Applications now open for Ontario Science Centre's 2020 Weston Youth Innovation Award
A $15,000 top prize for a young Canadian who uses science and technology to solve real-world problems
TORONTO, Oct. 29, 2019 /CNW/ - Wanted: bright ideas! The Ontario Science Centre is now accepting applications for the 2020 Weston Youth Innovation Award, which honours young Canadian innovators who use science and technology in creative ways to find innovative solutions to real-world problems.
Established in 2008, the annual award is funded by The W. Garfield Weston Foundation to support and encourage young people between 14-18 years of age to pursue science, technology and innovation in order to make a positive impact in the world. For the second year in a row, the award includes five cash prizes: $15,000 for first place, $8,000 for second place and $3,500 each for up to three finalists.
"Youth innovation is one of the Ontario Science Centre's strategic pillars and our Weston Youth Innovation Award helps us shine a light on the innovation leaders of tomorrow," said Maurice Bitran, PhD, CEO and Chief Science Officer, Ontario Science Centre. "We are delighted to contribute, with the help of the Weston Foundation, to Canada's future innovation economy."
Past winners have come from across Canada, honoured for innovative solutions to clean up raw sewage from contaminated waterways and monitoring vital signs of mass casualty victims, to using a smartphone to help people with visual impairments identify objects.
"The nominees for the Weston Youth Innovation Award are beacons of hope for Canada," said Eliza Mitchell, Director, The W. Garfield Weston Foundation. "We are immensely proud of each of the award recipients, and are pleased to continue to work with the Ontario Science Centre to spark curiosity, scientific discovery and a profound love of learning."
The Ontario Science Centre will accept award submissions until February 7, 2020. An external jury will select the winners in April 2020. Detailed information about the Weston Youth Innovation Award, including past recipients, can be found at OntarioScienceCentre.ca/InnovationAward.
About the Weston Youth Innovation Award
The Weston Youth Innovation Award was established in 2008 to encourage and recognize young Canadian innovators. It was named in recognition of The W. Garfield Weston Foundation's $15 million lead gift to the Ontario Science Centre's Agents of Change initiative. This national award builds on the Foundation's longstanding tradition of support for the education of Canadian youth.
About the Ontario Science Centre
Guided by our mission to inspire passion for the human adventure of discovery, the Ontario Science Centre strives to be a global leader in lifelong learning, a vital link in Ontario's education and innovation ecosystems and a convener of public dialogue about technology, science and society. The Centre has welcomed more than 53 million visitors since opening as a Centennial project in 1969. We pioneered an interactive approach to learning that has since been adopted by science centres around the world. As an agency of the Government of Ontario, the Centre relies on funding from the province, as well as donations from generous individuals, corporations and foundations that share the Centre's vision to contribute to a more curious, creative and resilient world. Learn more at OntarioScienceCentre.ca.
About The W. Garfield Weston Foundation
For three generations, The W. Garfield Weston Foundation has pursued its mission to enhance and enrich the lives of Canadians. With a focus on medical research, the environment and education, the Foundation aims to catalyze inquiry and innovation to bring about long-term change. As the Foundation marks its 60th anniversary, it continues to collaborate with a broad range of Canadian charities to further world-class research, explore new ideas and create tangible benefits for the communities in which it works.
SOURCE Ontario Science Centre
