Addressing UN SDGs

SimpliCITY

SimpliCITY seeks to reduce homelessness by connecting individuals to essential resources like shelters, housing, health services, and food, while addressing barriers such as lack of awareness, complicated eligibility criteria, and language difficulties.

They have demonstrated a transformative approach to homelessness support by:

• Engaging healthcare providers, such as emergency physicians, to improve access to critical community resources for individuals experiencing homelessness.
• Collaborating with public health agencies and NGOs, including Ottawa Public Health’s CityStudio, to strengthen community efforts in addressing homelessness.
• Conducting targeted needs assessments in Montreal and Ottawa to identify gaps and tailor solutions for high-prevalence areas.
• Empowering over two cohorts of Algonquin College students with hands-on experience in developing SimpliCITY, combining practical learning with meaningful community contributions.

Credit Jambo

Credit Jambo is a digital platform that provides affordable and convenient micro-loans to low-income earners and SMEs in Rwanda while promoting financial inclusion and supporting economic development of the community.

In 2023, Credit Jambo:

• provided 450 loans to low-income earners and 5 loans to SMEs
• spanning all 5 provincial regions of Rwanda
• and changing the lives of over 600 family members
• they raised $85K in capital
• and launched their loan management system

- Phocas Maniraghua, co-founder & COO

BoldStep Initiative

BoldStep Initiative is a youth-led organization committed to ending poverty by expanding access to education, mentorship, and economic empowerment opportunities.

Through inclusive programs and safe community spaces, BoldStep equips young people with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to break cycles of poverty, build sustainable livelihoods, and drive positive social change across communities in Kenya.

Leedana

Leedana uses sandponics to convert unproductive desert land into thriving farms using fish waste in a closed-loop system with very little water. Leedana provides a simple, lowcost platform to help farmers in arid regions grow food sustainably without depleting natural resources.

They have proven an affordable, sustainable way to grow food by:

• Using 90% less water compared to traditional farming methods, saving over 24 million liters of water annually in a closed-loop system that reuses the same water 100 times.
• Saving 213 tons of CO² emissions annually.
• Helping over 1,000 individuals, including farmers, restaurant owners, chefs, and consumers eat healthy, fresh food.
• Growing 30 different vegetables in the same sand.

MealCare

MealCare is a non-profit organization dedicated to diverting surplus food from going to waste and delivering the rescued food to community members facing food insecurity.

In 2023, MealCare:

• diverted +26,900 pounds of food going to waste
• and delivered +29,590 meals
• in 12 Canadian cities
• preventing +67,200 pounds of CO² emissions with their food rescue efforts

- Milton Calderon Donefer, co-founder & chef

FarmicleGrow

FarmicleGrow is an agritech startup born from a real problem faced by rural farmers in Ghana: limited access to reliable markets. The platform uses demand data to connect small-scale farmers with buyers more efficiently and transparently.

Farmers can use the service for free to expand their customer base and find high-demand products, while businesses pay for access to detailed market information saving time and costs on sourcing and strengthening supply-chain connections.

FarmicleGrow bridges the gap between producers and buyers, helping farmers increase profitability and build more resilient, connected agricultural communities.

Cura Therapeutics

Cura Therapeutics is pioneering a first-in class immunotherapy platform to address a wide range of solid malignancies and infectious diseases. Their therapies leverage cytokines and immune receptors to develop multifunctional proteins with novel immunomodulatory properties.

They have proven an innovative approach to cancer treatment by:

• Developing CT101, a cytokine fusion protein that activates and synchronizes key immune system mechanisms to target and destroy cancer cells.
• Combining immunostimulatory, antimetastatic, and anti-angiogenesis activities into one drug, offering a comprehensive solution unmatched by current treatments.
• Advancing the fight against solid malignancies through therapies that redefine the potential of immunotherapy.

Ozone Technologies

Ozone Technologies leverages advances in 3D printing and robotics to sustainably provide affordable bionic prosthetics to people living in low to middle-income economies.

