Maple Ridge names four local business winners in 2026 Innovation Challenge

The City of Maple Ridge announced the four winners of its 2026 Innovation Challenge on October 20. They will share more than $17,000 in cash and in-kind services. This year’s competition had two categories: businesses operating for less than five years, and those operating for five years or more. The new format recognizes emerging entrepreneurs bringing fresh ideas to market as well as established organizations finding innovative ways to grow, adapt or make a difference in the community.

In the under-five-year category, Lifestyle Farms won first place and $3,500, while Novisense Tech was runner-up and received $1,500. In the five-years-or-more category, Friends in Need Food Bank won first place and $3,500, while Innovative Parts and Solutions was runner-up and received $1,500.

The City said the four recipients reflect the range of innovation in Maple Ridge, from emerging businesses and technology-driven solutions to established organizations developing new ways to serve customers and the community. Other finalists were K&K Custom Creations, Aquastar Therapies, Sticky Spanish School and Scholesa, which also showcased forward-thinking solutions.

Karen Hansen, a business outreach specialist with the City’s Economic Development team, congratulated the winners. She said innovation takes many forms and the recipients demonstrate the talent, creativity and determination in Maple Ridge. The City is proud to recognize their achievements and support their continued success, she said.

The City thanked category award sponsors Ridge Meadows College and Pitt Meadows Plumbing for helping celebrate local entrepreneurship and innovation. All winners will also receive business enhancement prizes worth thousands of dollars, donated by local in-kind sponsors SuperHR, Oakton Financial, Markayting, Ridge Meadows Chamber of Commerce and MHWP Law.

### Supporting a growing innovation ecosystem

Now in its sixth year, the Maple Ridge Innovation Challenge spotlights innovative work across the local business community. It encourages businesses and organizations of all sizes and sectors to showcase products, services, processes and approaches that improve efficiency, address challenges or create growth opportunities.

A complementary initiative, the Catalyst Innovation Network, connects innovators and entrepreneurs across the Lower Mainland to share insights and support economic diversification. Registration is open for its free upcoming insights and networking event, “Capital, Connections, and Credibility: A Founder’s Guide to Angel Investment.” It takes place November 19 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Patch Brewery.

### About the Maple Ridge Innovation Challenge

The annual challenge recognizes creativity, ingenuity and forward-thinking solutions across the local business community. It is open to businesses in a wide range of industries and highlights the people and ideas driving economic growth, strengthening community connections and helping position Maple Ridge as a place where innovation can flourish.

Details about next year’s challenge will be available in summer 2027 at MapleRidge.ca/Innovation. The City invites people to look out for a business doing something outside the box.

For more information, contact Pardeep Purewal, senior manager of corporate communications, at Media@MapleRidge.ca.