We are excited to announce the Winners & Finalists of the
36th Annual ASTech Awards!
Their work, described through their submissions below, has made them this year’s finalists.
2025 ASTech Awards Category: Advanced Manufacturing
[WINNER] Wesley Wall and the Genics team, Genics: Advanced Manufacturing Methods in Wood Durability.
[Finalist] The collaboration led by Corey Blanchette of TAQA Drilling with NTWIST: AI-Driven Innovation in Advanced Manufacturing for Energy Tools.
[Finalist] Dr. Patricia Dolez and her team at the University of Alberta, working in collaboration with Davey Textile Solutions Inc., DuPont, and more: Graphene-Based End-of-Life Sensor for Structural Firefighters PPE Garment Systems.
[Finalist] Harpal Mandaher and Nancy Mandaher, Sarcomere Dynamics Inc.: Synthetic Labor: Near-Human Dexterity Robotics for Industrial Automation.
[Finalist] Dr. Aman Ullah, University of Alberta: Driving Circular Economy: Converting Waste into Sustainable Packaging Solutions.
2025 ASTech Awards Category: Agriculture and Agri-Food
[WINNER] Karen Haugen-Kozyra, Teri McNaught, and Dave Schwass of Viresco Solutions Inc.: Global Agri-Carbon Innovator Driving Sustainable Farming and Market Impact.
[Finalist] Reza Sabbagh, Ghader Manafiazar, and Amir Rahvar of iClassifier Inc.: AI-Powered Imaging for Precision Livestock Health and Traits Assessment.
[Finalist] Annie Ray, Anandi Botanicals Inc. (Lethbridge): Tissue Culture Propagation for Disease-Free Plants in Agriculture, Conservation, and Reclamation.
[Finalist] Damilare Odumosu, Cropmind Inc.: AI-Driven Crop Monitoring for Early Disease and Yield Insights.
[Finalist] Aakash Goyal, RAYN Cultivation Inc.: Leveraging Technology and Research to Enhance Cannabis Quality and Yield.
2025 ASTech Awards Category: Sustainability Solutions and Cleantech
[WINNER] Abdallah Manasrah and Nashaat Nassar, Carbon OxyTech Inc.: Sustainable Conversion of Carbon Residues into High-Value Products.
[Finalist] Ling Bai and Adam Abou-Dehn, VL Energy: Transforming Emissions Monitoring and Optimization Using Machine Learning.
[Finalist] Mohamed Gamal El-Din and team, University of Alberta, Civil and Environmental Engineering, in collaboration with Suncor: Innovative Water Reclamation for Sustainable Oil Sands Closure.
[Finalist] Aggrey Mwesigye, University of Calgary, Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering: Solar Thermal and Geothermal Energy Innovations for a Sustainable Future.
[Finalist] Steven Bryant, University of Calgary, Chemical and Petroleum Engineering: Carbon Capture and Clean Technology Solutions.
2025 ASTech Awards Category: Social Innovation and Educational Technologies
[WINNER] Kristian Bainey of K-PIC Systems Inc: Leadership in AI-Driven Project Management Innovation.
[Finalist] Ahmed Mowafi Saad of the University of Alberta, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering: Shaping Brilliant Minds: Innovative Engineering Education.
[Finalist] Sunil Phool of Infinity Safety Awareness: Community Leadership in Mental Health Advocacy.
[Finalist] Julie L. Drolet and her team at the University of Calgary, Faculty of Social Work, Central and Northern Alberta Region: Digital Disaster Documents: A Social Innovation for Disaster Risk Reduction in Households and Communities.
[Finalist] Sharon Skretting, Richelle Marynowski, and Dan Vanden Dungen of Teacher Time Machine (Lethbridge): Saving Teachers Time and Reducing Burnout Through Customized Teaching Resources.
[Finalist] Kathryn Wagner of Inside Education: Inspiring Youth Environment and Climate Leadership in Alberta.
