Disposable plastic packaging makes up a significant amount of waste, and 25% of plastic film packaging is used to package meats and seafood. Enter AlaagiTM a renewable alternative to traditional plastic film packaging using seaweed.
That’s the real-world problem the Enactus team at Saint Mary’s University addressed to win the National 2025 Innovation and Impact Challenge, powered by Enactus Alumni title and $3,000 in funding. The announcement was made during Enactus Canada’s National Exposition, held in Calgary on May 7.
“We were so impressed by the finalists’ ability to demonstrate the potential for innovation and impact in their most ambitious projects,” said Enactus University of Windsor Alum Kevin Hamilton. “On behalf of Enactus Alumni, I would like to extend congratulations to the winners and runners-up of this Impact Challenge. Your dedication and impressive results are truly commendable, and indicative of the spirit and drive needed to create change, and we cannot wait to see where these projects go from here!”
The following teams received recognition as runners-up in the Challenge:
University of British Columbia-Vancouver, Runner-Up: Rekindle tackles wood waste in British Columbia by transforming discarded wood into biodegradable and waterproof coasters using natural materials and an eco-friendly casein adhesive. Mira is an affordable, solar-powered, three-stage water filter built to increase access to clean water in Indigenous communities.
University of Ottawa, Second Runner-Up: Aqua Grid harnesses kelp’s natural water filtration properties to create low-maintenance modular farms that remove ocean pollutants that destroy valuable resources complex marine ecosystems need to thrive.
Launched just a year ago, the Innovation and Impact Challenge, powered by Enactus Alumni, had 55 team compete, a 22 per cent increase over last year.
“The enthusiasm students have shown for this Challenge clearly reflects its significance,” says MacKenna Lenarcic, Manager of Alumni Relations and Development. “And this success wouldn’t be possible without the support and ongoing involvement of Enactus Alumni. We are pleased to share a total of $33,000 in funding throughout the year to these early-stage projects.”
Learn more about other National Expositions results and Challenge Partnerships.
If you are an Enactus Alumni, we invite you to learn more about the many opportunities we offer to stay involved and connected with Enactus.