Saskatchewan Polytechnic put innovation in the spotlight this spring as aspiring entrepreneurs pitched their ideas in the inaugural Startup Challenge.
Held for the first time by Sask Polytech’s new Business Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre, the Startup Challenge brought together students and community entrepreneurs who spent weeks refining their ventures through mentorship and training. The competition is designed to help early-stage founders strengthen their ideas and build viable businesses.
Over 10 weeks, participants attended biweekly sessions and connected with industry mentors who provided guidance, accountability and feedback. The program culminated in a public pitch event, where finalists presented to a panel of business leaders and community partners.
Early-stage venture winners
- First prize ($10,000): Balloon Bar YQR — Tanna Dietrich
- Second prize ($5,000): Skip a Beet Meal Delivery — Dani Genest
- Third prize ($2,500): Insect Track Solutions — Teresa Aguiar-Cordero
Congratulations to Tanna Dietrich for winning first prize in the inaugural competition.
“The mentorship and courses offered throughout the lead-up to the pitch competition were invaluable,” Dietrich says. “Setting aside dedicated time each week to step outside of the day-to-day operations of our business and reflect from a different perspective pushed us to grow significantly throughout the process.”
In addition to placing second overall, Skip a Beet Meal Delivery received the $1,000 Impact Prize for its focus on community and social benefit. Other themed awards highlighted innovation and local strength.
Themed award winners
- Outside the Box ($1,000): PathoScan Technologies — David Anaele
- Made in Saskatchewan ($1,000): Ponderosa Connection — Crystal Fatteicher
- People’s Choice ($1,000): Insect Track Solutions — Teresa Aguiar-Cordero
The student stream showcased the next generation of entrepreneurs, all current Sask Polytech students. Marz Romaniuk, a Food and Nutrition Management student graduating in June, earned first place and $2,000 for The Red Planet Food Co., a business focused on preserving traditional Ukrainian cuisine while promoting nutrition education.
Student stream winners
- First prize ($2,000): The Red Planet Food Co. — Marz Romaniuk
- Second prize ($1,000): Jenna Aulie Creations — Jenna Aulie
- Third prize ($500): Callisphere — Krishi Patel
“Being recognized has given me a confidence boost. The Red Planet Food Co. has been a dream in the making and I’m happy it’s beginning to take root,” says Romaniuk.
Romaniuk says the Food and Nutrition Management program prepared them for both the food industry and their goal of becoming a business owner. After graduation, they plan to grow the business by becoming a regular market vendor while continuing to refine skills and deliver high-quality products and service.
Graphic Communications student Jenna Aulie took second place with Jenna Aulie Creations, a full-service media and photography venture, while fellow Graphic Communications student Krishi Patel placed third with Callisphere, a product designed to melt snow and ice from vehicle surfaces.
“This challenge is about more than prize money,” says Spencer Nikkel, director of the new centre. “By pairing participants with experienced mentors and providing structured support, the program helps entrepreneurs clarify their vision, test their assumptions and gain confidence in presenting their ideas.”
Romaniuk offers simple advice: “Take the chance and put yourself out there. You’ll only ever get back what you put into something.”
“I would encourage other entrepreneurs to seek out mentorship, education and programs that challenge them to think differently,” says Dietrich. “Opportunities like the Startup Challenge can have a major impact not only on business growth, but on personal growth and confidence as well.”
“This event wouldn’t be possible without our sponsors,” says Nikkel. “I’d like to thank the Moose Jaw & District Chamber of Commerce, HarvestGuard Agronomy, Town ’N’ Country Mall and Innovation Saskatchewan for sponsoring our inaugural event!”
Built on Sask Polytech’s strong foundation in applied research and career ready education, the Business Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre equips entrepreneurs and industry partners with tools, mentorship and expertise to thrive in a rapidly evolving business landscape. Through workshops, one-on-one support and applied research collaborations, the centre helps bridge academic insight with real world opportunity.
A strategic initiative of the Faculty of Business and Management, the centre offers a province-wide platform for entrepreneurial development. Supported by experienced faculty and connected to Sask Polytech’s broader applied research network, the centre is uniquely positioned to help businesses innovate and scale.
Discover how Sask Polytech can support your next big idea with the Business Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre.
