It is our honour to recognize amazing businesses and leaders within our community through the Mayor’s Innovation Awards. As we approach the ceremony, we would like to introduce the nominees.
The Research and Innovation Contribution award recognizes 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.
This year’s Research & Innovation Contribution Award is proudly sponsored by the Sandbox Centre. The Sandbox Centre is Ontario’s newest Regional Innovation Centre! It is positioned to support your business with expert advice, mentorship, pathways to capital, timely education and access to programs, workshops, and events. The Sandbox Centre continues to ignite business innovation by creating a connected and shared community. From start ups, scale-ups, large enterprises to idea generators, leaders and change makers–Sandbox is a collective of passionate people facilitating a seamless journey for all stages of business.
This year’s Research & Innovation Contribution nominees include:
Antech Canada Limited has established itself as a leader in veterinary diagnostics through a strong focus on research and development. In 2023, the company became part of Mars Petcare's Science & Diagnostics division, expanding access to advanced diagnostics and accelerating innovation to better serve veterinary professionals and pets. Their R&D efforts have produced high-impact tools like RapidRead Dental and Rapid FOUR, which streamline diagnostics and disease screening for veterinarians. By integrating AI-driven instruments, cloud-based data solutions, and specialist support, Antech continues to push the boundaries of veterinary healthcare. Their commitment to innovation ensures that veterinarians have the technology and resources needed to deliver improved outcomes. Through these initiatives, Antech demonstrates how targeted research and development can drive meaningful advancements in a global industry.
Bektra Corp has transformed odour management in the waste industry through dedicated research and development. Observing the limitations of traditional sprays and heavy, clay-based granules, the team developed a plant-based odour counteractant and spent two years identifying a sustainable carrier material to maximize performance. This work resulted in Bektra Bin Balls, lightweight, post-consumer recycled spheres that provide lasting odour control, reactivate when moistened, and reduce shipping costs and environmental impact. The innovation addresses practical challenges in modern waste collection, offering an effective, convenient, and sustainable solution. Bektra also actively engages the industry through events like the International Janitorial Product Expo, sharing their findings and demonstrating the impact of their R&D. Through this work, the company showcases how applied research can create high-impact, environmentally responsible solutions for a widespread operational problem.
Boost Soccer Development has redefined athlete training in Barrie by integrating technology, data, and expert coaching into a single, accessible experience. Recognizing that traditional soccer training lacked personalized feedback and measurable progress, the team designed a facility with performance tracking, video analysis, and interactive training equipment. This innovative approach allows players of all ages to understand and improve every aspect of their game. Overcoming challenges such as high technology costs, multi-sport space redesign, and educating the community on data-driven development, the company successfully built a cutting-edge training environment. Their R&D-driven focus ensures that athletes receive measurable, actionable insights typically reserved for professional academies. Today, Boost Soccer Development stands as a local leader in innovation, empowering players to train smarter, perform better, and enjoy the game more than ever.
Busch Systems’ Purple Cow initiative reimagined recycling bins to be truly remarkable—unique, functional, educational, and sustainable. The team designed bins with four-sided signage to clearly communicate proper waste practices, ensuring maximum recycling effectiveness. Overcoming challenges like supply chain limitations and sourcing accessible materials, the research and design teams iterated through multiple prototypes to balance functionality, sustainability, and user experience. The final product is crafted from post-consumer recycled materials with a low carbon footprint, setting a new standard for environmentally responsible design. This innovative approach not only improves recycling outcomes but also demonstrates how thoughtful R&D can turn everyday objects into impactful tools for change. By combining creativity, sustainability, and usability, the project showcases the power of design-driven innovation.
Dilbert Ratio Group, a production-ready AI automation developer, created an innovative R&D approach centered on the principle: question → delete → simplify → ship → automate. Each step is scrutinized, with unnecessary processes removed and only the most essential polished before being shipped quickly, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness. Automation is applied last, preventing costly errors and avoiding the acceleration of flawed processes. This methodology was born from observing teams pursue features at the expense of profitability, often creating complex, inefficient workflows. Early applications of the process yielded immediate results for clients, saving time and reducing mistakes within weeks rather than months. By combining rigorous analysis with rapid iteration, Dilbert Ratio Group demonstrates how thoughtful innovation in process design can create high-impact, measurable improvements.
Jasmine Kaur – Subal
Subal began as a curiosity-driven exploration into sustainability and the environmental impact of single-use plastics. Motivated to find biodegradable alternatives using natural, locally sourced materials, the project evolved from a personal experiment into a focused innovation effort. Through extensive research, formulation testing, and iterative prototyping, Subal explored solutions despite limited funding, lab access, and technical mentorship. Each challenge fostered creativity and resourcefulness, leveraging open-access research, small-scale trials, and community feedback. While still in its early stages, Subal demonstrates a commitment to environmentally responsible innovation. The project highlights how curiosity, persistence, and applied research can drive meaningful, high-impact solutions in sustainability.
