Tag Archives: David Pellerin

Manning innovation award

I’ve been seeing quite a few ads on television for the Manning Innovation Awards. From the How to Apply page on the Ernest C. Manning Awards Foundation’s website,

The Ernest C. Manning Awards Foundation has been recognizing and encouraging innovation in Canada since 1982. By means of a nomination, Canadian resident citizens, who have demonstrated recent innovative talent in developing and successfully marketing a new concept, process or procedure, may be eligible for one of these awards: Principal Award ($100,000), Award of Distinction ($25,000), Innovation Awards (2 at $10,000).

The deadline for this year’s nominations is Dec. 1, 2011.

The Foundation seems to have a very liberal view as to what constitutes innovation. The 2011 winners represented a diversity of accomplishments, from the Oct. 6, 2011 news release,

The 2011 Ernest C. Manning Awards Foundation award recipients are:

– Dr. Philip G. Hill, Vancouver, BC for developing a technology to use clean-burning natural gas in diesel engines; ($100,000 Encana Principal Award);

– Mary P. Gordon, Toronto, ON for developing a social innovation in which a baby teaches children about parenting, neuroscience and caring for one another; ($25,000 David E. Mitchell Award of Distinction); [emphasis mine]

– Randal (Randy) J. Marsden, Edmonton for developing a wipe-able computer keyboard that is easy-to disinfect, button-less, and is touch-and tap-sensitive; ($10,000 Manning Innovation Award);

– Mark J. Morin, Restoule, ON for developing aerodynamic mud flaps that reduce spray and drag and improve airflow around vehicle wheels; ($10,000 Manning Innovation Award);

– David Pellerin, 18, Sherbrooke, QC for his organic light emitting diodes (OLED) project in which he developed luminescent components from organic polymer compounds; ($4,000 Young Canadian Award);

– Shayla Larson, 16 and Adam Noble 17, Lakefield, ON for their research addressing the potential hazards associated with widespread use of nanosilver, an increasingly common commercial and industrial antimicrobial agent; ($4,000 Young Canadian Award); [emphasis mine]

– Christopher Chopcian, a grade 11 student, Sarnia, ON for developing a miniature computer-controlled heart assist pump that improves the quality of life for people waiting for a heart transplant; ($4,000 Young Canadian Award);

– Charlotte Donaldson and Megan Smith, two grade 11 students, Chignecto West, NS for developing an aquatic rescue spinal board that significantly improves immobilization, particularly for children ($4,000 Young Canadian Award);

In announcing the ten 2011 winners, Foundation President David B. Mitchell said, “There is a critical need for more innovation in Canada. Canadians need to create and commercialize innovations to compete in the global economy. We want to support, celebrate and draw attention to Canadian innovators and, young Canadians showing potential to become future innovators, who have the imagination to innovate and the stamina to succeed.”

I’m glad to see social innovation included; congratulations to the 2011 winners; and good luck to the 2012 nominees.