A.R. Environmental Solutions (ARES) is paving the way to advancing sustainable innovations that empower communities, particularly indigenous farmers, in their collaboration with the Philippines’ local government. The company was nurtured through ICUBE’s Venture Forward program and founded by Dr. Azizur Rahman, President and CEO at the Centre for Climate Change Research (CCCR) at the University of Toronto. ARES is dedicated to tackling environmental challenges in agriculture through organic technologies that eliminate synthetic chemicals, restore soil and water health, and reduce greenhouse gases.

The signing with the Philippines transpired on September 29, 2025, culminating in a Memorandum of Agreement in partnership with Northern Bukidnon State College (NBSC) and CCCR. This marks the launch of Project KABILIN+, an initiative designed to empower Indigenous peoples and forest-dependent communities by introducing traditional practices with ARES’ modern organic farming technologies. 

  Memorandum of Agreement Signing Ceremony

Before the event, Dr. Rahman led field visits in Manolo Fortich, a Municipality in Mindanao, Philippines, to better understand cultural traditions, agricultural practices, and livelihood challenges. These engagements provided opportunities to connect with farmers, leaders, and residents, offering deeper insight into how indigenous knowledge can be integrated with scientific research to strengthen community-based programs.

During one of these field visits, Dr. Rahman explored a 15,000‑hectare coffee plantation where ARES technologies are set to be introduced. By adopting their technology, the plantation aims to double the production capacity of organic coffee and other pilot crops grown in the Philippines. The expected revenue from this is projected to reach $113 million within the next five years, with products being sold locally and exported to countries such as Japan, Germany, Italy, and Canada. 

The combined efforts of NBSC, CCCR, and ARES have fostered meaningful connections among local industries and academic institutions through an international partnership between the Philippines and Canada. With the agreement now underway, ARES is well positioned to achieve its aims of enhancing agricultural productivity, safeguarding cultural heritage, strengthening community-based livelihoods, and supporting local economic development.

Project KABILIN+ marks a new era of environmental solutions. One in which Indigenous knowledge and modern science work together to promote inclusive growth, uplift the well-being of Indigenous farmers, and advance international stewardship. ARES continues to demonstrate how research-driven innovation can serve as a catalyst for environmental resilience, economic opportunity, and sustainable development. Collaboration between NBSC and CCCR remains ongoing through online meetings that advance the project’s long-term strategic plans. 

Dr. Rahman shares, “Today, our company is thriving, with several innovative products now available both nationally and internationally. The mentorship and resources from ICUBE not only accelerated our product development and commercialization but also helped us secure grants and expand our business. ICUBE’s support has been instrumental in helping us achieve our goals and scale our impact in the market.” As Project KABILIN+ continues to grow, we are proud to spotlight ARES and demonstrate how their vision and efforts contribute to building more sustainable futures.

For the most recent updates from ARES, visit their website: https://ar-environment.ca/

This time around, instead of going the traditional route of having the finalists pitch on a stage, the event took a more interactive approach and encouraged conversation between judges and guests. Each team had a booth set up to openly showcase their startup, and guests and judges could freely visit the finalists throughout the event. From there, the teams would have five minutes to pitch to a panel of judges, followed by a five-minute Q and A from the panel.

The two main winning companies were Be One to Give, an on-demand B2B redistribution app for retailers with surplus food, and Elev8 & Perform, a company focused on enhancing longevity/athletic performance and accelerating recovery through advanced wearable technology.

In an interview with Tony, founder of Be One to Give, they shared that “100% of the funds will go directly toward meeting client expectations”. Their goal moving forward is to keep onboarding new clients, continue selling, strengthen relationships, and get more food moving into the community.

For members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community thinking about applying to next year’s competition, he offers some words of advice:

“Anybody who has a business idea or a functioning business and wants to gain more exposure, my suggestion is to pitch. You never know who’s in the room or who might see your product or hear about it for the first time, even if it’s just an idea. If you believe in it, if you have passion for it, and you think it’s something tangible that can have an impact on the greater community and the world, then absolutely apply. Whether it’s PRIDE Pitch or not, get your product out there. The eyes and ears watching could take your startup to the next level.” – Tony Colley, Be One to Give

The PRIDE Pitch program is more than just a competition; it’s a celebration of diverse voices in business, turning bold ideas into thriving, community-driven ventures. Stay tuned for more opportunities from ICUBE, and keep building what matters. Happy Pride, and here’s to another inspiring and impactful PRIDE Pitch!

