Saint Mary’s University has been named National Champion at the Enactus Canada National Exposition and will represent Canada at the Enactus World Cup this September in Thailand. The team’s project, Square Roots, addresses food insecurity, by selling imperfect produce and distributing it to 16 franchises, run by entrepreneurs who sell this produce below market rate, providing Nova Scotians with fresh, affordable produce. Their project AlaagiTM offers a renewable alternative to traditional plastic film packaging using seaweed.
Over three rounds of competition at the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre, 51 post-secondary teams presented community-driven projects that focus on innovative solutions and measurable impact, tackling some of Canada’s biggest challenges—from food insecurity and emissions to sustainability and access to affordable housing. Four finalists rose to the top this week to compete in the Final Round of Competition, proudly presented by Canadian Tire Corporation.
“We are proud to be a sponsor of the final round of the competition and support the home-grown innovation and community impact Enactus teams are creating across Canada,” said Susan O’Brien, EVP and Chief Transformation Officer, Canadian Tire Corporation. “Square Roots and AlaagiTM are providing a solutions to complex issues in Canada. Congratulations to Saint Mary’s University, the runners-up, and all the Teams that competed over the past few days. We are inspired by your dedication to creating a bright future.”
An esteemed panel of judges from some of Canada’s top corporations, evaluated the post-secondary teams on entrepreneurial leadership, innovation, the use of business principles and sustainable positive impact within their projects and business ventures.
In a competitive final round, Wilfrid Laurier University was recognized as Runner-Up for their projects:
- Kuponya Innovations tackles the housing crisis through their affordable, rapid-assembly “house-in-a-box” kits that empower communities. They are creating opportunities for community members to become certified installers and create businesses around their housing needs
- Sapphire creates inclusive workplaces for autistic students. With skills training, paid internships, and a supportive network, they’ve supported 16 students in gaining employment, generating $115 K in income – and plan to scale the program nationally
University of British Columbia – Vancouver and University of Ottawa also participated in the final four round of competition.
“Congratulations to the 2025 National Champions, Saint Mary’s University! Their approach to addressing food insecurity and renewable alternatives to plastic waste has impressed and inspired us by driving tangible change. We are proud to have them representing Canada at the World Cup in Thailand. Their success, and the inspiring solutions showcased by all teams, proves what’s possible when we empower young Canadians to take entrepreneurial action,” commented Catherine Fowler, President and CEO at Enactus Canada.
The team and a delegation of Canadian representatives will travel to Bangkok, Thailand for the Enactus World Cup, September 25-28.
Learn more about our programs, how you can get involved, and more news from the 2025 Enactus Canada National Competition.