2025 ASTech Awards Category: Medical, Healthcare, and Pharmaceuticals
[WINNER] Raja Singh and Anmol Kapoor, CardiAI Inc.: Rapid Detection of Heart Failure Markers.
[Finalist] Kristian Bainey, K-PIC Systems Inc.: AI-Powered Robotic Cancer Detection.
[Finalist] Michael Hill and team, University of Calgary, Cumming School of Medicine: Transforming Stroke Treatment.
[Finalist] Mark Laurensse, CEO, Arm Lock / Tennis Elbow R&D Ltd.: Medical Innovation for Chronic Injury Treatment.
[Finalist] Sherif Hanafy Mahmoud, University of Alberta, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences: From Bedside to Benchside and Back.
[Finalist] Douglas Mahoney and team, University of Calgary, Cumming School of Medicine – The Riddell Centre for Cancer Immunotherapy: Advancing Cancer Immunotherapy Through Research, Innovation, and Translation.
2025 ASTech Awards Category: Defence, Security, and Aerospace
[WINNER] Jocelyn Arthur, QinetiQ Target Systems Canada: Multi-Role Autonomous Boat Development for the Royal Canadian Navy.
[Finalist] Spencer Fraser, Founder, and Dylan Richards, CFO, Landing Zone Canada: Cutting-Edge Aerospace Solutions for a Greener Tomorrow.
[Finalist] James Hogan, University of Alberta, Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering: Engineering Impact in Alberta – Materials, Advanced Manufacturing, and National Security.
[Finalist] Xingqi Zhang, University of Alberta, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering: High-Performance Tools for Smart Mobility and Wireless Innovation.
[Finalist] Henry Leung, University of Calgary, Department of Electrical and Software Engineering: Object Detection and Sensor Fusion Technologies for Sensor Networks and IoT.
2025 ASTech Awards Category: Indigenous-led Entrepreneurship and Contributions to Knowledge
[WINNER] Jerry Hanna, Clearflow Group Inc.: Protecting Aquatic Ecosystems with Clearflow Gel Flocculants.
[Finalist] Chelsea Benally, University of Alberta, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering: Environmental Engineering with Indigenous Communities for Water Solutions.
[Finalist] Andrew Karesa, BlueBell Village Ltd.: Transforming Dementia Care for Indigenous Communities Through Innovation.
[Finalist] Karan Wadhwani, Master Student, University of Calgary: Exploring energy needs for First Nations communities and building stronger partnerships with Alberta and Canada.
2025 ASTech Awards Category: Environment / Ecosystems
[WINNER] Gordon Stenhouse and team, fRI Research: The Grizzly Bear Program (1999–2021).
[Finalist] Jeff Boisvert, University of Alberta, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering: Uncertainty Quantification and Spatial Modelling for Resource and Wildfire Decisions.
[Finalist] Brett Purdy, Alberta Innovates: Advancing Ecological Science and Innovation.
[Finalist] Randy Valk, GRO (Grassroots Resource Optimization Ltd., Medicine Hat): Redefining Water Management Through Innovation, Conservation and Clean Technology.
[Finalist] Dave Carlton, Andrew Renaux, and Jason Di Pietro, Leaf Ninjas: Remote Solar Irrigation Systems for Ecological Restoration.
2025 ASTech Awards Category: Energy, Petrochemicals, and Resource Industries
[WINNER] Shengnan (Nancy) Chen, University of Calgary, Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering: Employing AI/ML to Advance Smart and Sustainable Subsurface Energy Development.
[Finalist] Dmitri Shilov, Russell NDE Systems Inc.: Development of an Advanced Leak Noise Detector for Pipeline Inspections.
[Finalist] Apostolos Kantzas, University of Calgary, Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering: Digital Innovations in Energy and Environmental Stewardship.
[Finalist] The collaboration led by Corey Blanchette of TAQA Drilling with NTWIST: AI-Driven Innovation in Advanced Manufacturing for Energy Tools.