John’s journey as a founder began with U of T Entrepreneurship, including his involvement with UTM’s ICUBE and the Institute for Management & Innovation (IMI). These incubator experiences provided mentorship, community, and resources that supported the early development of Dias Learning. Today, the venture stands as an inspiring example of how entrepreneurial support at U of T can help transform ideas into impactful global solutions.

Founded in 2020, Dias Learning develops accessible and interactive educational tools to empower learners, educators, and institutions. Their work focuses on digital learning platforms, multilingual content, and community-driven innovation that make education more engaging and equitable. By combining research with technology, Dias Learning aims to reimagine classrooms and expand opportunities for diverse learners across the globe.

Reflecting on this milestone, John shared his gratitude for the ecosystem that shaped his path: “I made sure to thank U of T Entrepreneurship, the SICIEEIL, and of course UTM’s ICUBE. This award represents not only my own work, but also the incredible guidance, mentorship, and community that helped Dias Learning grow.”

Dias Learning continues to push boundaries in interactive education, and this award marks an important step forward in its mission to make innovative learning accessible for all.

Congratulations to John Dias and Dias Learning on this achievement. We can’t wait to see what comes next!

Find out more about Dias Learning Here

The anniversary celebration brought together students, alumni, partners, and community members to reflect on ICUBE’s journey and the many ventures it has nurtured.

The event opened with welcome remarks by Donna Heslin, who reflected on ICUBE’s origins and its evolution into a vibrant entrepreneurial community. This was followed by a founders’ panel featuring Kyle Wang, Kay Boamah, and Shirook Ali, who shared their journeys, lessons learned, and insights into building ventures that balance innovation, resilience, and social impact.

Together, these conversations captured the essence of ICUBE: a space where bold ideas meet mentorship, collaboration, and the drive to create change.

As we reflect on the past decade, one thing is clear—ICUBE has been more than an incubator. It has been a community of changemakers, where students and founders can test ideas, learn from failure, and build with purpose.

Looking ahead, ICUBE remains committed to supporting entrepreneurs who are ready to shape a better future. The past 10 years have been filled with ideas and impact—and we are excited to see what the next 10 will bring.

@ Multiple Venues Across Toronto

Toronto Tech Week is back and bigger than ever! Whether you are a curious student, an ambitious founder, or a seasoned entrepreneur, this week is brimming with opportunities to connect with, collaborate on, and learn about the city’s thriving tech network. Look here for a comprehensive breakdown of all events.

U of T, the birthplace of groundbreaking technologies from insulin to generative AI, continues to lead on the global stage. Our community holds a powerful presence throughout this week with over 1,200 U of T venture-backed start-ups raising over 12 billion CAD in just five years.

To support your entrepreneurial journey, ICUBE has curated a line-up of signature events and standout sessions. Find them below:

Highlights of the Week!

Frontiers of AI: Insights from a Nobel Laureate

June 25th, 3:00-4:30 pm | St. George Campus, Convocation Hall & Live Streamed

A rare opportunity to chat with Geoffrey Hinton, University Professor Emeritus and AI pioneer, and Nick Frosst, Co-Founder of Cohere, for fresh perspectives on Canada’s role in AI. Discuss the risks and rewards of LMMs and where digital intelligence may be headed alongside other esteemed peers. Register here.

U of T Tech Week Lawn Party

June 25th, 4:30-6:30 pm | St. George Campus, Knox College Quad and adjacent spaces

Right after an informative AI talk, head outside to mingle with Toronto’s next-gen founders, VCs, and tech talent. Register here.