Powerhouse Jeeps Inc. has leveraged decades of high-performance engine expertise to identify and solve systemic weaknesses in Chrysler’s 3.8L and 3.6L Pentastar engines. Rather than temporary fixes, the team engineered complete platform overhauls, including precision CNC machining of oil passages, forged components, upgraded bearings, and optimized oiling channels to maintain consistent pressure and flow. In-house ECM calibration fine-tunes ignition, fuel mapping, and torque management, enhancing thermal efficiency, drivability, and component longevity. These innovations have transformed failure-prone engines into reliable, high-torque powerplants trusted by Jeep owners across Canada. The company continues to apply the same research-driven precision to newer platforms, achieving measurable improvements in torque response, operating temperature stability, and fuel efficiency.
Resonance Ltd. is a contract manufacturer and assembly specialist for the aerospace industry, combining a highly skilled team with NASA-certified expertise to tackle projects that push the boundaries of space exploration. Their work spans collaborations with prestigious institutions such as Stanford University, PennState, NASA, McGill University, the University of Toronto, and the University of Tokyo. The company designs and manufactures highly specialized scientific instruments, including precision light measurement tools, for use in outer space. Through rigorous research, development, and engineering, Resonance creates products that meet the extreme demands of space environments. Their innovations enable scientists to conduct critical experiments and collect data in conditions that few others can support.
At SEAN., innovation is driven by a mission to create a sustainable, attainable future for the next generation. The company integrates cutting-edge technologies with residential construction, from advanced building envelopes to Net Zero Ready and ENERGY STAR performance, including North America’s first cross-laminated timber and cold-formed steel hybrid mid-rise. By sourcing smart global designs and pairing them with locally manufactured, low-carbon materials, SEAN. delivers homes that are more durable, energy-efficient, and healthy without sacrificing affordability or design. Overcoming skepticism and regulatory barriers, the company has leveraged progressive local leadership in Barrie to push the boundaries of what’s possible in residential building. Each project reflects a combination of collaboration, curiosity, and conviction, demonstrating how innovation can transform housing. SEAN. exemplifies how R&D-driven practices can create high-impact solutions that benefit both homeowners and the broader community.
The Dirty Seahorse was born from a need to address a glaring gap in the trades: properly fitting workwear for women. Inspired by the founder’s daughter Chantel’s struggles in a male-dominated industry, the founder set out to design workwear that truly fits women, rather than scaled-down men’s garments. Over nine months, interviews were conducted with female tradespeople across professions to understand their needs, frustrations, and preferences. With this insight, a team of female designers developed multiple prototypes, testing each iteration to ensure safety, functionality, and comfort. Despite industry resistance and design challenges, the commitment led to a line of innovative workwear that empowers women to perform confidently and safely.
TraiLink innovates by enabling groups to stay connected without internet or cellular service through its advanced mesh network technology. Users can share locations, send critical notifications, and message each other seamlessly in any environment. This research-driven solution enhances safety and communication, providing a high-impact tool for outdoor enthusiasts, teams, and remote operations.
Trainers Choice was founded to help people move without pain, drawing on founder Rick Schaly’s experience running rehabilitation clinics and seeing the need for braces that combine clinical quality, comfort, and everyday usability. The company innovated by creating functional braces with Comfortex materials and kinetic paneling, which mimics kinesiology tape to enhance movement and support recovery. A major breakthrough came with the development of GeoCell, a sustainable, plant-based alternative to neoprene, created through extensive R&D, prototyping, and patient testing. GeoCell offers the same strength and flexibility as traditional materials while reducing environmental impact, making Trainers Choice the first sports medicine brace company to adopt this eco-friendly material. Beyond materials, the company also developed a digital Brace Recommendation Tool, helping consumers find the right support based on their injury or pain. These innovations, grounded in research, collaboration, and testing, have established Trainers Choice as a leader in sustainable, high-performance sports medicine solutions.
UnbelievaBowl Smoothie Bowls has redefined healthy eating in Barrie by creating nutrient-rich smoothie bowls with no added sugar or juice, offering a wholesome alternative to traditional snacks. Through innovative recipes and a commitment to wellness, sustainability, and community engagement, they have filled a unique gap in the local food scene. Their creative, purpose-driven approach has inspired healthier lifestyles and set a new standard for small business innovation.
Congratulations to the nominees in the Research and Innovation Contribution category! Your resilience and dedication to leveraging research and innovation for your business have set an outstanding standard for our community. Your innovative thinking has allowed you and others to overcome challenges and have paved the way for a more dynamic and responsive community. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition in the Research and Innovation Contribution category!
Stay tuned for the announcement of the winners following the Mayor’s Innovation Awards ceremony on November 27th!
Thank you to the sponsors of the 7th Mayor’s Innovation Awards, Adams Hamilton, Ain Whitehead LLP, Marquee Benefits, Innovative Automation, reIGNITE Conference and the Sandbox Centre for recognizing the importance of these local businesses.