[Finalist] Mohamed Gamal El-Din, University of Alberta, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering: Innovative Water Reclamation for Sustainable Oil Sands Closure.
2025 ASTech Awards Category: Hydrogen and Alternative Energies
[WINNER] Aurora Hydrogen Inc. – Project Team: Microwave Methane Pyrolysis for Clean and Distributed Hydrogen
[Finalist] Amit Kumar, University of Alberta, Department of Mechanical Engineering: System-level Assessment of Hydrogen and Decarbonization Pathways
[Finalist] Rick Chalaturnyk and Gonzalo Zambrano, University of Alberta, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering: GeoSAFETY – Geoscience for Subsurface Assurance oF Energy TechnologYs
[Finalist] Inder Pal Singh, Golu Hydrogen Technologies Inc.: Transformative Clean Energy Innovations for a Sustainable Future
[Finalist] Jing Liu, University of Alberta, Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering: Sustainable Materials for Energy Infrastructure Transformation
2025 ASTech Awards Category: Construction/Smart Cities
[WINNER] Mustafa Gul, University of Alberta, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering: Building Sustainable, Resilient, and Energy-Efficient Smart Cities for the Future
[Finalist] Alex Gosselin and Adil Kodian, BuildBase: Tackling Old Construction Management Problems with New Streamlined Software
[Finalist] Karim El-Basyouny, University of Alberta, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering: Innovative Methods for Road Infrastructure Digitization Using Advanced Sensor Data
[Finalist] Yasser Mohamed and the Construction Innovation Centre team, University of Alberta: Construction Innovation Centre Research Initiatives for the Improvement of Construction Processes, Performance, and Safety
[Finalist] Henry Tsang and Douglas MacLeod, RAIC Centre for Architecture, Athabasca University: Pioneering Innovations in Regenerative Design for the Built Environment
[Finalist] James Matte and Jon Matte, BuilderChat: AI-Driven Customer Experience and Service Innovation for Homebuilders
2025 ASTech Awards Category: Digital Innovation, Visualization, and Security
[WINNER] Apostolos Kantzas, University of Calgary, Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering: Digital Innovations in Energy and Environmental Stewardship
[Finalist] Tracey Nyholt, TechJutsu Inc.: Securing Caller Verification to Prevent Social Engineering Attacks at the Help Desk
[Finalist] Ruisheng Wang, University of Calgary, Department of Geomatics Engineering: Pioneering 3D Urban Modeling with AI, LiDAR, and Interdisciplinary Innovation
[Finalist] Karim El-Basyouny, University of Alberta, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering: Innovative Methods for Road Infrastructure Digitization Using Advanced Sensor Data
[Finalist] Arlan N. Schultz, AuraWave Technologies Inc.: Gestural Control of Immersive Audio
[Finalist] Norm Bogner, ZeroSound Systems Inc.: Active Noise Control for Industry
[Finalist] Patrick Binns, Abinsi Solutions Group Inc.: Antix – An Integrated Content Publishing and Distribution Software Solution for Local Community Advertising
2025 ASTech Awards Category: AI/ML & Quantum
[WINNER] David Wishart, University of Alberta, Departments of Biological Sciences & Computing Science: Transforming metabolomics globally through AI and digital innovation
[Finalist] Shabir Barzanjeh, University of Calgary, Department of Physics & Astronomy: Advancing quantum communication technologies
[Finalist] Li Cheng, University of Alberta, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering: Digital humans and Text2Motion generation in 3D worlds
[Finalist] Jordan Smith and Daniel Oblak, Quantized Technologies Inc.: Enabling quantum networks and securing communications with quantum technology
[Finalist] Shengnan (Nancy) Chen, Schulich School of Engineering, University of Calgary, Department of Chemical & Petroleum Engineering: Employing AI/ML to advance smart and sustainable subsurface energy development
2025 ASTech Awards Category: Change Maker (Early Career)
[WINNER] Musap “Moose” Abdel, S.I.Y.S. – Struggle is Your Success: Community-Centered Design and Innovation
[Finalist] Zahra Abbasi, Schulich School of Engineering, University of Calgary, Department of Electrical and Software Engineering: Sensing without Seeing: Unlocking the Power of Applied Electromagnetics for Advanced Monitoring and Detection
[Finalist] Aravind Ganesh, University of Calgary, Cumming School of Medicine: Next-Gen RIC: Innovating Stroke and Dementia Care
[Finalist] Ahmad Raza Khan Rana, Integrity Product and Supplies Inc.: Revolutionizing Protection and Performance of Thermally Insulated Assets
[Finalist] Amin Komeili, Schulich School of Engineering, University of Calgary, Department of Biomedical Engineering & Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering: AI-Driven Innovations in Lower Limb Rehabilitation
2025 ASTech Awards Category: Change Maker (Student/New Grad)
[WINNER] Eden Redman, NAT – Network for Applied Technology (formerly NeurAlberta Tech) on student network development – Connecting Interdisciplinary Innovators for Translational Impact.
