Over 160 of Canada’s most innovative entrepreneurial businesses were nominated for the Enactus Canada 2026 Student Entrepreneur National Competition. Most impressively, at the heart of each business is a full-time post-secondary student, taking on the challenge of balancing their studies while actively growing a business.
The 12 finalists were selected by panels of judges in the first round of competition and following the next round, three will be selected to compete live at the 2026 Enactus Canada National Exposition, taking place May 6-8 in Montreal, Quebec. The winner will receive national recognition, mentorship opportunities, and $10,000 to support the continued growth of their business.
For the past 29 years, the Enactus Student Entrepreneur National Competition has been one of the largest Canadian programs focused on supporting full-time post-secondary student entrepreneurs. The competition is part of Enactus Canada’s commitment to growing the pipeline of small businesses and entrepreneurial talent in Canada.
The finalists for the 2026 Student Entrepreneur National Competition are:
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Ali Abedinpour – Atabazh Medical Inc. – Toronto Metropolitan University
Smart Lung Physio™ is a sensor-guided airway-clearance device for long-term care. It automates chest physiotherapy that is normally ~45 minutes, reducing session time by 50%+ while maintaining clinical effectiveness. By standardizing therapy and easing staff workload, caregivers can treat more seniors with existing staffing.
Connor Kapahi – Mandel Diagnostics – University of Waterloo
This diagnostic device detects the most common cause of vision loss, affecting 1 in 5 people over 60, age-related macular degeneration. Early detection allows optometrists to treat patients without referral to an eye surgeon, saves payers up to $8k per year, and preserves a patient’s vision.
Drew Davidson – ArcticEdge Technologies Inc. – University of Waterloo
ArcticEdge Technologies has designed, patented and built a PFAS-free moisture barrier designed to protect firefighters without compromise to address their biggest problem: Cancer. Firefighter gear uses a moisture barrier reliant on carcinogenic PFAS. This product will keep firefighters from having to wear gear they know causes cancer.
Ethan Done – Pathoscan Technologies Inc. – University of Saskatchewan
Plant pathogens destroy ~25% of crops. PathoScan has developed a portable device that producers can use in their fields to detect these pathogens within 2 hours. Using this, a producer detected a pathogen and proactively treated it, preventing $240,000 in yield losses and allowing local grocery stores to feed the community.
Jasmine Jing – TechInu Inc. – University of Toronto – St. George
TechInu, is redefining proactive glucose monitoring with AI and MAPIS (Matrix Pinhole Image Sensing). The TechInu chipset-software integrated solution enables subcutaneous imaging under multi-aperture and multispectral conditions, capturing far more detail than today’s wearables can achieve.
Laila Burns – Sielo Robotics – University of Ottawa
Sielo Robotics builds affordable, AI-powered assistive robotic devices to help people with physical disabilities live more independently.
Luca Hategan – Re:Pair Genomics Inc. – University of Toronto – Mississauga
Re:Pair Genomics uses a proprietary machine learning approach to design minimally sized, cell-type specific DNA sequences for use in gene-therapy applications or for basic science research.
Mehdi Masoumi – Deaf AI – University of British Columbia – Okanagan
Deaf AI develops real-time sign language interpretation systems that make public transportation and public spaces accessible for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing people. Using AI and digital avatars, Deaf AI converts voice announcements into visual sign language—bridging communication gaps and advancing inclusive mobility worldwide.
Ria Khan – NephroTech – University of Toronto – St. George
NephroTech is commercializing DialySnake, which is the world’s first medical device to safely unblock peritoneal dialysis catheters at patients’ bedsides in five minutes, thereby eliminating a high-risk, costly surgery and increasing healthcare equity globally.
Samuel Raymond – Solutions BardXpert Inc. – Université de Sherbrooke
BardXpert creates and sells motorized tools for the construction industry. The first product is a patented pending motorized tool that combines shingle removal and nail extraction in a single powered motion. By streamlining two manual steps, this tool doubles the speed of tear-offs and eases one of the worst jobs in roofing.
Sanghyun Kim – MiON Forest – Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue (UQAT)
MiON Forest is revolutionizing reforestation by fusing robotics with biotechnology. MiON Forest deploys autonomous drones to plant bio-engineered seedling pods in “dead” soils (mines/wildfires), achieving unrivaled survival rates and transforming ecological liabilities into thriving green assets.
Taylor Duncan – Kaivus AI – University of Victoria
Kaivus helps SMBs adopt AI by combining repetitive admin steps into single automated workflows. Clients average 3x ROI and up to 75% time saved. We deliver custom education workshops, AI agent implementation, and ongoing support, to help service businesses operate faster without adding technical staff.
Follow Enactus Canada on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook to see the announcement of our three finalists at the end of March.
