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 Youth Innovator award recognizes youth who are challenging the status quo and showcases some of 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 process.
The Youth Innovator Award for this year is graciously sponsored by Ain Whitehead LLP, a dedicated team of local lawyers specializing in business, real estate, and wills and estates law. With a strong commitment to fostering meaningful connections, Ain Whitehead values its relationships with clients, business partners, and the local community. The firm is not only focused on providing legal expertise but is also passionate about inspiring the next generation of changemakers. Their support for the Youth Innovator Award reflects their dedication to recognizing and encouraging the innovative spirit of young individuals who are shaping the future. The winner of this award will receive a monetary prize from Ain Whitehead LLP to use towards their venture.
This year’s Youth Innovator nominees include:
Jasmine Kaur - Subal
Jasmine Kaur is a passionate environmental technology student and founder of Subal, formerly EcoYam Club, a youth-led venture focused on creating biodegradable plastics from the base of the yam plant. In a time when plastic pollution is one of the world's most pressing environmental issues, Jasmine is working to develop a practical, sustainable solution that addresses both ecological and economic concerns. EcoYam Club stands out for its originality and potential real-world impact. From researching plant-based polymers to testing early-stage prototypes, Jasmine has poured her energy into turning a simple idea into a mission that could lead to large-scale environmental change.
While in high school, Justin Blanchet saw a gap in ice hockey league offerings for the Barrie area, which prompted him to start his own summer ice hockey league. Barrie Youth Hockey League is the first of its kind, offering 5-on-5 divisions for youth (U10-U15). Justin continues to strive to not only fill the market gap but create a league with an exceptional experience for its hockey-loving participants.
Omid Latifi is a standout youth innovator whose work demonstrates creativity, technical skill, and community impact. As a student and research assistant at Georgian Research & Innovation, he has developed award-winning projects—such as a 3D space education tool recognized by NASA’s Space Apps Challenge, and automation tools now used by local companies. His software solutions have gained attention across national and international competitions, including Auto Hack 2025 and UC Davis’s Big Bang! 2025. Omid’s human-centered approach ensures his innovations benefit real people, from improving recreation centre operations in Barrie to tackling global challenges. Widely recognized by media outlets and academic institutions alike, he continues to inspire other young innovators to turn ideas into tangible, meaningful solutions.
In December 2024, the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka received an Ontario Trillium Foundation Seed Grant to develop a new youth program, one focused on helping youth aged 9-13 make positive changes in their communities. Partnering with Georgian College's "Change the Now" movement rooted in the internationally recognized Ashoka principles, the YMCA of Simcoe/ Muskoka have adapted materials and activities to engage younger youth in new and exciting ways. To date, 103 participants have registered, and each will work in small groups to pitch innovative ideas that help meet a United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Four of the youth participants have expressed that through the program, they learnt “To believe in yourself that you can make change”, “That I am a better leader than I thought”, and “That I can be brave”.
Zoe Bystrov - Youth for Lake Simcoe
Zoe has spearheaded the Youth for Lake Simcoe grassroots organization since 2020 and has recently celebrated a milestone this past May 2025 of reaching the benchmark of over 100 beach cleanups. Youth for Lake Simcoe is a group of 20 youth members dedicated to advocating for the protection of Lake Simcoe and its watersheds. Founded when Zoe was still in high school, the group is engaging local youth, businesses like Busch Systems, and adult community members in environmental stewardship activities.
Congratulations to all the nominees in the Youth Innovator category! Your determination, ingenuity, and readiness to challenge conventions have elevated the standards for our community. The Youth Innovator award acknowledges individuals who have spearheaded innovation in their businesses, organizations, or communities. Your forward-thinking approach and entrepreneurial spirit have built strategic solutions, fostering a more progressive community. Way to go Youth Innovators!
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, Innovative Automation, Marquee Benefits, reIGNITE Conference and the Sandbox Centre for recognizing the importance of these local businesses.