Ideas with Impact
UNB Faculty of Management

The University of New Brunswick buzzed with energy, excitement, and the innovative spirit of student entrepreneurs for the 2025 BMO Apex Startup Challenge, held on Jan. 23 and 24.

This year's competition, the largest of its kind in Atlantic Canada, brought together 54 competitors from 9 universities and 4 provinces, along with 24 judges and 13 volunteers, all converging in Fredericton to compete for cash awards totaling $30,000.

A dominant theme at this year's challenge was the integration of new technologies, particularly in healthcare and artificial intelligence (AI). Students combined their business acumen with cutting-edge technology to solve real-world problems and create opportunities for both businesses and society.

One standout project in the graduate track was FastFindAi from the University of Ottawa, which took first place in the graduate track. This AI-powered point-of-care software assists radiologists by automatically detecting anomalies in medical scans, acting as a second set of eyes. Another notable entry was TissueTinker from McGill University, which secured second place with its 3D bio-printed living tumor models designed to accelerate cancer therapeutic discovery and development.

In the undergraduate track, OSA – One Stop Apparel from St. Francis Xavier University impressed judges with its fashion e-commerce marketplace that offers users 'perfect fit' recommendations based on precise dimensions and preferences, earning them second place.

The business plan competition began in the early 2000s as a small class project and has grown significantly, especially since BMO Financial Group became the corporate sponsor over a decade ago, noted Dr. Devashis Mitra, Dean of UNB’s Faculty of Management. Organized by the International Business and Entrepreneurship Centre the event now attracts entrepreneurial students from across Canada and enjoys robust support from the business community.

UNB President and Vice Chancellor, Dr. Paul Mazerolle, delivered an inspiring speech at the awards reception. He noted how rapid advancements in technology and global commerce, particularly in AI, machine learning, and data science, are transforming interactions and business practices, and commended the competitors and judges for responding to these opportunities with agility, ingenuity and support.

The 2025 BMO Apex Startup Challenge not only highlighted the remarkable talent and creativity of the participants but also underscored the importance of integrating technology with business knowledge to drive progress and innovation. Thank you to all the competitors, judges, volunteers, and sponsors for making this event possible!

Photo: Univeristy of Ottawa FastFind AI team members Nicholas Laflamme (left) and Albino Nikolla (right) with UNB President and Vice Chancellor Dr. Paul Mazerolle (centre). In addition to winning the first prize in the Graduate Track, FastFind AI also took home the EY Entrepreneurial Powerhouse Award, Viewer's Choice Award in the Elevator Pitch Competition and 2nd Place in the Elevator Pitch Competition.

Learn more about UNB’s International Business and Entrepreneurship Centre (IBEC) and the BMO Apex Start-up Challenge.

Media Contact: Ryan Reid