ATTENTION

2026 Submissions:
Now Open

The CB Innovation Awards with Maclean’s Spotlight Canada’s Innovative Leaders

Is your company developing creative solutions for a better future? This year’s CB Innovation Awards, in partnership with Maclean’s, will celebrate companies across five sectors that are shaping a more inclusive and sustainable world. Winners will be recognized across Canadian Business and Maclean’s media channels, with features in both the print and digital editions of Maclean’s magazine, spotlighting your leadership in innovation.

Apply today

The countdown is on

Days
Hours

Hurry! Submissions close January 23, 2026

ABOUT THE AWARDS

Celebrating excellence in innovation

This year, the CB Innovation Awards highlights companies advancing social, economic, and environmental change across five key categories through cutting-edge innovation. These categories are:

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

Apply today

WHY APPLY

Elevate your impact

Elevate your
profile and earn
the recognition you deserve

Win big with unparalleled exposure! As an Innovation Awards honouree, your company's success story will be featured in an in-depth article in the May 2026 issue of Maclean's. Additionally, winning companies will be showcased on canadianbusiness.com and macleans.com, receiving promotions across our highly engaged audience through email and social media platforms. Plus, take advantage of custom amplification opportunities to maximize the impact of your esteemed award.

PRINT

DIGITAL

SOCIAL

EVENT

Apply today

ELIGIBILITY

Are you a leader in innovation?

We invite companies of all sizes and sectors that are focused on creating innovative products and services with a positive social impact to apply. Whether you’re Canadian-based or an international company with a Canadian presence, check if you align with our vision for innovation.

Apply today

SUBMISSIONS GUIDELINES

How to submit
your entry

Submitting your entry is simple. Access our submissions portal, register, and complete a questionnaire detailing how your company’s core innovations help address Canada’s challenges. Outstanding entries will be contacted for further details. Start your journey to becoming a recognized leader in sustainability today!

Apply today

JUDGING CRITERIA

This year, we are focused on how your innovations directly address key social and environmental challenges. Share how your business is driving meaningful change and showcase the forward-thinking solutions you’ve implemented. If your approach stands out, you could be selected as our next honouree.

Apply today

PAST WINNERS

Join the winner's circle

Join the
winner's circle

Some of Canada's leading companies have been recognized as CB Innovation Awards winners in past years. These trailblazers span industries and exemplify the spirit of innovation and success that the Awards celebrate. Join the ranks by applying today.

Apply Today

FAQ & CONTACT

Got questions?

Yes, there is a one-time application fee of $500 CAD. This fee can be paid through the application portal using any major credit card, and must be completed before finalizing your submission.

Any member of your organization can submit the application, as long as they have the necessary approval from your company's leadership and can provide all the required details during the application process.

Mark your calendars! The CB Innovation Awards winners will be announced in April 2026, during a special luncheon. Catch the detailed coverage in the May issue of Maclean's magazine, available on newsstands starting April 20. Additionally, updates will be shared across Canadian Business and Maclean's various print and digital media channels.

If your organization wins, you'll gain prominent exposure in the CB Innovation Awards feature, both in print and online. Additionally, we'll promote your win across our email and social media channels. Winners also get exclusive marketing opportunities to amplify the recognition and impact of their award.

We welcome organizations from all over the globe, provided they have a headquarters in Canada and contribute significantly to the Canadian market.

Expect to hear from us in March 2026 if your organization has been long-listed. We'll contact you directly to share the exciting news!

In this awards program, innovation is defined as the creation, application, or improvement of products, services, or processes that deliver measurable benefits to society or the economy. This year, the focus spans five key sectors, with innovations that could range from supporting public health, improving financial accessibility, or developing products with a reduced environmental footprint. These innovations should be integral to a company's operations.

Get in touch

Need more information or assistance with your submission? Our dedicated team is here to help. Contact us at innovationawards@canadianbusiness.com.

Ready to innovate and inspire?

Don’t miss out – submissions will be accepted until January 2026.

Apply today

1 Founded in 1959, Second City popularized the art of long-form comedic improvisation, which thrives on a two-word ethos: “Yes, and…” Performers were encouraged to follow the lead of their fellow players, embracing the chaos as they wrote live comedy in real-time.