Introducing The NEXT Canada 2021 Cohort Award Winners
Over the past 6 months, NEXT Canada’s exceptional entrepreneurs in our Next 36, Next Founders and Next AI cohorts have been busily developing, building and growing their ventures. Venture Day celebrates the end of three NEXT Canada programs, Next 36, which supports young founders of early-stage businesses; Next Founders, which focuses on founder development for existing startups with significant traction; and Next AI, which works with early or idea stage AI-enabled startups.
Attendees were given the opportunity to hear the pitches and then vote on their favourites. WaiveTheWait, is a company dedicated to bettering the waiting experience for patients, was chosen by the audience as the RBC People’s Choice Award. The startup, led by CEO and founder Shreyansh Anand, offers an software, that sends personalized patient dashboards that allow simple two-way communication between the receptionists and the patients along with smart reminders that let the patients know when to leave based on their commute and wait time.
Pitching Ventures:
The talent in this year’s graduating class is exceptional and worthy of celebration. Please visit our 2021 Venture Directory to explore all the ventures coming out of our program – our interactive directory allows you to hear from each venture, sort them by industry, program and stage – as well as booking a follow-up meeting. We welcome you to get to know the class of 2021.
NEXT Canada Hepburn Valedictorian
The NEXT Canada Hepburn Valedictorian, in recognition of Claudia Hepburn, one of NEXT Canada’s Co-founders, is selected by fellow entrepreneurs as the individual who elevated the experience and contributed the most value to the 2021 cohort of NEXT Canada.
EY Women in Tech Award
Celebrated a high-potential female entrepreneur building a business within the tech community.
Satchu Prize Next 36 Top Entrepreneur
Awarded in recognition of an individuals outstanding performance in the program and demonstrated potential to lead Canada’s next generation of high-impact entrepreneurs.
The Scotiabank Outstanding Contribution to Society Award
Given to a venture that has made the most significant contribution to promoting social and/or environmental change to our society.
RBC People’s Choice Award
Voted by the audience for the top pitch of the day.
Next AI Top Entrepreneur Award
The Next AI Entrepreneur of the Year is awarded to a founder who epitomizes the spirit of NEXT Canada. Through their involvement in our program they have contributed significantly to the overall success of the entire cohort.
Tim and Frances Price Alumni Engagement Award
The Tim and Frances Price Alumni Engagement Award recognizes the remarkable things that NEXT Canada’s alumni are doing by giving back to the alumni community and making Canada a better and more prosperous country.
W. Galen Weston Top Entrepreneur Award
Celebrates the top entrepreneur of the 2021 Next Founders program, as voted by their peers and in recognition of venture achievement and a demonstrated potential to lead Canada’s next generation of high-impact entrepreneurs.
Geoff Taber Award Alumni Achievement Award
Honours the late Geoff Taber’s memory in recognition of his many contributions to NEXT Canada since inception and to the Canadian tech community at large. The award recognizes outstanding alumni achievement and venture success.
Next 36 Outstanding Venture Award
Next AI Outstanding Venture Award
Next Founders Outstanding Venture Award
Congratulations
to everyone who was recognized. The talent in this year’s cohorts was unbelievable, and we look forward to staying connected with you on your journey.
To our partners and donors, a thank you for continuing to support us as we push forward.
We know that we are contributing to a more competitive and prosperous Canada, and we are thankful for your support every step of the way.