About
Innovation is one of the primary driving forces behind Canada’s prosperity, standard of living and quality of life. While Canadians are some of the world’s most accomplished innovators, we seldom recognize ourselves as such or celebrate our outstanding contributions to our society.
In today’s competitive and interconnected world, increasing productivity through the creation of new products and services, improving public sector performance, and building an inclusive, compassionate society will be the keys to Canada’s success as a caring, efficient and prosperous nation. As innovation and an entrepreneurial spirit are fundamentally important to all Canadians and can have a transformative, positive impact—regardless of whether it is in the private, public or not-for-profit realms—the awards encompass all sectors of Canadian society.
The objectives of the Governor General’s Innovation Awards are to celebrate excellence in innovation across all sectors of Canadian society and inspire Canadians, particularly Canadian youth, to be entrepreneurial innovators.
The Awards are given to individuals, teams and/or organizations whose innovations are
- Truly exceptional;
- Transformative; and,
- Positive in their impact on quality of life in Canada.
The awards are not intended for lifetime achievement or innovations that have not yet demonstrated impact. Rather, by recognizing active, current innovators across the breadth of our economy and society the Awards help foster an active culture that celebrates innovation that is having a meaningful impact on our lives.
Process
The GGIAs are an annual celebration of innovations that exemplify excellence and help improve the quality of life in Canada and around the world.
Partners
The GGIAs are sustained by both public and private financial contributions and through the efforts of numerous organizations across Canada.
Nominations
Nominations are only accepted via Governor General's Innovation Awards nominating partners.
