Top 10 Finalists
Fanshawe College - June 3, 2025
KiddoKick
Medway High School Team 1
KiddoKick is a pre-sport snack bar specially designed for kids who are picky eaters or experience stomach discomfort before physical activity. Available in four fun, kid-friendly flavours, the nutrient-dense bars are crafted with simple, organic ingredients like honey, gluten-free oats, dairy-free Greek yogurt, chia seeds, and hidden veggies—delivering a high-protein, allergy-friendly option that’s free from nuts, gluten, and dairy. Light, quick, and easy to digest, KiddoKick bars are ideal for active children ages 6 to 15 and are sold individually or in bulk at accessible prices. With recyclable packaging, a Canadian-made label, and a focus on convenience for busy, health-conscious parents, KiddoKick helps kids “snack smart and play hard” with the energy they need and none of the discomfort.
Bead of the Bear
Medway High School Team 2
Bead of the Bear is a Métis-owned business rooted in Indigenous resilience and cultural revival through traditional beadwork. Inspired by the symbolic strength of the bear and a personal journey to reconnect with Métis heritage, the founder launched the venture in October 2024 to fill a gap in southwestern Ontario’s representation of Indigenous artistry. The business creates affordable, handcrafted beadwork—including unique items like lanyards with tear-away chains—designed for everyday use by professionals like teachers and tradespeople. With rising demand and over $500 in early sales, Bead of the Bear aims to make Indigenous art accessible to people from all walks of life. The founder also produces special pieces for Orange Shirt Day and Red Dress Day, donating all profits to organizations that support related causes. Ultimately, Bead of the Bear is about reconnecting a new generation with Indigenous roots—bringing culture, meaning, and fashion together in a powerful expression of identity.
Winter's Edge
Strathroy District Collegiate Institute Team 1
Winter’s Edge is an innovative Canadian company tackling the dangers of icy winters with its flagship product: the Winter’s Edge Icebreaking Shovel. Designed to reduce the high number of fall-related injuries—over 114,000 ER visits last year alone—the shovel features a built-in, retractable ice breaker cleverly concealed in the handle. A secure locking mechanism ensures safety during use, making it ideal for seniors and adults who are most at risk while shovelling. Inspired by the founder’s concern for his own grandparents’ safety, Winter’s Edge aims to provide a practical, life-improving tool that enhances winter safety for households across the country. With widespread market potential and a mission rooted in care, the company presents a compelling opportunity for investment and growth.
Freeze Frame Systems
Ingersoll District Collegiate Institute Team 1
Freeze Frame is an innovative tech solution designed to support hockey referees and improve the accuracy of officiating. Developed in response to growing referee burnout—where 1 in 7 refs quit annually due to abuse from coaches, parents, and players—Freeze Frame uses patented camera and sensor technology to detect offside calls with precision. The system tracks player and official positions by colour and utilizes sensors to eliminate missed calls, creating a more fair and respectful environment for officials. Unlike competitors who focus on large, well-known arenas, Freeze Frame aims to bring advanced, cost-efficient, and reliable technology to smaller community rinks, partnering with leagues like GJHL, Shamrock, and Alliance. The result is a smoother, more accurate game—and a better experience for everyone on the ice.
DineSafe
A.B. Lucas Secondary School Team 1
DineSafe is a smart travel companion app created for people with dietary restrictions who struggle to find suitable meals while abroad. Inspired by the founder’s own experiences as a vegetarian, DineSafe helps users discover and share restaurants worldwide that align with specific dietary and cultural food preferences—from vegan, vegetarian, and pescatarian to halal, kosher, and more. Unlike existing apps that focus solely on veganism, DineSafe covers a broader spectrum of food needs, making it a more inclusive option. The app also fosters a community of like-minded travelers who can exchange tips, reviews, and recommendations. With monetization through in-app ads, premium subscriptions, and loyalty programs, DineSafe is designed for adventure-seeking eaters—especially millennials—who want to enjoy their travels without the stress of food uncertainty. Simply put, it helps you “eat what you love, wherever you go.”
EZ Eats
A.B. Lucas Secondary School Team 2
EZ Eats is a student-focused meal plan service designed to make eating during the school day more affordable, convenient, and nutritious for high school students. The program partners with local food brands to offer flexible, point-based meal plans tailored to individual needs. With pricing options ranging from $40 to $60 per month—and a family plan available—students can use their EZ Eats card to purchase food at partner vendors, with items like pizza slices or Starbucks drinks costing a set number of points. Best of all, unused points roll over, ensuring no wasted money. The goal is simple: to fuel students’ bodies and minds so they can stay focused and perform better in school. EZ Eats helps students eat smarter, save money, and enjoy a better school experience.
Indigo Circle
A.B. Lucas Secondary School Team 3
Indigo Circle is a purpose-driven app designed to combat the global loneliness epidemic—an issue particularly affecting Gen Z, where 8 in 10 report feeling isolated. Unlike social media, which often deepens disconnection, Indigo Circle uses an AI-powered matching system to connect users based on shared interests, age range, and location, fostering authentic, judgment-free communities in real life. The app encourages safe meetups in local public venues like coffee shops, forming spaces where young adults can truly belong and be themselves. With support from investors, Indigo Circle aims to partner with local businesses, offering them new loyal customers while boosting social engagement and the economy. More than a tech product, Indigo Circle is a movement to build meaningful connections and transform how people experience community—one genuine interaction at a time.
Treat Yourself
Clarke Road Secondary School Team 1
Treat Yourself is a gluten-free bakery venture founded by three student entrepreneurs, designed to bring tasty, affordable, and accessible treats to those living a gluten-free or celiac lifestyle. Motivated by personal experiences and the growing demand for gluten-free options, the team offers a wide range of baked goods—including cookies, cupcakes, brownies, and loaves—that are certified celiac-safe and budget-friendly. They also provide convenient gluten-free baking mixes, eliminating the need to buy full-size ingredients for one-off batches and helping reduce waste. With the gluten-free movement on the rise, Treat Yourself aims to satisfy sweet cravings without compromise—because, as they say, they're “flourless but not powerless.”
Babysitting Baddies
Central Elgin Collegiate Institute Team 1
Babysitting Baddies is a fun, flexible childcare service created by two student entrepreneurs to support busy, overwhelmed parents who need a break. Recognizing that 66% of working parents meet the criteria for parental burnout, the duo offers engaging, screen-free babysitting focused on giving kids a fun experience while giving parents time to recharge. Their service is designed to be affordable, profitable, and easy to book—boasting a minimal setup with a 79% profit margin and the promise that their first job will already cover startup costs. Prioritizing both kids’ enjoyment and parents’ peace of mind, the Babysitting Baddies are on a mission to help families thrive—because once you get booked, you'll never get unhooked!
Gluten-free, Eh?
Central Elgin Collegiate Institute Team 2
The venture, Gluten-free, Eh?, is a passionate, health-driven startup founded by a young entrepreneur who was diagnosed with Crohn's disease. Struggling to find flavourful, satisfying gluten-free chicken nuggets, this student entrepreneur and their mom created a tasty alternative that caters to the growing number of people with gluten sensitivities. Their nuggets come in a variety of fun flavors—like salt & vinegar, cool ranch, and ketchup—and are made with 100% Canadian chicken. Designed to be quick, healthy, and actually enjoyable, the product aims to fill a gap in the market where existing gluten-free options are bland and unappetizing. With over 4.5 million Canadians eating gluten-free there is a huge market for this product.