In 2023, Ozone Technologies:

• customized prosthetics to individuals with limb loss
• acquired a metal 3D printing system
• increased their staffing capacity
• have a pipeline order of prosthetics

- Kojo Owusu-Koranteg, co-founder & CEO

AbsTech

AbsTech is a science-driven biotechnology venture transforming how chemotherapy is delivered to improve patient outcomes. While chemotherapy remains one of the most effective cancer treatments, its severe side effects often force patients to reduce dosages or abandon treatment altogether. AbsTech addresses this challenge by developing a carrier-based technology that targets tumors directly, with the aim of delivering chemotherapy more precisely while protecting healthy cells and reducing harmful side effects.

By prioritising patient quality of life alongside treatment effectiveness, AbsTech directly advances SDG 3. Its technology reduces toxicity and improves patient tolerance, enabling individuals to complete treatment and achieve better health outcomes. AbsTech has already achieved proof of concept, demonstrating that its technology can protect healthy cells up to ten times more effectively than existing solutions. This represents a significant step toward safer, more tolerable cancer treatments and improved patient well-being.

Beyond targeted mentorship and practical guidance, Dobson helped the founders understand the importance of networks, relationships, and confidence in building a science-based startup. Over the next 12–18 months, AbsTech aims to complete fundraising, advance its technology toward clinical application, and deliver its solution to patients as quickly as possible. With strong industry interest already emerging, the company is well positioned to translate scientific innovation into meaningful health impact.

“If it wasn’t for Dobson, we would be five years backwards.”

- Adam Dufour, Co-founder

Curious Neuron

Curious Neuron empowers parents with science-based tools and strategies to help them regulate their emotions, manage stress, and model emotional resilience for their children. Through practical and accessible resources, Curious Neuron promotes personal growth and emotional well-being in families.

They have proven an impactful way to support parents by:

• Growing a community of 160,000 parents worldwide taking benefits in the science-backed resources and tools designed to foster emotional resilience.
• Rating 5 stars on Spotify with over 7 seasons featuring experts from Harvard, UCLA, and McGill University.
• Curious Neuron was invited by the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority and a Palo Alto school to talk about how parents can "work" of emotional regulation and stress reduction through expert insights and exercises.

Paper

Paper is the Educational Support System that makes high-dosage tutoring accessible to every student.

In 2023, Paper:

• grew from 60,000 to 3 million learners across 40 US states
• conducted 14 collaborative studies
• with students showing an 8% uptick in Math percentiles and a 5% enhancement in English percentiles by year-end
• introduced a round-the-clock service encompassing tools for reading, vocabulary, math, and career and college preparedness
• and won 20 industry awards

- Phil Cutler, co-founder & CEO

VLVT

VLVT is a psychology-driven platform that delivers accessible, evidence-based relationship education through a mobile application. VLVT addresses a long-standing gap in traditional education by teaching users how to build healthy, effective, and emotionally intelligent relationships.

Drawing on empirical research, the platform aims to become a trusted, mainstream touchpoint for relationship guidance and supporting individuals across romantic, familial, and interpersonal contexts.

Mohana

Mohana is a precision health platform designed to empower women in perimenopause by providing personalized tools and resources to navigate this transition with confidence and ease. Mohana addresses the gap in hormonal health education and support, offering a science-driven approach where traditional healthcare systems often fall short.

They have proven an effective way to support women’s health by:

• Offering tailored solutions that address the unique challenges of perimenopause, reducing reliance on unreliable online sources or inadequate medical advice.
• Selected in the TOP 3 at SLUSH 100, an international competition where the best startups pitch for €1,000,000 in equity investment from the biggest European ventures.

Smart Innovation Hub

Smart Innovation Hub is a non-governmental organization established to educate youth, especially young girls on entrepreneurial skills and promote learning opportunities through quality education.

In 2023, Smart Innovation Hub:

• saw a 30% surge in female students’ participation using SMART PAD
• 5,000 female students benefitted across Nigeria from SMART PAD

- Oluwabunmi Amosu, co-founder & CEO

HisTurn

HisTurn Fertility is transforming reproductive health by developing personalized fertility diagnostics for men.

Using epigenomic analysis and machine learning, the company creates individualized assessments that go beyond traditional sperm tests, helping clinicians and couples better understand male fertility potential and underlying biological influences.

This innovation addresses a historical imbalance in fertility care, where male factors account for roughly half of infertility cases but are often under-diagnosed due to limited testing methods leading to a disproportionately focus on women, often placing emotional, medical, and financial burdens on one partner.

HisTurn advances SDG 5 by promoting equitable reproductive health services and reducing gender bias in clinical pathways.

