Maple Ridge celebrates local innovation with more than $17,000 in prizes
Four Maple Ridge businesses and organizations are being recognized for their innovative approaches to business and community service, sharing more than $17,000 in cash prizes and in-kind support through the city’s 2026 Innovation Challenge.
The City of Maple Ridge announced the winners on Oct. 20, recognizing both emerging entrepreneurs and established organizations finding new ways to grow, adapt and serve the community.
Now in its sixth year, the annual competition introduced two categories for 2026, separating businesses operating for less than five years from those established for five years or longer.
Lifestyle Farms took first place in the under-five-years category, receiving $3,500, while technology company Novisense Tech earned the $1,500 runner-up prize.
In the established business category, Friends in Need Food Bank received the $3,500 first-place award, while Innovative Parts and Solutions was named runner-up, receiving $1,500.
The four winners received a combined $10,000 in cash prizes, along with thousands of dollars in business enhancement services donated by local sponsors.
Other finalists included K&K Custom Creations, Aquastar Therapies, Sticky Spanish School and Scholesa.
“Congratulations to all four winners of the 2026 Innovation Challenge,” said Karen Hansen, business outreach specialist with the city’s economic development team. “Innovation takes many forms, and this year’s recipients show just how much talent, creativity, and determination exists in Maple Ridge. We’re proud to recognize their achievements and support their continued success.”
The competition is designed to highlight businesses developing new products, services and processes that improve efficiency, address challenges or create opportunities for growth.
This year’s category awards were sponsored by Ridge Meadows College and Pitt Meadows Plumbing, while additional prizes were provided by SuperHR, Oakton Financial, Markayting, the Ridge Meadows Chamber of Commerce and MHWP Law.
The Innovation Challenge is part of the city’s broader efforts to encourage entrepreneurship and economic diversification.
Those efforts also include the Catalyst Innovation Network, which connects entrepreneurs and innovators across the Lower Mainland to share ideas, resources and business opportunities.
The network’s next free event, Capital, Connections, and Credibility: A Founder’s Guide to Angel Investment, is scheduled for Nov. 19 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Patch Brewery in Maple Ridge.
The event will focus on helping entrepreneurs understand investment opportunities and build connections to support business growth. Registration is currently open.
