Judging the Innovator's Den: A Day of Creativity, Passion, and Potential
Last month, I had the honour of being invited to serve as a judge for the annual Innovator's Den, an exciting event hosted by the Entrepreneurship Association at the University of Toronto Scarborough. Previously known as "Shark Tank," this business pitch competition was recently rebranded, offering a fresh, engaging approach to celebrating entrepreneurial creativity on campus. Innovator’s Den was designed to be more than just a competition—it was a space for young entrepreneurs to showcase their hard work, share their innovative ideas, and bring their passions to life. And for me, it was an opportunity to witness firsthand the drive and ambition of the next generation of leaders.
The event itself was electric. Each participant had put their heart into their ideas, and the level of preparation was clear. As a judge, I listened intently to the pitches, noting everything from business model viability and market potential to the creativity and passion each team brought to the table. My role wasn’t only about picking a winner but about providing constructive feedback to help these entrepreneurs refine their vision and, hopefully, set them on a path toward success.
It’s incredible to see the diversity of ideas that students bring to the stage. From tech solutions and sustainable products to social enterprises aiming to make a difference, the pitches showcased an impressive range of innovation. It was clear that these budding entrepreneurs had invested not only their time but also their values into these projects. Their passion was infectious, and as judges, we were captivated by how well-thought-out these ideas were—some even ready for immediate launch. These students had done their research, iterated on their ideas, and presented strategies that could truly make an impact in their respective fields.
What stood out most to me, however, was the level of maturity, resilience, and adaptability these young entrepreneurs exhibited. Entrepreneurship is no easy journey, and many of these students had already navigated challenges, faced setbacks, and learned valuable lessons in perseverance. As someone with experience in the business world, it was inspiring to see the level of commitment they had poured into their ventures, even at such an early stage.
At the end of the day, selecting a winner was no easy task. Each pitch had something unique, and every team brought their A-game. However, there was one project that edged out the others—a team whose idea not only showcased impressive innovation but also aligned perfectly with market needs and demonstrated a clear path to growth. While I can’t reveal all the details just yet, I can say that this team has all the right ingredients for a successful launch.
Judging the Innovator's Den was more than just an event for me—it was a reminder of why I’m passionate about supporting emerging entrepreneurs. Watching these students bring their ideas to life reminded me of the importance of encouraging creativity, resilience, and the courage to dream big. As they move forward in their journeys, I’m confident we’ll see many of these ideas grow into successful businesses that could reshape industries and inspire future entrepreneurs.
To the students who participated, thank you for sharing your vision, and to those in the audience, thank you for supporting these trailblazers. Innovator's Den was an inspiring experience, and I can’t wait to see what these young innovators accomplish in the future.