Women in STEM: Unleash Your Unique Leadership Voice with Confidence

June 24th, 1:30-4:30 pm | 120 Eglinton Ave, Suite 300

Hosted by Innovate You, People Bright, and RVP, this empowering session focuses on finding your leadership voice with practical tools, storytelling, and strong female entrepreneurs as advisors. Register here.

Other ICUBE Picks — Available to All Curious and Entrepreneurial Minds

Start Tech Week on June 23rd with Breaking Barriers: Rethinking Tech Investments for Start-Ups or BetaKit Town Hall: Most Ambitious for a day filled with bold ideas, investor insights, and conversations on building resilient start-ups. Learn more about Breaking Barriers here and Betakit here.

If you are a creator, artist, builder, or more, consider joining ASTRA | Young Builders Symposium on June 24th for the opportunity to present your own projects and connect with other creators. Don’t miss this chance to learn more about the diverse work and ideas going on behind-the-scenes in Toronto. Learn more here.

Join the Adapting for DevEx: AI Adoption & Productive panel discussion on June 25th for an interactive session filled with learning about AI integration and optimization followed by networking with other esteemed developers. Sign up here.

On June 26th, dive into leadership, innovation, and global collaboration with Canada’s Fintech Opportunities at PWC, the Toronto Global Summer Social, and Founder Mode Live: AI Startups & Scaling Lessons. Explore how partnerships can unlock competition, connect with global investors and businesses, and join candid conversation on scaling AI. Learn more about Fintech Opportunities here, the Summer Social here, and the AI Scaling Lesson here.

End the week strong with the Market Overview on Commerce event, perfect for reflecting on trends and takeaways from an incredible week! Join the waitlist here.

Join the Celebration!

Toronto Tech Week is more than panels and pitches — it offers a chance to get involved in the thriving ecosystem from which mentorship, ideas, and collaborations grow. With U of T students, alumni, and start-ups at its centre, it is the perfect place for everyone to see innovation at its best.

– Ria Khan, Nephrotech

Last week, ICUBE held their annual Pitch with a Twist competition, this time with an extra twist. Pitch with a Twist is a pitch competition focused on uplifting female founders. Featuring a panel of women-identifying judges, this event highlights brilliant ideas and early-stage startups from two distinct streams. This year, instead of asking entrepreneurs to pitch on-stage, ICUBE had them showcase and interact directly with all event guests and judges. This forum encouraged conversation, storytelling, and more space to get to know the founders as people first – not to mention that it led to incredible (and more personal) feedback.  

Featured at this competition were the following finalists: 

1. Nephrotech 

Nephrotech is a company aiming to make the process of peritoneal dialysis a faster, easier process. DialySnake costs less than $20, providing completely unobstructed catheters within 5 minutes. They plan to put the award towards filling a patent, so they can get DialySnake into emergency rooms.  

2. reFern  

reFern is a software platform that allows people to understand how sustainable and healthy their indoor spaces are. The platform gives people the ability to do a life cycle assessment on every item, as well as create and view details on their projects and view information on the sustainability and health standards of different materials.  

3. My Dorm Store  

My Dorm Store is a retail company, aiming to help the transition into dorm life easier for students. They offer bedding packages, toiletry packages, and other essentials, as well as care packages full of fun treats for new students. 

4. Cloak the Poke 

Cloak the Poke is creating needle covers for children, and making them kid friendly. They are about to start clinical trials with McMaster Children’s Hospital to get more quantitative data on children’s discomfort with needles. The product is already on the market, and Cloak the Poke is currently trying to expand to insulin pens as well. 

5. BiteWise 

BiteWise is a retail business, looking to create healthy snack alternatives that are free of harmful additives like palm oil, processed sugars, and more. They use natural products like sweeteners, as well as nuts and seeds, to satiate busy professionals, children, and more. 

6. LeapoN  

LeapoN is a complete networking solution for professionals to manage their contacts. With LeapoN, you’ll exchange, manage and nurture connections in one place, which helps to save time that professionals spend managing and growing their network. 

7. Aiko Translations  

Aiko Translations is a real-time, care-centered, hands-free translation solution for 130+ languages. It aims to help translate daily conversations between care providers, residents and program coordinators for all long-term care settings, and facilitates medical conversations between care providers and residents. 

