11 UCalgary students turning today’s challenges into tomorrow’s possibilities

Every innovation starts with a question, but turning an idea into meaningful change requires something more: the willingness to act.

At a time when Canada is looking to entrepreneurship and research innovators to address complex economic and societal challenges, 11 University of Calgary students are demonstrating how entrepreneurial thinking can help turn possibility into progress. 

Their areas of focus are varied. Some are developing technology that could detect hailstorms earlier, while others are exploring new approaches to carbon conversion and climate-resilient water systems. Across the group, promising ideas are moving toward practical applications.

That spirit is at the heart of the Cannon Lachapelle Awards, which recognize students who combine curiosity, creativity and initiative to tackle problems, identify opportunities, and create real-world impact through their research, leadership, ventures and community contributions.

Presented by the Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking and the Faculty of Graduate Studies, the award celebrates graduate and undergraduate students who are willing to challenge assumptions, explore new possibilities and put their ideas into action.

The 2026 recipients were celebrated Sept. 29 at an awards ceremony in the Hunter Hub, bringing together students, alumni, mentors and members of UCalgary’s entrepreneurial community.

The Elizabeth Cannon and Gérard Lachapelle Graduate Scholarship in Entrepreneurial Thinking recognizes full-time graduate students in thesis-based programs who embody entrepreneurial thinking through their research and related activities. Among this year’s scholars is a student developing nanoscale photonic devices to support faster, more energy-efficient computing, another working to reduce the time needed to detect bacterial growth and one developing new reconstruction methods to improve microwave breast imaging.

Seven graduate students will receive the $30,000 Cannon Lachapelle Scholarship in 2026, with two additional recipients made possible by providing the award as a top-up for some students who also received other awards. The 2026 recipients are:

• Jacob Amengor, Civil Engineering, PhD student
• Kazim Haider, Biomedical Engineering, PhD student
• Hamidreza Heidary, Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, PhD student
• Travis Issler, Biological Sciences, PhD student
• Zahra Lasemiimeni, Electrical Engineering, PhD student
• Shariful Kibria Nabil, Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, PhD student
• Anuj Sethia, Physics and Astronomy, PhD student

“The value of graduate research extends beyond just academics, transforming knowledge into opportunities and innovations that strengthen our economy,” says Dr. Tara Beattie, PhD, vice-provost and dean of Graduate Studies, reflecting on the role graduate students play in advancing innovation at UCalgary.

“These scholarship recipients demonstrate the entrepreneurial thinking that can turn curiosity into action. Through their research, they are exploring questions and possibilities with the potential to influence industries, communities and future innovations. Congratulations to this year's recipients on this well-deserved recognition. They represent the creativity and ambition that define graduate studies at UCalgary.”

The Cannon Lachapelle Award in Entrepreneurial Thinking recognizes undergraduate students who approach their work with curiosity and initiative, identifying opportunities to turn ideas into contributions on campus and in their communities.

Four $10,000 undergraduate awards are available each year, including one reserved for a student in the Embedded Certificate in Entrepreneurial Thinking (ECET).

The 2026 recipients are:

• Amnireza Abbasi, Faculty of Science
• Benjamin Chernesky, Faculty of Arts (ECET)
• Ayushi Choudhary, Haskayne School of Business
• Matthew Topham, Cumming School of Medicine

From business and science to medicine and the arts, this year's undergraduate students show how entrepreneurial thinking can take different forms across disciplines. Their interests have led to projects and ventures ranging from solar-powered technology that supports rotational grazing to efforts to make Calgary’s non-profit sector more accessible, with each innovation reflecting a distinct approach to solving problems and serving communities.

"This award recognizes the first entrepreneurial steps of our very best and brightest leaders. By celebrating the unique accomplishments of each recipient, we’re shining a light on the impact they’re already making,” says Hunter Hub Executive Director Guy Levesque. 

"We are eager to see where their journeys will take them, knowing the Hunter Hub and our University of Calgary community will be there supporting them; these leaders have started something."

While their paths and fields of study differ, the 2026 Cannon Lachapelle Award recipients share a commitment to applying their knowledge beyond the classroom and laboratory. By putting entrepreneurial thinking into practice, they are helping turn promising ideas into tangible outcomes.

As Canada continues to navigate economic uncertainty, technological change and evolving societal needs, these students are helping build the skills, ideas and solutions that will shape what comes next.

Learn more about the Cannon Lachapelle Awards and recipients.