Program timeline

2024

With the overarching theme of "Innovate Where You Are," Canadian Innovation Week 2024 returned with a vibrant series of in-person and virtual events that celebrated a diverse range of innovators nationwide. The week recognized the courage of problem-solvers from every sector, including GGIA laureates and Ingenious+ winners, uniting innovators at all stages under the banner of potential and inclusivity.

23k

engagements with official hashtags #CIW24 and #SIC24.

Over ten thousand contributors participated in Canadian Innovation Week since 2018.

Celebrating the Ingenious+ National Winners and Finalists in Ottawa, joined by 2024 GGIA laureate Christian Bagg and Rideau Hall Foundation CEO Teresa Marques!

This year, the 2024 GGIA laureates were celebrated on May 14th at Rideau Hall.

2023

With the overarching theme of "Innovate for Good," Canadian Innovation Week marked its vibrant return and included a series of engaging in-person and virtual events that celebrated a diverse range of innovators nationwide, including GGIA laureates and Ingenious+ winners all within the dynamic backdrop of the national capital.

100k+

engagements generated through the official CIW hashtag since 2018

Canadian Innovation Space has introduced its official Partner Hub, seamlessly uniting the trailblazing partners at the forefront of driving innovation across Canada.

The second annual awards ceremony honoured and celebrated the exceptional national winners of Ingenious+ at the National Art Centre in Ottawa.

Canadian Geographic spotlighted 20 remarkable Canadian innovations aimed at forging a brighter future for all.

2022

Canadian Innovation Week posed the question: “How do you innovate?” to Canadians from coast to coast to coast from May 16-20. Anchored by five unique themes and 16 events, this virtual celebration was linked through the new official #CIW22 hashtag.

566%

year-over-year increase in clicks to the CIS website

The inaugural Ingenious+ National Awards Ceremony took place in 2022, announcing the first winners of Canada’s innovation challenge for 14-18 year olds

2021

The 4th annual Canadian Innovation Week was held as a virtual celebration from May 17-21, 2021. United by the theme of “Problems to Possibilities”, we invited Canadians to share and discover stories in the fields of accessibility, health and medical tech, agriculture, education and more.

60 million+

impressions generated through the official #CanadianInnovationWeek hashtag

Sixth annual Governor General’s Innovation Awards: Six recipients from across Canada were recognized for their ground-breaking work and excellence in innovation

girl using device with happy face

Partners like IngeniumCanada shared innovations like how to bring learning home with virtual museum visits.

wood grain silhouettes of various faces

From Isolation To Inclusion: The University of Calgary and the Rideau Hall Foundation came together to present a panel on how diversity is driving equitable innovation

2020

Held from November 16-20, this was the first ever fully virtual Canadian Innovation Week. Transforming our innovation celebration to a virtual experience was a necessity, but it helped connect millions of Canadians through our theme of “Resilience through Innovation.”

13 million

Canadians were reached on social media and digital platforms

Over 500 toolkits were download by our partners for easy sharing and resources on how to participate

woman sideview with overlay of computer program icons

Virtual webinars and events were held across Canada, including partner events that were showcased on our website and social media

Partnered With Historica Canada to create a series of videos exploring Canadian innovations that have made the world a better and safer place.

2019

32 events were celebrated across the country during the second Canadian Innovation Week, which took place from May 21-31, as artners were proud to be part of a network with a common goal: Strengthening Canada’s culture of innovation.

12 million

Canadians were reached on social media and digital platforms

The Rideau Hall Foundation launched the first ever Culture of Innovation Index which measures how we, as Canadians, approach and value innovation in all spheres of our society.

hand holding lightbulb

In partnership with JA Canada, 250 students in Toronto participated in an innovative learning experience, focused on teamwork and mentorship opportunities

2018

The inaugural Canadian Innovation Week brought together partners and stakeholders from the innovation ecosystem to connect, cultivate and celebrate Canadian innovation May 21-31, 2018.

Over 10,000

participants took place in the inaugural Canadian Innovation Week.

Tech for Good Declaration was launched at Communitech’s TRUE NORTH CONFERENCE Hosted by Communitech.

man in canada jacket giving a speech

Olympic gold medal curler John Morris officially launched Canadian Innovation Week at the At the BC TECH SUMMIT.