Connor Kapahi from University of Waterloo has been named the top Student Entrepreneur at the 2026 Enactus Canada Student Entrepreneur National Competition, earning $10,000 in funding for their venture, Mandel Diagnostics. Connor and his team at Mandel Diagnostics are addressing the challenge of detecting age-related macular degeneration with an innovative diagnostic device that empowers optometrists to detect the condition earlier than ever before.
“Congratulations to Connor and his visionary achievements in early blindness detection,” said Ian Aitken, Board Chair of Enactus Canada. “Each year,the entrepreneurship displayed by these student-led businesses raises the bar for innovation and social impact. We are incredibly proud of all 85 nominees this year—their achievements demonstrate the power of youth-led change.”
The win was announced on the opening night of the Enactus Canada National Exposition on May 6 in Montréal featuring live presentations from three finalists whose innovations address critical challenges in agriculture and healthcare. Laila Burns from University of Ottawa received Runner-Up recognition for her business Sielo Robotics.
The competition highlights the growing impact of young entrepreneurs in Canada who are building solutions focused on innovation, sustainability and social good. The finalists delivered impassioned pitches to a panel of industry leaders at the Palais des Congrès de Montréal, judged on entrepreneurial spirit, sound business model, traction, and scalability. The live competition drew over 300 attendees, including students, business leaders, and policymakers, all rallying behind Canada’s next generation of entrepreneurial talent.
Learn more about the annual Student Entrepreneur Competition and the incredible top 12 entrepreneur finalists.