“Through Dobson’s ecosystem, we were able to connect with mentors, partners, and networks that helped translate scientific research into a venture with international relevance and reach.”

- Sarah Kimmins, Founder

Nauti-Metrics Solutions

Nauti-Metrics Solutions develops innovative solutions for monitoring and improving water quality in lakes and rivers. By leveraging advanced technology, their floating drones help identify pollution sources and provide actionable insights for better water management.

They have demonstrated a transformative approach to water sustainability by:

• Deploying floating drones equipped with high-end analyzers and sonars to collect comprehensive data in a single run, mapping the health of lakes and rivers.
• Supporting individuals and industries by identifying sensitive areas in water bodies and optimizing wastewater pond performance during proof-of-concept trials.
• Contributing to a more sustainable world by addressing pollution sources in aquatic ecosystems and promoting better resource management.

Biocene Solutions

Biocene Solutions developed Algo as an innovative device that clears harmful algal blooms, using waste resources to create cleaner water bodies across the globe.

“We work on delivering circular solutions that activate green markets through the restoration of natural environments.”

- Kimia Shafighi, co-founder & CEO

Typha

Typha draws inspiration from the natural world to develop climate-resilient agricultural systems.

Working at the intersection of ecology, agriculture, horticulture, material science, and hydrologic engineering, Typha advances phytomined nutrient cycling solutions to conserve critical resources and support the restoration of Lake Winnipeg.

Hydrolux

Hydrolux is dedicated to developing green hydrogen service stations for heavy transportation, providing carriers with a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to fossil fuels. By enabling the transition to low-carbon energy solutions, Hydrolux is helping to build a resilient and carbon-free economy.

They have demonstrated a transformative solution for heavy transportation by:

• Offering green hydrogen infrastructure that supports the decarbonization of heavy transportation fleets, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
• Facilitating the transition for carriers to adopt low-carbon energy solutions, driving industry-wide change in transportation.
• Providing operational benefits comparable to diesel, including a diesel-like range, cold resistance, and fast refueling in as little as 15 minutes (depending on the truck).
• Delivering economic advantages with approximately 25% savings on energy costs compared to diesel.

SWTCH

SWTCH is a fully-managed end-to-end solution that plans, installs, and manages electric vehicle charging infrastructure for multi-unit residential, commercial, and retail buildings. By implementing innovative EV charging solutions in high-density multi-tenant settings, SWTCH is accelerating the electrification of transportation.

By 2023, SWTCH has:

• deployed 8,500+ charging ports across North America
• entered agreements to make charging stations and apps interoperable with over 600,00 charging ports in North America including Hydro Québec, Electric Circuit, and BC Hydro EV networks
• more than 1,200 real estate clients and 100,00 drivers have used SWTCH

- Carter Li, founder & CEO

elerGreen

elerGreen Industry uses renewable electricity and a patented electrochemical reactor to convert chemical waste into valuable polymers, metals, and industrial chemicals.

By integrating clean energy into circular manufacturing processes, elerGreen significantly reduces energy costs, emissions, and environmental footprints, supporting a more efficient, low-carbon industrial transition.

Pagato

Pagato is a cutting-edge platform connecting businesses with on-demand, hourly workers for temporary employment opportunities. By streamlining these connections, Pagato helps businesses fill shifts efficiently while empowering workers with better pay and flexibility.

They have transformed workforce management by:

• Achieving a 98% shift fill rate, ensuring reliable staffing when businesses need it most.
• Offering workers 1.5x higher wages than traditional hourly roles, promoting fair pay.
• Providing instant payments after shifts.
• Simplifying onboarding for businesses, reducing hiring time and effort.
• Enforcing a zero-tolerance policy for last-minute cancellations, ensuring reliability.

Ecova

Ecova’s mission is to make conscious shopping second nature. Through storytelling, they offer consumers real sustainable treasures, one fabric at a time.

In 2023, Ecova:

• released its seed-to-sew completely traceable supply chain
• launched a cashmere collection with 65% recycled cashmere and 35% virgin cashmere
• designed an Honor Tees collection with fair living wages to artisans in India
• diverted +67,200 pounds of CO² emissions

- Stephanie Beaulieu, founder & CEO

ClicCash

ClicCash is a Caribbean-focused digital payments and financial services platform designed to simplify how people pay, get paid, and manage money.

