Five projects each awarded $2,000 prizes
The 2025 Business Innovation Showcase at NAIT, held April 9 at the Centre for Applied Technology, had the air of a bustling industry tradefair.
There were rows of booths featuring great ideas and the students who had them, throngs of curious and excited attendees, and even servers weaving through the crowd with trays of snacks (the chicken satay received rave reviews).
In fact, the showcase and competition, now in its third year, was its biggest iteration yet. There were 80 booths, 100 student participants and some 400 visitors – including judges from the Alberta business community, such as Edmonton philanthropist and entrepreneur Ashif Mawji (Computer Systems Technology ’92).
“This is an opportunity for many of our students to show off some of the work they've been doing in terms of creating a business or a product idea,” says Amanda Sigaty, manager of the Mawji Centre for New Venture and Student Entrepreneurship.
"It’s also an opportunity for those students to network," adds Dale Schaub, lead entrepreneurship consultant with the centre.
“There are tons of people in that room who can connect them with potential customers [and] experts in the space. We had a few investors wandering around. We had service providers offering additional training to develop those businesses, and on and on.”
Student participants can even come away with cash. At the end of this year’s event, five prizes of $2,000 each were awarded to the top projects and business ideas.
Win or lose, the showcase is a great way for a student to step out of their comfort zone, or into their element, and hone their abilities to sell an idea. “There's nothing that sharpens up a pitch quite like repeating it 50 times and making revisions every time,” says Schaub.
Here are the 2025 winners.
Learn more about how the Mawji Centre supports student entrepreneurs
Most Innovative
Ishita Sharma, Finance student
Business: Ghii
Ghii is an all-natural, 100% food-grade cosmetics brand focused on clean, minimal skincare and inspired by ancient wellness practices using ghee, a kind of clarified butter. Ghii already has its first edible lip balm and is slowly expanding into a full range of ghee-centred products.
Why Ghii won
Take a charismatic founder, give away free samples of a relatable product (lip balm), combine that with a unique twist (it’s edible!), and finish it with the fact that Ghii is ready to go to market.
Most Engaging
Om Shah, Mechanical Engineering Technology student
Business: A2B Motorwerks
This used car dealership specializes in providing reliable, affordable and comfortable vehicles for newcomers and first-time buyers. A2B Motorwerks emphasizes transparency and customer education, offering full vehicle inspections, undercarriage video reports and financial guidance, with pricing typically 10% to 20% below market value.
Why A2B Motorwerks won
Shah is an experienced salesperson – standing out from a crowd is what he does best.
Best Community Solution
Vanessa Sueppmayer, Digital Media and IT – Computer Software Development student
Business: BabyNest
BabyNest is a digital platform that streamlines maternal and child health care for expecting parents in Canada. It offers personalized birth plans, health record snapshots, appointment tracking, and educational resources – all integrated with systems such as My Alberta Health. With multilingual support and secure emergency tools, BabyNest empowers informed, proactive care for families and healthcare providers.
Why BabyNest won
As a nurse, Sueppmayer understood the problem. She delivered a clear, compelling pitch that highlighted the product’s value to expecting mothers.
People’s Choice
Kaden Vandenbrink, Business Administration – Entrepreneurship and Innovation student
Business: Laser Masterworks
Laser Masterworks is a creative studio specializing in precision laser engraving and wood burning. It crafts custom-designed pieces ranging from personalized gifts to intricate home décor, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern technology to deliver high-quality, bespoke creations.
Why Laser Masterworks won
Vandenbrink showed up with his full wood-burning machine, running live demos and making sales.
Top Occupational Health and Safety Booth
Lamisi Sirett, Occupational Health and Safety student
Business: Fit4Alls
Fit4Alls are adjustable coveralls that enhance safety and comfort on the job site. They features a bungee and toggle system that allows workers to easily customize the fit around the hips, ribcage and legs, reducing excess fabric that can lead to tripping or snagging. Focused on inclusivity and practicality, Fit4Alls is a safer option for a diverse workforce.
Why Fit4Alls won
Sirett tackled a common job-site issue with a smart, practical redesign of traditional coveralls. Her innovative solution resonated with attending OH&S professionals, who recognized its potential.