Creative, enterprising individuals from across campus will take centre stage at the inaugural Brock Innovation Showcase next month, including recipients of two new awards recognizing the innovator and entrepreneur of the year.

Presented by the Brock LINC, the annual event aims to highlight researchers and entrepreneurs who are developing new research-based technologies, startups and partnerships with industry or community organizations.

The showcase will gather members of the campus community, industry professionals, investors and community partners to celebrate research and commercialization successes while learning more about research-based technologies and startups at Brock.

“Innovation at Brock has grown tremendously,” says Farzana Crocco, Executive Director of Innovation, Commercialization and Entrepreneurship. “We have been delighted to see the impact that research innovation, research partnerships and entrepreneurship are having at Brock and in the communities we serve.”

Brock LINC is seeking nominations for two awards honouring outstanding achievements in research innovation, commercialization and entrepreneurship.

The Brock Innovator of the Year Award recognizes Brock faculty and staff researchers who have demonstrated exemplary innovation or commercialization and have successfully translated their research and ideas into social or economic impact.

The Brock Entrepreneur of the Year Award recognizes promising entrepreneurs developing innovative startups at Brock that are shaping the world and inspiring action. Eligible nominees include Brock faculty, staff and students as well as participants in Brock LINC programming.

Award nomination forms can be submitted to brocklinc@brocku.ca until Friday, Jan. 31.

This year, the showcase will also celebrate Brock LINC’s fifth anniversary.

“When we started the Brock LINC five years ago, our focus was on building an innovation and entrepreneurial culture at the University,” says Crocco. “We are now at a point where there is some real excitement and momentum with the innovation activities at the University. There is a lot to recognize and celebrate.”

The Brock Innovation Showcase takes place Thursday, Feb. 27 from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Rankin Family Pavilion. Members of the Brock and wider communities can register to attended on the Brock LINC website.