Built for everyday use across the region, the platform enables fast peer-to-peer and QR-based transactions, bill payments, mobile top-ups, remittances, and cash access through a network of partner locations.

RailVision Analytics

RailVision Analytics leverages data from rail fleet equipment to deliver actionable insights that enhance efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and improve safety. By applying proven AI algorithms, RailVision helps railways optimize operations and achieve significant fuel savings.

They have transformed rail operations by:

• Reducing Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions and cutting CO² emissions by over 4 million kg annually through optimized fuel use.
• Achieving an 11% reduction in fuel consumption, saving 1.5 million liters of diesel and over $2 million per year.
• Enhancing rail safety with AI-driven insights for safer, more efficient operations.
• Securing US$4 million in seed funding to expand their impact.

Carbicrete

Carbicrete produces cement-free, verified carbon-negative construction blocks. Their blocks are as durable as current commercial blocks, less expensive to make, and each block permanently sequesters 1 kg of CO².

In 2023, Carbicrete:

• manufactured 2,400 CarbiCrete blocks
• is expanding its activities internationally
• added 6 new patents for a total of 17 patents
• is made in Québec

- Chris Stern, co-founder & CEO

BoundaryAI

BoundaryAI is a feedback intelligence platform that helps organizations truly understand the people they serve. Rather than reducing experiences to numerical scores or star ratings, the platform centralizes qualitative feedback from surveys, forms, and comment fields and analyzes each response individually using advanced AI. This allows institutions to move beyond aggregated metrics and listen to the full nuance of what the people they serve are saying.

By transforming unstructured qualitative feedback into structured, actionable insights, BoundaryAI strengthens digital decision-making infrastructure across sectors. Its technology enables organizations to identify patterns, improve services, and build more responsive work and learning environments. In doing so, BoundaryAI directly advances SDG 9 by promoting innovation, strengthening digital systems, and enabling data-driven institutional improvement at scale.

From its early stages, BoundaryAI has operated with a global outlook, serving customers across Canada as well as in the United Kingdom, Europe, the United States, and Asia. The Dobson Centre played a key role in accelerating this international growth. Through Dobson’s network and programming, the team was introduced to opportunities in the UK and supported in taking concrete steps toward global expansion. Dobson also facilitated investor connections, including meetings in Toronto, helping BoundaryAI strengthen its funding pipeline and refine its scaling strategy.

As BoundaryAI continues to expand its platform and international presence, it remains focused on a clear mission: helping institutions hear the real voices behind their data and building digital systems where innovation, privacy, and human-centred insight work together to create better outcomes.

“What Dobson really provides is access: to the right people, the right opportunities, and at the moments that mattered most for our growth. And access to a great space we work from everyday!”

- Hippolyte Lapierre, Co-founder and CEO

Kakao Investment

Kakao Investment is an investment firm that supports innovative startups and growth-stage companies, leveraging its resources and expertise to foster a sustainable venture ecosystem in all regions of Korea.

They have proven a transformative approach to investing by:

• Supporting startups in diverse industries, including AI, fintech, and mobility, to drive innovation and expand opportunities.
• Providing strategic guidance and access to Kakao’s extensive network of platforms and services.
• Helping reduce inequalities by empowering startups from various regions and backgrounds to scale and succeed within Kakao’s ecosystem.

AbleFly

AbleFly is committed to improving the quality of air travel for the millions of people with mobility limitations who currently face significant obstacles to this mode of transportation.
It is an immediate solution that empowers air passengers with mobility disabilities to fly comfortably, safely, and independently and will be the first and only product of its kind to support the needs of adult passengers.

In 2023, AbleFly:

• developed and tested a working prototype
• designed robust testing protocols
• protected their intellectual property through provisional patent and trademark applications
• assembled a world-class executive team
• received a $440,000 Experimentation Fund grant from Transport Canada
• liaised with international airlines to get their initial feedback and support

- Sandra Gualtieri, co-founder & CEO

GoKidu

GoKidu is a technology-driven fertility and family-building platform that connects individuals and couples with verified sperm, egg, and embryo donors, as well as surrogacy options, in an inclusive, secure, and affordable way. Designed to simplify and humanize the journey to parenthood.

