January 29, 2010

Nominations for the 2010 Green Innovation Awards — a new award which offers up to $50,000 in seed money to help develop and bring new and innovative green products and solutions to the Toronto marketplace — are now open.

The Green Innovation Awards are the result of a partnership between the City of Toronto and the Toronto Community Foundation, and made possible through the generous support of Toronto Community Foundation fundholders.

"The incredible passion Torontonians have for a greener city is matched by their ingenuity in finding ways to make it happen," said Toronto Mayor David Miller. "All residents with great green ideas and the ambition to market them should be encouraged to apply for funding through the 2010 Green Innovation Awards." 

Rahul K. Bhardwaj, President & CEO of the Toronto Community Foundation, shares in Mayor Miller’s enthusiasm for this new partnership. "Our Toronto's Vital Signs® Report tells us that as a city, we're making significant strides towards a greener community - but we require greater investment in green technologies, products and services,” he said. “We know that Torontonians care deeply about the environment, and many have innovative ideas. By providing entrepreneurial Torontonians the support to get these 'green ideas' off the ground, the Green Innovation Awards are a great response to our environmental challenges. We're pleased to partner with the City of Toronto to help make it happen."

Ideas and projects eligible for funding may include any new technology, product and/or service that will make Toronto a greener and more liveable city and:

• reduce greenhouse gases;
• improve air quality;
• reduce waste;
• improve water or energy efficiency;
• engage Toronto's residents, businesses and communities in pro-environmental behaviour change; and/or
• help the city of Toronto adapt to changes caused by climate change.

Successful applicants will be invited to pitch their green idea and funding request to a panel of judges. Award recipients will be announced at the Green Toronto Awards on Friday April 23, 2010 at the Green Living Show, Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place.

More Information
Learn more about the Green Innovation Awards and how to apply ››