Acadia celebrates innovation and entrepreneurs during Launchbox Banquet

From the Springboard Content Lab

Launchbox celebrated entrepreneurship and new ideas during its inaugural Innovation Awards Banquet 2025 at Acadia University Foundation Hall.

Launchbox is an Acadia University hub for experiential learning and professional development programs where students learn entrepreneurial skills, gain access to industry mentors, and learn and funding.

It brings together budding entrepreneurs and the community through programs and events that include the Build a Business program, Project Connect, the Entrepreneur Awards, and Innovation Challenges.

Student businesses that have recently emerged from Launchbox range from a youth-led mental health program to an AI personal assistant, a lawn care business to a catering company specializing in Caribbean cuisine, and property management services to a retailer specializing in bespoke crochet gifts.

East Coast Lifestyle founder was keynote speaker

Acadia graduate Alex MacLean (‘15) who founded East Coast Lifestyle was the keynote speaker. MacLean’s business started as project for his entrepreneurship course at Acadia in 2013. A year and a half later, while still a student, he had sold 300,000 hoodies. 

A decade later, he continues to evolve, actively adapting, embracing challenges, and staying ahead of the curve to ensure continued relevance and growth. His inspiring story is the perfect example of what’s possible when passion meets perseverance.  The event also featured leaders from industry and Acadia University.

“The banquet represented a significant opportunity for aspiring students to become entrepreneurs. The event provided incredible information and guidance on navigating challenges in the business sector.” 

– Vihanga Thotagamuwa, fourth-year, chemistry student

Congratulations to award winners who pitched their businesses

🏆 Startup Award: Rowan Norrad, Founder of Equlantic Aquatic Monitoring Inc.
🏆 Small Business Award: Nate Wickens, Founder of Next Level Property Management & Services
🏆 Food Business Award & Valley Women’s Business Network Award: Megan Glasgow, Founder of Calypso Bites
🏆 Social Enterprise Award & Audience Choice Award: Alex Dulay, Founder of Touching Hearts

“The banquet was absolutely beautiful. The speakers were insightful, inspiring and created a heartwarming atmosphere. It was an incredible event! I’m lucky I got to be a part of it.”

Grace Henrichs, first-year environmental science student

Panel offers insights into entpreneurship

The event also featured a panel discussion with entrepreneurs Chelsey MacNeil (CEO of the Purposeful Group), Gregg Curwin (Co-founder and CEO of NovaGevity), and Junior Moaku (Founder of Save Me, Save We), brilliantly led by Suzanne Knight (07’; Co-founder of Be Uninterrupted) .

Alex Dulay, founder of Touching Hearts