ICUBE also had the privilege of seeing keynote speaker Kayli Smith: founder of Friendlier, a company focused on transforming the packaging industry through sustainability. With a background in chemical engineering and a steadfast commitment to environmental stewardship, Kayli fuses technical expertise with a dedication to sustainable practices. Recognized as a Forbes 30 Under 30 for Social Impact, Kayli is driven by the vision of establishing a circular packaging supply chain that minimizes waste and maximizes efficiency.  

This year, ICUBE handed out four awards. The attendees had the option to vote for their favorites. In the early stage category, the people picked Cloak the Poke, and in the late stage category they chose My Dorm Store. The winner of the early stage category overall was Nephrotech, and the winner of the late stage category overall was My Dorm Store.  

This year, Pitch with a Twist was made possible by IDEA Mississauga, SRJ Chartered Accountants, business coach Chris Bardos, Cassels LLP, ClickMedia, and U of T Entrepreneurship.      

Overall, Pitch with a Twist was another opportunity for ICUBE to uplift entrepreneurs, and it was a wonderful one at that. Be on the lookout for ICUBE’s other pitch competitions, with many twists to come! 

Quote from the Top Prize Winners

ICUBE’s Sustainability Innovation Challenge, in partnership with Sobeys Inc. and Say hi to the Future, is a competition dedicated to advancing sustainability through student-industry collaboration. In this challenge, bright-minded individuals were encouraged to design innovative solutions to address pressing sustainability challenges faced by Sobeys.

More specifically, participants were asked how to best approach electrifying the Sobeys fleet for their distribution channels. They were given data related to some of Sobeys’ current routes in Quebec, to help understand how their distribution networks function. Then, they were asked to provide an analysis and recommendation on how to rollout the transition to electric vehicles.

The competition saw some amazing pitches. The winning team, made up of Jake Sajko, Marcus Uhthoff, Valeria Widjaja, Jordan Chang, and Ira Jain, focused on tying their solution to Sobeys’ impact goals as an organization. They proposed a phased rollout of investing in electric vehicles, with key considerations for enabling adoption within the Sobeys organization through change management, as well as a focus on marketing this transition.

According to the team, “We’d been working on projects around the grocery retailer industry all semester and had experience working with electric vehicles and fleet electrification, so it was great to apply those skills to a real-world problem.” ICUBE also provided participants with routing data, which the team said helped them ground their analysis and recommendations. More importantly, ICUBE gave participants the opportunity to submit questions to the Sobeys stakeholders during the competition, which the team said was vital to ensuring their approach was sound and avoided false assumptions.

Winning the Top Prize meant that their solution was seen as the most impactful overall. Their innovation could make a significant impact on Sobeys sustainability efforts. Their solution presented a practical, feasible way for Sobeys to decarbonize their operations. The team says that “… integration with existing business processes shows companies that they don’t have to choose between profitability and sustainability. This not only helps Sobeys take meaningful strides toward their net-zero goals but also serves as a blueprint for other businesses looking to transition to more sustainable operations.”

With challenges like this one, ICUBE aims to help innovators make changes just like this one. Be on the lookout for more!

On February 13th, 2025, ICUBE held its Artificial Intelligence Innovation Challenge in partnership with Weston Forest and Say hi to the Future, a competition dedicated to advancing artificial intelligence through student-industry collaboration. This challenge aims to bring together bright minds from diverse disciplines, encouraging innovative AI solutions to help find new revenue opportunities for Weston Forest.

Our winners created LumberVision, an AI-powered supply chain. Their model analyzes historical lumber prices, housing starts, interest rates, currency exchange rates, and weather events to generate accurate price predictions. This solution is targeting salespeople at Weston Forest. The team focused on finding pricing strategies for salespeople that were dynamic and representative of the market. Among this team were Nikaran Kanchanadevi Marimuthu, Cole McClean, Abed Atassi, and Shalini Rathod.

