The Canadian consulate in New York showcased Canadian entrepreneurs using science, research and tech innovations to tackle U.N. global goals №2 (zero hunger) and №3 (health and well-being). Such global challenges are motivating entrepreneurs in the country.
In the near future, as many as half of new businesses will be social enterprises, predicted Erika Karp, CEO of Cornerstone Capital, who emcee’d the ImpactNow event, cohosted by Canada’s mission to the United Nations and iImpact Consulting.
Among the startups on display: Nutraponics, based in Alberta, tackles hunger with indoor crop-growing facilities that can work in both urban centers and remote communities. Halifax’s Hypergive uses blockchain to create digital food wallets for homeless and hungry people, making donations cash-free. Vancouver-based ThisFish provides traceability software to bring transparency to seafood supply chains.
“When you think about what you’re doing, don’t think about being a success,” Karp said, quoting Albert Einstein. “Think about being of value.”
