Applications for YEY 2025 are now closed.

Thanks to all that applied. Nominees will hear back from us on August 25th, 2025.

Award Categories

Judging Process

Our two-stage selection process ensures thorough and fair evaluation of all candidates:

Round 1: Initial Application Review

  • All submissions are reviewed for eligibility according to the eligibility criteria

  • Applications are evaluated against our core values: Leadership, Entrepreneurial Spirit, Impact, and Innovation

  • Shortlisted candidates are selected to advance to the video submission round

Round 2: Video Submission & Final Judging

  • Shortlisted candidates submit a 3-minute video presentation of their journey and venture

  • External Judging Panel evaluate both the original application and video submission

  • Finalists and winners are selected based on comprehensive assessment of both components

The judging process prioritizes fairness, diversity, and recognition of exceptional entrepreneurial talent across Canada's startup ecosystem.

Timeline

  • August 1st, 11:59 PT: Applications close and tickets sales open

  • August 1st - August 15th: Round 1 of judging

  • August 15: First round of Shortlist notified for video submission

  • August 25: Second round of Shortlisted applicants notified for video submission

  • September 1st - September 14th: Round 2 of judging

  • September 15: Nominees selected and notified

  • October 22nd, 2025: Winners announced at YEY Awards Night

Eligibility Criteria

  • Applicants must be 30 years of age or younger as of their application date

  • Applicants must have a meaningful connection to Canada through one or more of the following:

    • Currently based in Canada

    • Venture founded or headquartered in Canada

    • Significant operations or impact within the Canadian ecosystem

  • Applicants must be a founder, co-founder, or CEO of a private, public, or non-profit entity

We believe in celebrating exceptional entrepreneurship in all its forms. If you have questions about eligibility, please contact our team at info@theleagueofinnovators.com.

Application Guidelines

When filling out the application, you will be asked to provide the following information and answer the questions below.

Nominator Info

  • Nominator’s First and Last name, and email address

Nominee Info

  • Nominee's First Name, Last Name, and  Title

  • Nominee’s Birthdate, Gender Identification, Preferred Pronouns, and Racial and Ethnic group

  • Nominee's Email Address, LinkedIn URL

  • Nominee’s Province and City

Venture Info

  • Nominee’s Venture Name and incorporation date (if applicable)

  • Venture website and other relevant links (media coverage, social media, etc)

Journey

This section is your opportunity to showcase the founder’s story and how they reflect our core values of Leadership, Entrepreneurial Spirit, Impact, and Innovation.

  • Why does this nominee belong on the YEY List? 

  • Describe the Applicant’s current venture/previous ventures

  • Describe the nominee’s founder journey (where they started to where they are today)