The Winning Idea

The team’s approach to solving the problem was informed largely by Nikaran’s experience bridging the gap between engineering and technology. His mix of technical background and the entire team’s management experience were very helpful when developing a strategy to find their solution. According to Nikaran, one of the most beneficial things the team did was to start with multiple different approaches and multiple different technologies, without attempting to oversimplify the problem. It can be tough to do this, because, when starting out, it can seem like the problem is totally manageable but not every detail is provided. So, along the way, it’s important to take well-informed liberties with the features you want to implement, and to be confident that those are the right liberties to be taking.

When implementing their idea, the team’s technical advantage came in handy once again, as all of them have experience with data collection. Nikaran developed their large language model from scratch, which can often be very costly. However, the team knew where to look for open-source data to train on, which gave them a great advantage. They then used multiple different models to train their AI. At this point, having understood that they would need to help Weston Forest with their supply chain, they attempted to use their models to optimize inventory management. Their forecasting model helps salespeople at Weston Forest keep track of trends and fluctuation in pricing.

Future Plans

The team has big plans for where to take their product. The ICUBE team is working to connect them with Weston Forest, at which point they’ll get a chance for their product to become a real solution for Weston Forest. They also have plans to hire a team to develop their frontend and then discuss their product with experts and industry leaders. On a broader scale, they’re thinking about founding a startup that could help solve technical-business problems for non-technical companies.

The team hasn’t participated in many innovation challenges but has had their fair share of case competitions. Most of them involve banks or insurance companies. However, Canada has a large chunk of lumber and energy companies, which is why the team was very excited to see these underserved industries being propped up. Integrating AI into these sectors can totally transform how they operate, so they greatly appreciate ICUBE choosing companies like Sobeys and Weston Forest to highlight. Additionally, the team found that this competition really helped them develop their understanding of AI and its use in different industries, as well as build their competitive and time management skills. For all these reasons, they would definitely recommend this competition to anyone considering.

To answer this question, let’s consider a few concepts and regulations the Government of Canada has put in place. 

Source: Bywitly.com 

What does “Made in Canada” mean? 

When you see a label that says, “Made in Canada”, it means that the product has been transformed or rendered enough to see an impactful change from the raw materials to the finished product. The raw materials must go through some extent of production to be launched as a “Made in Canada” product on a platform/location. Secondly, the production costs such as the raw materials, direct labour and manufacturing overhead that are incurred in Canada must account to 51% of the total production costs that are directly related to the production or manufacturing process of the goods.  

By law, businesses are not required to label their products as ‘Made in Canada’. However, if a business does decide to promote this, it must ensure there is no extent of false advertising according to “The Competition Act”. 

Source: Beemaid.com 

What is the difference between “Product of Canada” and “Made in Canada”? 

When we read the labels “Product of Canada” or “Made in Canada” we often think it’s the same definition rephrased. However, the Bureau has compiled the “Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act” to differentiate between products that were majorly produced or manufactured in Canada and products that were mostly produced or manufactured in Canada. The only difference is the percentage of total direct production costs. To be labelled a “Product of Canada” the business must incur 98% of the total direct production costs in Canada, whereas the “Made in Canada” label requires 51%.  

There are also a few exceptions to qualify for labelling titles such as: 

• “Made in Canada with imported parts”  

• “Made in Canada with 60% Canadian content and 40% imported content” 

• “Assembled in Canada with foreign parts” 

• “Sewn in Canada with imported fabric” 

• “Designed in Canada” 

If the business explicitly states the portion of production that took place in Canada, businesses are generally qualified to add such labelling on their products. The focus is to add enough detail to ensure no misleading statements exist. 

In terms of packaging, many brands will also include Canadian symbols such as a maple leaf, a Canadian flag or other logos or images that symbolize Canada. In this case, the business must ensure that the images or texts added must be prominent and noticeable to consumers. The image and texts overall must deliver an accurate message regarding the labelling added. 

Additional Regulation/Provision to Consider  

The Textile Labelling Act  

Explicitly for textiles, information regarding the location from which the textiles were imported should accurately be disclosed with complete honesty. Failing to do so can lead to: 

“Summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding five thousand dollars; or […] conviction on indictment, to a fine not exceeding ten thousand dollars.” 