GoKidu enables direct communication with donors, transparent access to medical and legal information, and supportive navigation of the donor matching process.

Sensequake

Sensequake leverages advanced sensing technologies and AI to provide comprehensive structural assessments for buildings and infrastructure. Their innovative solutions enhance safety, optimize design, and reduce risks in construction and urban planning.

They have proven a transformative approach to structural analysis by:

• Utilizing proprietary sensing technologies to deliver real-time data on structural health and integrity.
• Featured on more than 15 government buildings, bridges, and institutions across Canada.
• Supporting sustainable urban development by optimizing design and retrofit processes, reducing material waste, and extending the lifespan of structures.

Brique par brique

Brique par brique is a social enterprise whose mission is to create affordable and dynamic living spaces for marginalized people. They achieve this ambitious objective by providing more privileged members of communities with secure and competitive investment products that transfer capital from those that have to those that don’t. To support their mission, they conduct research on market determinants of unaffordable housing.

In 2023, Brique par brique:

• collaborated with close to 20 organizations across Montreal
• opened 31 social housing units
• hosted 60 public community activities, reaching close to 500 people

- Faiz Abhuani, director

Tinybox Systems

Tinybox is a sustainability-driven housing venture reimagining how affordable, resilient, and environmentally responsible homes are built. The company designs modular, fully sustainable housing units that can be rapidly deployed anywhere without the noise, waste, or environmental disruption of traditional construction. Tinybox’s system dramatically reduces a home’s operational footprint, cutting energy-related emissions by approximately 90% and enabling residents to save up to 90% on utility costs, or 100% when powered by solar energy.

Through its commitment to clean, low-impact, and resource-efficient construction, Tinybox directly advances SDG 11 by making sustainable housing more accessible, scalable, and cost-effective. The company tracks CO2 reduction per unit as a core impact metric, reflecting the environmental benefits of its engineered system, which minimizes energy use, integrates water-recycling technologies, and reduces material complexity.

Dobson also played a key role in supporting Tinybox’s international expansion plans, including opportunities in the Middle East, particularly Dubai and surrounding regions. The funding, mentorship, and ecosystem connections provided by the Centre strengthened Tinybox’s readiness to scale globally.

As Tinybox continues to refine its systems and scale deployments, it remains grounded in a clear mission: making sustainable, resilient housing accessible to communities around the world.

“The Dobson Centre played a key role in opening doors for us internationally. Their support helped position Tinybox for expansion into new regions while staying true to our sustainability mission.”

- Pooya Saberi, Co-founder and CTO

Interius Farms

Interius Farms helps greenhouse growers minimize their spatial and environmental footprints with proprietary vertical farming technology that enhances efficiency and sustainability.

They have proven a game-changing approach to greenhouse farming by:

• Improving spatial efficiency, allowing growers to produce more in less space.
• Lowering capital expenditures (CAPEX) and operational costs for more cost-effective farming.
• Reducing emissions, promoting sustainable and eco-friendly agricultural practices.

GUSH

GUSH’s mission is to provide the community with locally grown, pesticide-free, gourmet strawberries, 365 days a year.

In 2023, GUSH produced berries that:

• require 97% less land
• 90% less water
• generate 95% less transport emissions
• and reduce waste along the supply chain by 50%

- Phil Rosenbaum, co-founder & CTO

Buddha Brands

Buddha Brands is a plant-based food and beverage company advancing responsible consumption and production through thoughtfully sourced, minimally processed products. Emphasizing clean, non-GMO ingredients and sustainable manufacturing practices, the company supports healthier consumer choices while reducing environmental impact across the food value chain.

Through its commitment to transparency, mindful sourcing, and sustainability, Buddha Brands contributes to more resilient and responsible food systems in alignment with SDG 12.

Alter Climate Intelligence

Alter Climate Intelligence provides businesses with actionable insights to measure and mitigate their carbon footprint through advanced data analytics and AI-driven solutions. By enabling companies to understand and reduce their environmental impact, Alter Climate Intelligence supports a transition to a more sustainable future.

They have demonstrated a transformative approach to climate action by:

• Offering real-time carbon footprint measurement tools to help businesses track and manage emissions effectively.
• Providing AI-powered recommendations to optimize operations and reduce environmental impact.
• Enabling companies to align with sustainability goals and achieve compliance with environmental regulations.

