Written by Stephni Madapatha, Program Coordinator Co-op (Winter 2025) 

Imagine a room buzzing with ideas, a space filled with bright minds eager to shape the future, and a night dedicated to celebrating the grit, resilience, and brilliance of student entrepreneurs. That was the first Launchbox Innovation Awards Banquet 2025—an evening that redefined what it means to dream big and chase innovation at Acadia University. 

On Wednesday, March 19th, over 75 attendees including industry leaders and Acadia community members gathered at Fountain Commons for a night that was more than just an awards banquet. It was a celebration of ambition, determination, and community. From the moment guests walked in, the air was charged with excitement, laughter, and the promise of new beginnings. 

A Feast for Innovation

If you’ve been to a Launchbox event before, you know one thing for sure— we never let anyone leave hungry! Free pizza has always been our signature, but this time, we elevated the experience with a fully catered buffet dinner by Chartwells. And it wasn’t just the food that was different—it was the energy. It was the way people connected, how conversations flowed effortlessly, and how even those who dropped in for just a few minutes walked away with meaningful connections. First-year environmental science student, Grace Henrichs, says “The banquet was absolutely beautiful. The speakers were insightful, inspiring and created a heartwarming atmosphere. It was an incredible event! I’m lucky I got to be a part of it.” And that’s what Launchbox is all about: bringing people together, sparking ideas, and building a community where entrepreneurs thrive. 

“The banquet represented a significant opportunity for aspiring students to become entrepreneurs’” says Vihanga Thotagamuwa (fourth-year, Chemistry). “The event provided incredible information and guidance on navigating challenges in the business sector.” 

Vihanga found the evening to be “an uplifting experience for students in every program.” Launchbox isn’t just for those in the School of Business—students from every program can find something valuable to learn from what it has to offer. 

 

The Hardest Path, the Greatest Reward

And while it can be for anyone who wants to take a swing at it, no matter their major, entrepreneurship is not for the faint of heart. It’s filled with late nights, self-doubt, and moments when giving up seems easier than pushing forward. But it’s also about resilience—the ability to rise, adapt, and turn challenges into opportunities.  

Four incredible students pitched their businesses under four different categories, proving that with determination and vision, anything is possible: 

🏆 Startup Award: Rowan Norrad, Founder of Equlantic Aquatic Monitoring Inc. 

🏆 Small Business Award: Nate Wickens, Founder of Next Level Property Management & Services 

🏆 Food Business Award & Valley Women’s Business Network Award: Megan Glasgow, Founder of Calypso Bites 

🏆 Social Enterprise Award & Audience Choice Award: Alex Dulay, Founder of Touching Hearts 

Watching the dedication of these students turn into success was nothing short of inspiring. 

Learning from the Best

However, the night wasn’t just about recognizing achievements of current students; it was about learning from those who have walked this path before. The panel discussion with Chelsey MacNeil (CEO of the Purposeful Group), Gregg Curwin (Co-founder and CEO of NovaGevity), and Junior Moaku (Founder of Save Me, Save We), brilliantly led by Suzanne Knight (07’; Co-founder of Be Uninterrupted) was packed with insights, real-life experiences, and powerful advice.  

Suzanne Knight was “proud to see the energy and ambition coming from the next generation of Canadian entrepreneurs. This banquet was a glimpse of what’s possible when we invest in young talent and create space for them to lead.” 

The keynote speaker, Alex MacLean ('15), was just another Acadia student with an idea in 2013 when he founded East Coast Lifestyle as a project for his entrepreneurship course A year and half later, while still a student, Alex had sold 300,000 hoodies. A decade later, he continues to evolve, actively adapting, embracing challenges, and staying ahead of the curve to ensure continued relevance and growth. His inspiring story is the perfect example of what’s possible when passion meets perseverance.  

 

Launchbox: More Than Just a Space

As we wrapped up this incredible night, one thing was clear: the future of entrepreneurship at Acadia is brighter than ever. And at Launchbox, we will continue to fuel that fire.The Launchbox Innovation Awards Banquet was not just a one-night event; it was a statement. A promise. A testament to what’s possible at Acadia University.  

So, to every aspiring entrepreneur reading this - your journey starts here. Your ideas matter. And you are capable of more than you know. 

See you at the next Launchbox event - where innovation never ends!