Requirements for Food products 

The general guidelines for labelling are the same as non-food products. However, there is an extensive process by the Food and Drugs Act authority to ensure that the importing of ingredients and complete production is approved by other Food and Drugs Act regulations.  

For more information on the Food and Drugs Act and Regulations, visit: Canada’s Food and Drugs Act and Regulations 

References  

Competition Bureau Canada. (n.d.). Product of Canada and Made in Canada claims.  

Government of Canada. Retrieved February 2, 2025, from  

https://competition-bureau.canada.ca

Fillmore Riley LLP. (n.d.). Made in Canada v. Product of Canada: What’s in a claim?  

Retrieved February 3, 2025, from https://www.fillmoreriley.com 

Understanding Canadian Import Regulations 

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) sees the import process, ensuring that all goods entering the country comply with regulations. The main factors influencing import procedures include:  

• Customs Tariffs and Duties: Depending on the type of goods, you may need to pay tariffs and duties, which vary based on the product’s country of origin. 

• Permits and Restrictions: Some goods, like food products, alcohol, pharmaceuticals, and certain electronics, require special permits. 

• Taxes: Goods and Services Tax (GST), Provincial Sales Tax (PST), or Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) may apply. 

Step-by-Step Process for Importing Goods 

1. Determine if You Need an Import Permit 

Some goods require special approval before entering Canada. The CBSA website provides a list of restricted and controlled items, and agencies such as the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) or Health Canada may regulate certain imports. 

2. Classify Your Goods Using the HS Code 

Canada uses the Harmonized System (HS) Code to classify imported products. This code determines duty rates and import regulations. You can find the appropriate HS code through the Canada Tariff Finder tool. 

3. Calculate Duties and Taxes 

Before importing, estimate the total costs by factoring in customs duties, excise taxes, and applicable GST/HST/PST. The CBSA website provides duty calculators to help with estimates. 

4. Choose a Shipping Method and Customs Broker 

Decide whether to handle customs clearance yourself or hire a licensed customs broker to manage paperwork, compliance, and duties. Many businesses prefer brokers to ensure a smoother import process. 

5. Prepare Import Documentation 

Accurate documentation is key to avoiding delays. Essential documents include: 

• Commercial Invoice (with product details, value, and origin) 

• Bill of Lading or Airway Bill (transportation proof) 

• Canada Customs Invoice (CCI) (if required) 

• Permits and certificates (if applicable) 

6. Submit Your Import Declaration 

Once your shipment arrives, you must declare it to CBSA. This can be done electronically via the Canada Border Services Agency’s Single Window Initiative (SWI) or through a customs broker. 

7. Pay Duties and Taxes 

After submitting your declaration, CBSA will assess your shipment, and you’ll be required to pay any applicable fees before goods are released. 

8. Receive Your Goods 

Once payment and inspection are complete, your goods will be cleared and delivered to your specified location. 

Tips for a Smooth Import Process 

• Plan Ahead: Research duties, taxes, and regulations before making a purchase. 

• Verify Supplier Compliance: Ensure international suppliers provide proper documentation. 

• Contact Customs Broker: For large shipments or complex regulations, brokers can simplify the process. 

• Stay Updated on Trade Agreements: Canada has trade deals like the CUSMA (Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement) that can reduce tariffs.  

Conclusion 

Importing goods into Canada involves several steps, but with proper planning and knowledge, the process can be seamless. Whether you’re bringing in raw materials for business or personal goods from a trip abroad, staying compliant with CBSA regulations will ensure hassle-free imports. If in doubt, consulting with a customs expert or broker can make all the difference in avoiding costly delays and penalties. 

References 

Government of Canada, C. B. S. A. (2025, February 3). Government of Canada. Government of Canada, Canada Border Services Agency. https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/menu-eng.html  

Canada, G. A. (2025, February 3). Government of Canada. GAC. https://www.international.gc.ca/trade-commerce/trade-agreements-accords-commerciaux/agr-acc/cusma-aceum/index.aspx?lang=eng