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The transition from student to founder is one of the most exciting — and uncertain — moments in an entrepreneurial journey. The Legacy in Action Innovation Prize exists to support founders at exactly that moment. 

Through milestone-based funding, this prize backs graduating student founders who are ready to move from idea or prototype toward a market-facing company. This prize exists to support university-born ideas as they become ventures with a genuine chance to grow and endure, recognizing the strength of the venture as well as the commitment and vision of the people building it.  

For the Hunter Hub, this prize is deeply personal to our mission. We believe the University of Calgary's entrepreneurial ecosystem is one of its greatest assets; Investing in founders at this critical transition is one of the most meaningful ways to strengthen it. This prize reinforces our commitment to building and contributing to a culture of innovation across Calgary and beyond.  

This year's award will be presented at the Hunter Hub's inaugural Start Something Summit on June 5, 2026.

The Legacy in Action Innovation Prize honours Heather Herring, a professional engineer, Haskayne School of Business alumna, University of Calgary Senator, and one of the most generous champions the entrepreneurial community has known. 

Heather spent her career at the intersection of industry, academia, and entrepreneurship, leaving her mark on all three. She helped establish the Alberta Ingenuity Center for In Situ Energy, an interdisciplinary R&D program that gave rise to multiple spin-off technology companies. She secured nearly $100 million in grants over her lifetime. She was the founding director of NanoTess, and through her company Make It So Inc., she provided coaching, funding and mentorship to startups at every stage of growth. She also served as executive-in-residence at Zone Startups Calgary, where she continued doing what she did best: helping founders find their footing. 

But what defined Heather wasn't any single achievement. It was her way of showing up. She had a rare ability to spot challenges and opportunities others missed, and an even rarer gift for connecting people to each other and to possibilities they hadn't yet seen in themselves. Those who worked with her remember her kindness, her curiosity, and her steady belief that things could — and should — be better. 

Her guiding philosophy was simple: make things better. 

The Legacy in Action Innovation Prize is open to: 

• Students graduating in the current academic year 

• Recent graduates (from the past academic year) continuing to build a venture that originated from their academic work 

Strong applicants will demonstrate a genuine commitment to their venture beyond graduation and a clear readiness to build toward a real-world company. Applicants are evaluated on demonstrated commitment, readiness to execute, and alignment with the spirit of the award. 

Fill out the application form before May 10, 2026 at 11:59PM MST.