InnovateNB: Celebrating Courage, Impact, and Unicorns in the Woods

New Brunswick Innovation Foundation

 

 

The InnovateNB Awards, building on the legacy established by the KIRA Awards, serve as a strong symbol of what occurs when vision meets perseverance. They honour founders who daringly dream big—and then turn those dreams into solutions that make a difference, generate jobs, and elevate New Brunswick on the world stage. 

Reflecting on the InnovateNB Awards held this year on Thursday, November 27th in Saint John, I was reminded once again of the incredible impact these innovators have. The room was full of entrepreneurs who are improving our healthcare system, advancing our manufacturing sector, and driving digital solutions for the global economy—all from right here in New Brunswick. One founder’s technology is helping businesses reduce waste worldwide, another is building tools that empower communities to thrive in the digital economy. They are using our talent, infrastructure, and skills to become global leaders. These stories prove that ambition, when paired with courage, can turn possibilities into progress. Thank you to the founders and congratulations to all the nominees and winners – you are making a difference.

The Power of Community and Collaboration

But innovation doesn’t happen in isolation. It requires an ecosystem—a network of partners who believe in possibility and work tirelessly to turn it into reality. To the McKenna Institute, TechImpact, Propel, and this year’s regional economic development sponsor, Envision Saint John, and my own team at NBIF, thank you. Your dedication to fostering collaboration and enabling growth is the foundation on which these success stories are built. These organizations are just a few of the many institutional and community groups working every day to help founders succeed. Together, they form the scaffolding that allows bold ideas to thrive.

Fueling Ambitious Change

I also want to commend the Government of New Brunswick for remaining committed to fostering innovation within the entire system and establishing the infrastructure for companies to build and expand. This level of support is essential; it creates the conditions for entrepreneurs to take risks, scale their ideas, and deliver goods and services to the world.

Our province is establishing a circular system where economic growth drives social change, and social impact motivates further economic development. The story of this year’s InnovateNB Hall of Fame inductee, Marcel Lebrun, exemplifies this cycle; showing that leadership and vision can reshape communities for generations.

As CEO of NBIF, I am honoured to lead and collaborate with exceptional people who share this mission. Every conversation at the InnovateNB Awards left me energized and hopeful. These founders are not just building businesses—they are shaping a better future for everyone. They remind us that innovation goes beyond technology; it’s about courage, resilience, and the belief that we can create something extraordinary right here in New Brunswick.

With all this momentum and possibility, the question is – how can you help shape what’s next? Invest in a company, test and buy New Brunswick technology products, make an introduction or take a call. And continue to show up and celebrate the incredible talent driving New Brunswick forward. Together, we can push boundaries, inspire change, and create a province that leads—not just locally, but globally. Let’s keep building our herd of Unicorns in the Woods.

Jeff White, FCPA, CA, ICD.D, is President and CEO of the New Brunswick Innovation Foundation (NBIF).

To learn more about:

• The InnovateNB Awards and this year’s winners go to: InnovateNB Celebration

• The book, ‘Unicorn in the Woods: How East Coast Geeks and Dreamers Are Changing the Game’, published in 2020 by Gordon Pitts go to Goose Lane.