Safe Environment Hub - Kenya

Safe Environment Hub - Kenya is a non-governmental community-based organisation aiming at influencing positive mindset and actions towards interaction with the environment through climate action.

In 2023, Safe Environment Hub - Kenya:

• won a $12,566 grant
• planted over 160 tree seedlings in Kenya
• participated with 15 other entities in river clean-ups
• semi-finalist in the Global Food System Challenge Seed Grant amongst more than 2,000 delegates and hundreds of exhibitors

- Ascarnancy Bako, founder

Moorcheh.ai

Moorcheh.ai develops lightweight, environmentally efficient AI infrastructure designed to reduce the energy use, costs, and inefficiencies of conventional AI systems. The company addresses a core problem in today’s AI landscape: many vector search engines run continuously, consuming significant computing power even when idle. Moorcheh.ai’s platform processes data on demand, delivering AI functionality only when needed.

By dramatically reducing resource consumption, Moorcheh.ai directly advances SDG 13 by placing climate considerations at the center of AI system design. Its on-demand architecture operates at roughly one-tenth the cost of standard models, with 32% greater memory efficiency and up to 80% lower resource use.

Moorcheh.ai’s platform converts documents into numerical representations that generate responses only when queried. Once a query is complete, the vectors are discarded, ensuring the system is not continuously running. This design minimizes unnecessary computation while embedding factual guardrails that keep outputs grounded in verified sources. For the founding team, ethical AI and efficient AI go hand in hand, balancing accuracy, transparency, and sustainability.

“The Dobson Centre helped us translate a highly technical product into a story people could understand. Their guidance gave us clarity, confidence, and momentum as we prepared to engage with global markets.”

- Tara Khani, Co-founder

Independent Robotics

Independent Robotics develops advanced robotic solutions with a focus on autonomous underwater technology, addressing critical marine challenges with precision and innovation. Their flagship product, the Aqua2 Mk3, is a state-of-the-art autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) optimized for shallow-water operations.

They have demonstrated a transformative approach to robotics by:

• Enabling detailed inspections and maintenance of underwater infrastructure, including pipelines, dams, and marine renewable energy systems, reducing operational costs, improving efficiency, and minimizing risks to human safety.
• Supporting marine research and environmental monitoring by collecting high-resolution data on marine ecosystems to track biodiversity, measure pollution levels, and study climate change impacts with unprecedented accuracy.
• Leveraging their expertise in AI-driven automation to develop scalable solutions for industries beyond marine environments, including agriculture and energy, highlighting their innovative versatility.

#14 Life below water

Life Out Of Plastic - L.O.O.P.

L.O.O.P. is a Peru-based social enterprise advancing Life below water (SDG 14) by combating plastic pollution and protecting marine ecosystems. The women-led organization transforms waste plastic into recycled products like reusable bags and fleeces, funds environmental education and awareness campaigns, and mobilizes community-wide beach clean-ups to reduce plastic entering the ocean. Through its efforts in waste collection, public engagement, and environmental advocacy, L.O.O.P. fosters sustainable consumption habits and helps safeguard coastal and marine environments from harmful plastic pollution.

In 2023, L.O.O.P:

• produced reusable bags and fleeces made from 100% rPET fiber
• 100% Peruvian value chain
• organized a nation-wide beach clean-up, trash-diving competitions and an online information hub

- Irene Hofmeijer, co-founder and board chair

Palm Tree Initiative

Palm Tree Initiative provides farmers with affordable equipment rentals, farm management services, and an online marketplace to boost agricultural productivity and efficiency.

They have demonstrated a transformative approach to farming by:

• Offering rental-based mechanization services, reducing costs for farmers.
• Providing curated services, including drone inspections, pesticide spraying, and farmer assistance, to streamline operations.
• Driving over 10 transactions with 8 product listings (e.g., carrots, tomatoes, corn) and supporting 20 farmers in just 3 months.
• Partnering with Katapult Africa to expand support for food technology innovations in Africa.

Dispersa

Dispersa transforms food waste into sustainable, circular biosurfactants for the first time on the global market. The biosurfactants are not only palm and petroleum-free, but also crafted using food waste instead of food-grade sources used in existing biosurfactants.