[Finalist] Karan Wadhwani, University of Calgary – student work on Sustainable Energy Development: Focusing on energy needs for First Nations Lands (FNL)/ communities and how to build better partnerships with Alberta, Canada and First Nation Communities.
[Finalist] Sana Wahab, University of Calgary – work on the Biomedical Engineering Research and Innovation Team (BMERIT) UCalgary: DNADetect: A biosensor for early biomarker detection in neurodegenerative disease diagnosis.
[Finalist] Delaney MacIntosh, University of Alberta – student work at the Faculty of Engineering: Non-invasive methods for improving patient care across diverse clinical applications.
2025 ASTech Awards Category: Women in Innovation – Company and Women in Innovation – Research
[WINNER – COMPANY] Loreen Wales, MyViva Inc.: Advancing Preventive Healthcare with My Viva Plan
[WINNER – RESEARCH] Chelsea Benally, University of Alberta, Faculty of Engineering – Civil and Environmental Engineering Department: Environmental Engineering with Indigenous Communities for Water Solutions
[Finalist] Sarah Harper, My Fertility Labs: Smarter Fertility: Collaborative Care Focused on Root Causes
[Finalist] Juliana Leung, University of Alberta, Faculty of Engineering – Civil and Environmental Engineering Department: Data Analytics in Subsurface Flow Systems
[Finalist] Karen Haugen-Kozyra, Viresco Solutions Inc.: Pioneering Carbon Leader Empowering Farmers, Transforming Climate Policy and Innovation
[Finalist] Sayeh Bayat, Schulich School of Engineering, University of Calgary, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Department of Geomatics Engineering: AI Innovations for Early Dementia Detection and Care
[Finalist] Hilal Gul, Colustra, MyStemBiotech, and University of Alberta, Biomedical Engineering: Colostrum Stem Cells Transforming Agriculture and Regenerative Medicine
[Finalist] Jocelyn Arthur, QinetiQ Target Systems Canada: Multi-Role Autonomous Boat Development for Royal Canadian Navy
2025 ASTech Awards Category: Innovation of the Year
[WINNER] Nanoprecise Sci Corp: Revolutionizing Industrial Health with AI-Powered Precision
[Finalist] Damilare Odumosu and Team (Rillwan Shokunbi, Peyman Ghasemi), CropMind Inc: AI-Driven Crop Monitoring for Early Disease and Yield Insights
[Finalist] Tracey Nyholt, TechJutsu Inc/Caller Verify: Securing Caller Verification to Prevent Social Engineering Attacks at the Help Desk
[Finalist] Abdallah Manasrah and Nashaat Nassar, Carbon OxyTech Inc.: Sustainable Conversion of Carbon Residues into High-Value Products
[Finalist] David Birkett and Team (Vincent Malley, Ed Farnfield, Bradley Gibeau, Ryan Whitside), UVAD Technologies Inc: Advanced Supersonic UAV Target Development
2025 ASTech Awards Category: Researcher of the Year
[WINNER] Calgary Stroke Program Team, University of Calgary, Cumming School of Medicine: Transforming Stroke Treatment
[Finalist] Henry Leung, University of Calgary, Department of Electrical and Software Engineering, Schulich School of Engineering: Object Detection and Sensor Fusion Technologies for Sensor Networks and IoT
[Finalist] Juliana Leung, University of Alberta, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering: Data Analytics in Subsurface Flow Systems
