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Submissions now open for national program recognizing innovation across five key sectors.
Canadian Business, in partnership with Maclean’s, today announced the launch of the 2026 CB Innovation Awards, a national awards program recognizing Canadian companies delivering measurable social, economic and environmental impact through innovative solutions. Submissions are open until January 23, 2026.
With nearly a century of business journalism from Canadian Business and 120 years of trusted national storytelling from Maclean’s, the two brands are uniquely positioned to evaluate and recognize the organizations shaping Canada’s future.
“The CB Innovation Awards recognize organizations that are not only driving growth, but applying innovation to solve real-world challenges,” said Katrya Bolger, editor of Canadian Business. “These awards celebrate businesses advancing more inclusive, sustainable and resilient outcomes for Canada.”
Award categories
The 2026 CB Innovation Awards will honour original, forward-looking solutions across five categories:
- Social Impact, Health & Education: Businesses improving community well-being, public health, or social outcomes
- Financial Services: Businesses creating products or services that expand access, equity, and economic opportunity.
- Sustainability: Businesses reducing environmental impact, promoting circular practices, or advancing climate action.
- Digital & Technology Design: Businesses leveraging technology to transform experiences, engagement, or communities.
- Arts, Media & Creative Industries: Businesses using creative media and marketing efforts to create cultural change.
All submissions will be reviewed by the editorial teams at Canadian Business and Maclean’s. Winners will be selected based on how effectively their innovations address pressing social or environmental challenges, demonstrate forward-thinking leadership and deliver measurable impact.
National recognition and exposure
Award recipients will receive prominent national exposure across Canadian Business and Maclean’s platforms, including:
- Maclean’s magazine feature: Editorial recognition in the May 2026 issue of Maclean’s, spotlighting award recipients and their impact.
- Digital coverage: Prominent feature placement across canadianbusiness.com and macleans.ca, reaching national audiences of business leaders and decision-makers.
- Multi-platform amplification: Promotion across Canadian Business and Maclean’s email newsletters and social media channels.
- CB Innovation Awards Luncheon: Recognition at a high-profile networking event bringing together business leaders, innovators, and decision-makers from across Canada, offering finalists a platform to share their work, connect with peers and elevate their impact.
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Past winners include Wealthsimple, Pinterest, Maple, Ecobee, Nixit, Borrowell and Lendesk, among other Canadian innovators.
How to apply
Companies of all sizes—Canadian-based or international organizations with a Canadian presence—are invited to apply. Eligible applicants must demonstrate innovation aligned with positive social, economic, or environmental impact.
- Deadline: January 23, 2026
- Application fee: $500 CAD (one-time)
For full details or to submit an application, visit the CB Innovation Awards website.
Questions can be directed to innovationawards@canadianbusiness.com.
About Canadian Business
Founded in 1928, Canadian Business is one of Canada’s most trusted sources for business journalism, covering the leaders, companies and ideas shaping the country’s economy. Today, the brand reflects the evolving values, inclusive approaches and entrepreneurial spirit shaping Canada’s business landscape, delivering insight across digital platforms and live experiences. Through an expanded partnership with Maclean’s, Canadian Business continues to elevate entrepreneurship and innovation on a national stage. Canadian Business is published by SJC Media, the country’s largest publisher of multi–platform brands. Visit canadianbusiness.com.
About Maclean’s
Canada’s best-known national magazine, Maclean’s has delivered 120 years of trusted national storytelling, covering politics, culture, trends, ideas and personalities with a focus on long-form feature journalism. Through its monthly print edition, online stories, social channels, newsletters and live events, Maclean’s helps readers understand their country and their world. Maclean’s is published by SJC Media, the country’s largest publisher of multi–platform brands. Visit macleans.ca.
Media Contact:
Marta Tsimicalis, Director of Communications: marta.tsimicalis@stjoseph.com
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