

    In 2024, local innovators were recognized in six award categories: Pivot Point, Creative Collaboration, Youth Innovator, Research & Innovation Contribution, Shift Disturber and Municipal Innovation.

    The City received over 60 nominations, which were open until October 16, 2024. Nominations were evaluated by 18 judges from various industries and business backgrounds on criteria like creativity, innovation and the nominee’s wider contributions to Barrie’s development.

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    Blue (Default)

    Watch the Mayor's Innovation Awards winners playlist to hear from each of the winners:

    Runners-up & all Nominees

    Congratulations to the 2024 Mayor’s Innovation Awards runners-up, as well as all of this year's nominees! Read our blog posts to learn about each nominee.

    2024 Categories

    Pivot Point

    Recognizing a company or organization that has discovered and pursued opportunity to grow in unexpected directions when faced with market or operational challenges. A need to purposefully take action with risk was addressed and implemented. They have assessed, adapted and evolved with key changes to their business model or processes that show promising results. Actions may include new revenue sources, new uses for products, evolving to service new needs and more. 

    Sponsored by: Innovative Automation

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    Innovative Automation logo
    Gallery exhibit. There is a large pyramid structure in a room. The structure has colourful panes that are lit internally.
    Crowd gathered in gallery room. There is art projected on the gallery walls.

    Creative Collaboration

    Recognizing two or more companies or organizations that have forged an alliance and reached new heights or achievements that they couldn't have reached alone. Contributions may be across sectors, industries, geographies or verticals. Milestones may span the development of new products, services, supply chains, operations and beyond! 

    Sponsored by: Meridian

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    Meridian logo.

    Research & Innovation Contribution

    Recognizing industry and academic researchers, as well as entrepreneurs, whose innovative activities have had high impact on their individual business or sector, engaging knowledge users throughout the process.

     

    Person pointing at digital display. There is an icon of a head with gear silhouettes being prominently displayed.
    Silhouette of large group of people in celebratory poses.

    Youth Innovator

    Showcasing youths’ creations and demonstrating the incredible learning that comes through entrepreneurship. This award encourages youth entrepreneurs of all types – from students working on capstone projects to those working on their own non-profit, for-profit or social enterprise – to develop their ideas, products/ services, or even improvements for an existing product or procedure. A monetary award will be assigned for the winner to put towards their venture. To be eligible, nominees must be under the age of 25 at the time of applying and either a full-time student or returning to school full-time in the next academic year. 

    Sponsored by: AIN Whitehead LLP

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    AIN Whitehead LLP logo.

    Shift Disturber

    Recognizing an individual who has championed innovation in their organization or community. Where others see opposition, they see opportunity. This individual is a powerhouse of creative problem solving, shaking up norms and spearheading strategic solutions in the midst of uncertainty. 

    Sponsored by: Adams Hamilton

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    Adams Hamilton logo.
    Two performers doing light art at night. The moon is visible in the sky.
    Silhouettes of people and technology

    Municipal Innovation

    Recognizes the individuals, teams, and departments at the City of Barrie for their commitment to continuous improvement and excellence in public service. Public nominations are not accepted for this category; projects are brought forward through a separate submission process.

    Collaborating Partners

    The Mayor's Innovation Awards is a massive community initiative that encompasses collaboration and bold new ways of moving forward in an ever-changing climate. Invest Barrie would like to thank our sponsors Adams Hamilton, Meridian Credit Banking, Agema Work Inc., Innovative Automation, and Ain Whitehead LLP, as well as our judges, everyone who nominates, and the nominees themselves.

    Event Photos

    Group shot of award winners and Mayor Nuttall
    Mayor's Innovation Awards 2024
    Glass awards presented at the ceremony
    Mayor's Innovation Awards 2024
    Pivot Point Award Winners and Mayor Nuttall
    Mayor's Innovation Awards 2024 | Pivot Point Category
    Mayor Nuttall presenting a giant cheque for $750 to the Youth Innovator award winner
    Mayor's Innovation Awards 2024 | Youth Innovator Category
    Mayor Nuttall and the Shift Disturber award winner
    Mayor's Innovation Awards 2024 | Shift Disturber Category
    Person digitally drawing another person
    Mayor's Innovation Awards 2024
    Stephannie Schlichter
    Mayor's Innovation Awards 2024
    Podium and chairs set up for the Mayor's Innovation Awards
    Mayor's Innovation Awards 2024

    2021 Winners

    Watch the awards ceremony on the City of Barrie's YouTube and Facebook channels, where it premiered. 

    2020 Winners

    ​Watch the 2020 Mayor's Innovation Awards ceremony on the City of Barrie's YouTube and Facebook channels, where it premiered.

    November 28, 2024 - 6:00pm - November 28, 2024 - 9:00pm