[Finalist] Yasser Mohamed and the Construction Innovation Centre team, University of Alberta: Research Initiatives for the Improvement of Construction Processes, Performance, and Safety
2025 ASTech Awards Category: Alberta-wide Community Champion of Innovation
[WINNER] Robert Burrell, University of Alberta: Training Biomedical Engineers and Translating Ideas into Improved Healthcare Worldwide
[Finalist] Steve Kovacic, The Good Samaritan Society: Building the Technology Backbone of Continuing Care – Leadership in Technology, Infrastructure, and Cybersecurity
[Finalist] Kristina Milke, Sprout Fund: Mentor, Investor, and Advocate for Financial Literacy
[Finalist] Michael Kerr, Alberta Innovates (Retired): Championing Innovation Across Industries and Communities
[Finalist] Shawn Freeman, Impactful MSP, Fully Managed, and TWT Group : Serial Entrepreneur and Tech Innovator
[Finalist] Wayne Hillier, Modern West Advisory: Advancing Methane Emissions Solutions Through Collaboration and Innovation
[Finalist] Grant McLarnon,Sylogist, Ltd..: Advancing Community Impact Through Purpose-Driven Technology Solutions
These finalists represent innovation strength across all of Alberta’s rural regions – advancing technologies and initiatives that strengthen communities, industries, and ecosystems.
2025 ASTech Awards Category for Regional Innovation Champions Award in these areas:
- Research
- Software
- Leadership (2)
- Technology
[WINNER – RESEARCH] RAIC Centre for Architecture, Athabasca University (Athabasca): Pioneering Innovations in Regenerative Design for the Built Environment
[WINNER – SOFTWARE] Richelle Marynowski and team, Teacher Time Machine (Lethbridge): Saving Teachers Time and Reducing Burnout Through Customized Teaching Resources
[WINNER – LEADERSHIP – 1] Tracy Stroud, APEX Regional Innovation Network of Southeast Alberta (Medicine Hat): Fueling Alberta’s Future – Driving Rural Innovation
[WINNER – LEADERSHIP – 2] Michael Kerr, Alberta Innovates (Retired): Championing Innovation Across Industries and Communities
[WINNER – TECHNOLOGY] Spencer Fraser, Landing Zone Canada (Medicine Hat): Cutting-Edge Aerospace Solutions for a Greener Tomorrow
[Finalist] David Birkett and team, UVAD Technologies Inc. (Medicine Hat): Advanced Supersonic UAV Target Development
[Finalist] Anjum Mullick and team, Aurora Hydrogen Inc. (Fort Saskatchewan): Microwave Methane Pyrolysis for Clean and Distributed Hydrogen
[Finalist] Arlan N. Schultz, University of Lethbridge and AuraWave Technologies Inc. (Lethbridge): Gestural Control of Immersive Audio
[Finalist] Robert Frost, Trav Triv (Fort McMurray): Enhancing Both Tourism Travel and Local Business Through Focussed Apps: Trivia Games, Mystery Tours, and Shop-Local Experiences
[Finalist] Hayrapet Hambardzumyan, Lrnkey (Fort McMurray): Making Direct Learning Accessible Through an Online Platform – Matching Learners with Tutor/Coach
[Finalist] Dave Carlton and Andrew Renaux, Leaf Ninjas (Rocky View County): Remote Solar Irrigation Systems for Ecological Restoration
[Finalist] Gordon Stenhouse and team, fRI Research (Hinton): The Grizzly Bear Program (1999–2021)
