Ottawa’s Growcer Receives Governor General’s Innovation Award at Rideau Hall in Celebration of 10th Anniversary

On May 13, 2026, Growcer, an Ottawa-based vertical farming company, was honored with the Governor General’s Innovation Award at Rideau Hall, celebrating its contributions in its 10th year. Co-founders Corey Ellis and Alida Burke accepted the award, which recognizes organizations making significant impacts on food security, climate resilience, and local food production.

Growcer was one of five national recipients of this award during Canadian Innovation Week, a prestigious distinction that reflects innovative practices shaping communities in Canada and beyond. Since its inception in 2016, the company has matured from a student-led initiative into a recognized leader in agritech, with over 120 installations throughout Canada and more than 1,000 global setups. Their modular vertical farming systems empower communities to produce fresh food year-round, particularly in areas where traditional farming is challenging.

The company collaborates with Indigenous communities, municipalities, schools, and nonprofits to focus on developing local, community-led food systems that lessen reliance on complex supply chains and enhance access to fresh produce. Notably, Growcer’s systems are designed to be efficient in various climates, especially in northern and urban settings, using significantly less water compared to conventional agricultural methods.

The award announcement echoed a larger movement towards building resilient and locally driven food systems across Canada. Ellis articulated that the recognition serves to spotlight not just Growcer's achievements but the broader goals of enhancing food security and sovereignty in Canada.

Growcer’s achievements are intertwined with Ottawa’s innovation ecosystem. Initially benefitting from local entrepreneurship programs, the company accelerated its growth through Invest Ottawa’s IO Venture Path, graduating in 2021 during a swift expansion phase. Growcer's nomination for the Innovation Award by Invest Ottawa and MaRS Discovery District emphasizes its community impact and the robust ecosystem fostering its development. The award is seen as a proud moment for Ottawa's innovation community, highlighting the collaborative spirit within the region.

In continuing its commitment to community well-being, Growcer recently embarked on various local initiatives, such as a vertical farming project aiding The Ottawa Mission and enhancing food resilience in the region. As Canada navigates ongoing challenges concerning food security and supply chain stability, Growcer's recognition signifies the importance of homegrown innovations in resolving global issues.

Looking to the future, Growcer aims to further its mission of supporting self-sufficient, resilient communities in Canada and worldwide. Now in its 10th year, the company demonstrates how local solutions can effectively address pressing global challenges.