Ottawa, Canada – October 17, 2025 – Invest Ottawa proudly celebrates a remarkable group of uOttawa Telfer School of Management alumni who continue to shape Ottawa’s innovation economy, including our own Nick Quain, Vice President of Venture Development at Invest Ottawa who was the recipient of the 2025 Trudeau Medal.
Alongside Quain were Corey Ellis and Alida Burke from The Growcer, Elizabeth Audette-Bourdeau from Welbi, and Kyle Braatz from Fullscript. Collectively, these leaders exemplify the strength, collaboration, and talent driving Ottawa’s world-class innovation ecosystem.
“Nick is an extraordinary leader and entrepreneur. He channels the same drive, resilience and grit that helped him build his own company into helping others achieve their dreams. He is deeply committed to helping founders grow through the highs, the lows and every stage of their journey. He is truly building our entrepreneurial community. We are thrilled to see Nick recognized for his leadership and impact, and even more grateful to have him as part of our team,” said Sonya Shorey, President and CEO, Invest Ottawa.
“I want to extend heartfelt congratulations to all of this year’s honourees. These remarkable leaders are building a better Canada and shaping our community, economy, and world through their innovation, leadership and impact. Sincere congratulations to all recipients, and thank you for building here.”
Honouring Ottawa’s Innovators and Builders
Invest Ottawa extends its heartfelt congratulations to all uOttawa Telfer alumni recognized through the 2025 Telfer Awards, including several founders supported by IO’s venture programs and ecosystem initiatives:
- Corey Ellis and Alida Burke, co-founders of The Growcer, recipients of the Young Achievers Award, recognized for their leadership in sustainable agri-tech and social enterprise. 2025 Telfer Award Series – Young Achievers Award
- Elizabeth Audette-Bourdeau, founder and CEO of Welbi, also honoured with a Young Achievers Award for her leadership in health innovation and technology. 2025 Telfer Award Series – Young Achievers Award
- Kyle Braatz, co-founder and CEO of Fullscript, and Rachael Braatz, recipients of the 2025 Dean’s Philos Award for their philanthropic leadership and commitment to community building in the Ottawa region. 2025 Telfer Award Series – Community Builders
- Learn more about Nick Quain’s recognition: 2025 Telfer Award Series – The R. Trudeau Medal
A Legacy of Innovation, Leadership, and Mentorship
From early-stage founders to established leaders, this year’s Telfer Award recipients reflect the powerful intersection of education, innovation, and entrepreneurship that defines Ottawa’s technology and business community.
Through mentorship, venture programming, and community leadership, Invest Ottawa is honoured to work alongside these exceptional alumni and organizations that continue to strengthen Canada’s Capital as a global hub for innovation and inclusive economic growth.
About Invest Ottawa
Invest Ottawa is the lead economic development agency for knowledge-based industries in Canada’s Capital Region, facilitating economic growth and job creation in Ottawa. Guided by a vision to help realize Ottawa’s full potential as a globally recognized, innovative, inclusive, and future-ready city, Invest Ottawa delivers venture development, global expansion and talent programs and services that catalyze the growth and success of entrepreneurs and firms. These include small business training, mentorship, acceleration for technology firms, foreign business and investment attraction, local business retention and expansion in targeted sectors, commercialization and marketing Ottawa’s diversified economy and high quality of life. Invest Ottawa is also the manager of Bayview Yards, Ottawa’s innovation hub and one-stop business acceleration shop, and founder and operator of Area X.O, the R&D complex for next-gen smart mobility, autonomy, and connectivity technologies. Since 2017, Invest Ottawa has supported and delivered $3.7 billion in GDP impact, 29,343 jobs, and $622 million in government revenues.
Media Contact
Lindsey Fair
Vice President – Marketing and Bayview Impact – Invest Ottawa
[email protected]
613-857-7779
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