In 2023, Dispersa’s products:

• are completely biodegradable and eco-friendly
• prioritize performance and create economical value
• offer higher value and are 100% sourced naturally from our non-toxic organisms

Leedana

Leedana is a pioneering agritech venture advancing a new model of sustainable food production through sandponics, a low-tech, highly efficient farming system designed for arid and water-scarce regions. The company enables farmers to grow vegetables and fish using a closed-loop system that requires up to 90% less water than traditional agriculture. By reusing the same water multiple times per year, Leedana makes food production viable in regions where land degradation, water scarcity, and climate stress threaten agricultural livelihoods.

Leedana directly advances SDG 15 by reducing pressure on land and freshwater ecosystems while restoring productive agricultural use in fragile environments. Its approach minimizes soil degradation, limits resource extraction, and supports sustainable land management in regions where conventional farming is no longer viable.

Each sandponic unit produces approximately 7,000 kg of food annually, saves around 10 million liters of water, reduces electricity use by up to 30 times compared to other water- efficient farming methods, and avoids roughly 200 tons of carbon emissions.

By enabling local, year-round food production, Leedana also reduces food miles and associated environmental impacts, contributing to healthier terrestrial ecosystems.

Sandponic farms are currently operating in Egypt, the Red Sea region, and the United Arab Emirates, with expansion underway to the University of Arizona. While greenhouse structures are adapted to local climates, the core sandponic engine remains constant, enabling Leedana to scale through joint ventures, turnkey systems, and software subscriptions that optimize farm performance and predict yields.

“The Dobson Centre was foundational to Leedana’s journey. It’s where I met my co-founder, clarified our vision, and gained the support needed to turn an ambitious idea into a scalable solution.”

- Hassan El Rakhawy, Co-founder and CEO

Dashboard

Dashboard is a seamless rental management platform revolutionizing how tenants and landlords engage. By enabling rent payments via credit cards, Dashboard empowers tenants to build their credit history while earning rewards, offering a convenient and transparent rental experience. For landlords, the platform automates administrative tasks, encourages timely payments, and provides valuable insights through tenant reviews and credit score reporting.

Dashboard is revolutionizing FinTech through:

• Credit-Building Rent Payments: Tenants can pay rent via credit cards, building credit scores while enjoying the convenience of digital transactions.
• Automated Financial Tools: Landlords benefit from preauthorized rent collection, automated lease agreements, and financial accountability features.
• AI-Driven Tenant & Landlord Reviews: A unique scoring system enhances transparency and risk assessment, fostering trust in the rental ecosystem.

Compass Startup Legal Clinic

The Compass Startup Legal Clinic was created to empower Canadian entrepreneurs by providing free legal information and fostering networks within the startup ecosystem.

In 2023, Compass has:

• expanded its efforts into the world of investment, equipping investors with the knowledge needed to protect their interests effectively.
• has developed accessible and comprehensive resources in the field of business law, offering support for entrepreneurs and investors alike.

- Keira Chadwick, Director of Legal Affairs

Material Legal

Material Legal strengthens transparent and accountable institutions by modernizing how Canadian public companies prepare and file regulatory disclosure documents.

Its platform combines intelligent automation with legal expertise to deliver accurate, secure, and audit-ready compliance reporting that builds trust in capital markets and supports strong institutional governance.

McGill Dobson Centre for Entrepreneurship

The Dobson Centre has attained platinum certification as a sustainable workplace. 

The Platinum level Sustainable Workplace Certification, achieved by select McGill University offices, represents the pinnacle of commitment to sustainability practices within the institution. 

This prestigious certification acknowledges workplaces that have consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication to environmental, economic, and social responsibility. 

This achievement not only showcases leadership in campus sustainability but also aligns with McGill’s broader goals, including its STARS Platinum rating and long-term targets for zero waste and carbon neutrality.

In 2024, the Dobson Centre automatic light system saved 236.5 kWh = 362.75 kg of CO²

The automatic water dispensers saved 1,136 water bottles and we offset our carbon footprint by planting 20+ trees over 25 years through the McGill Bayano Reforestation project.

“Our goal is to hold ourselves and our startups to the highest global standards, actively contributing to the 17 UN SDGs while fostering impactful and inclusive entrepreneurship that drives lasting change worldwide.”

Konstantina Ntokorou
Program Manager, Sustainability, McGill Dobson Centre for Entrepreneurship