Invest Ottawa Honors Telfer Alumni, Including Vice President Nick Quain and Distinguished Ottawa Founders for Their Excellence and Impact

On October 17, 2025, Invest Ottawa celebrated an inspiring group of alumni from the University of Ottawa's Telfer School of Management, who significantly contribute to the city’s innovation economy. Among the honorees was Nick Quain, the Vice President of Venture Development at Invest Ottawa, who received the prestigious 2025 Trudeau Medal. Recognized for his leadership and entrepreneurial spirit, Quain embodies the commitment to assist fellow entrepreneurs through various challenges in their business journeys. Sonya Shorey, President and CEO of Invest Ottawa, praised Quain as an extraordinary leader dedicated to building the entrepreneurial community. The event highlighted the collective achievements of notable recipients like Corey Ellis and Alida Burke of The Growcer, Elizabeth Audette-Bourdeau from Welbi, and Kyle Braatz from Fullscript, all of whom play vital roles in Ottawa’s innovation landscape.

Invest Ottawa expressed heartfelt congratulations to all 2025 Telfer Award recipients, emphasizing the profound impact these leaders have on shaping the economy, community, and ultimately, Canada. This year's awards exemplified a legacy of innovation, leadership, and mentorship, associating early-stage founders with established leaders in a robust business ecosystem.

The organization’s efforts extend through mentorship programs, venture initiatives, and community leadership, all aimed at fortifying Ottawa as a global innovation hub that promotes inclusive economic growth. Invest Ottawa serves as the primary economic development agency for knowledge-based industries in Canada's Capital Region, focused on enhancing economic development and job creation in Ottawa. The agency’s vision is to solidify Ottawa's position as a globally recognized and future-ready city.

Through numerous programs and services, Invest Ottawa helps entrepreneurs and businesses thrive across various sectors. This includes small business training, mentorship, and acceleration initiatives for tech firms, along with attracting foreign investments and retaining local businesses. These efforts have cumulative results, including an impressive $3.7 billion in GDP impact, creation of 29,343 jobs, and generation of $622 million in government revenues since 2017.

Additionally, Invest Ottawa manages Bayview Yards, recognized as Ottawa's innovation hub and a comprehensive support center for business acceleration. It also oversees Area X.O, a research and development complex focused on the next generation of smart mobility, autonomy, and connectivity technologies.

Through collaborative efforts with Telfer alumni and other industry leaders, Invest Ottawa continues to enhance its role in cultivating Ottawa’s innovation ecosystem, driving economic growth while fostering an inclusive community. The commitment to supporting and empowering local entrepreneurs, paired with the achievements of Telfer alumni, showcases the dynamic potential of Ottawa’s business environment. By facilitating connections, providing resources, and championing innovation, Invest Ottawa is actively playing a crucial role in shaping the future of the region's economy.

In summary, Invest Ottawa's celebration of Telfer alumni illustrates the significant advancements in Ottawa's innovation economy, with leaders like Nick Quain at the forefront of fostering entrepreneurial success, community-building, and sustainable economic growth.