EcoInnovate is Women in Engineering (WIE) Concordia’s annual, one-day sustainability case competition held on February 22nd, 2026, that brings together students from multiple universities across Montréal and diverse academic backgrounds to collaboratively tackle real world challenges. The event moves beyond classroom theory by engaging participants in hands-on problem solving that addresses major sustainability issues such as reducing ecological footprints, improving resource efficiency, and advancing climate-conscious practices.
Teams of 20 with 4-5 participants each receive a real world case study faced by communities and industries today, and have four hours to analyze the problem, research options, and develop actionable solutions put into a presentation that considers environmental outcomes, market viability, and practical implementation. Mentors from industry and academia visit teams throughout the process to provide guidance and feedback. After their case solving, each team presents their proposal to a panel of judges, with evaluation based on creativity, feasibility, sustainability, and communication skills. This process includes a 15 minute presentation, followed by a Q&A session, with feedback given from the judges. Top teams from each division then proceed to the finalist presentations, where they present again to another panel of judges. The event concludes with a wine and cheese networking session where winners are announced, students connect with professionals and peers, explore career paths, and gain insight into industry expectations. This format ensures participants leave with practical experience, industry connections, and a better understanding of how innovation intersects with sustainability and social responsibility.
EcoInnovate reflects WIE’s commitment to addressing gender disparities in STEM, as EcoInnovate’s mission is to foster a culture of inclusivity and empower students, particularly women, to thrive in engineering and STEM fields by providing mentorship, leadership development, and experiential learning opportunities. While sustainability is a core theme of the case competition, EcoInnovate goes beyond environmental problem-solving by promoting social sustainability through gender equity and diversity, demonstrating that diverse perspectives are important for innovation. Students not only learn to address technical and business challenges but also experience the value of interdisciplinary teamwork, leadership, and gain confidence; skills that are critical in today’s workforce.
With support from the Sustainability Action Fund (SAF), EcoInnovate will expand its reach, enhance accessibility, and continue to serve as a model for experiential learning that combines technical innovation with inclusivity. Ultimately, EcoInnovate aims to inspire students to think critically, collaborate effectively, and embrace diversity. By doing so, the event contributes to building a stronger, more inclusive STEM community while addressing critical challenges in sustainability.
YEARS FUNDED
2025
AMOUNT ALLOCATED
$3000