The Innovation Challenge Chip

 Each member of the local Innovate Council will receive an Innovation Challenge Chip at their first meeting.  

The Innovation Challenge invites members to seek-out, identify and spotlight an individual, company, government department, or nonprofit that has successfully implemented an innovative product, service, or solution with clear community impact. 

By tasking members with “discovering” these innovators, the Innovation Challenge Chip turns the Council into an active network of scouts for practical, socially oriented innovation rather than a passive discussion forum.

 The Challenge Chip acts as a tangible “badge of honour” that a Council member can pass to an individual or organization when they discover outstanding innovative thinking, product, or a solution in the community.​ It signals that the recipient has been peer-recognized by senior leaders for advancing new ideas, partnerships, or solutions that benefit the local community or economy.

 A Council member submits a short nomination note (what the person/organization did, why it matters, expected impact) and formally presents the chip at a suitable moment (meeting, site visit, event, or one-on-one).​

The story of the nomination (who, why, what changed) is captured and fed into Innovate Council communications so that the chip is linked to real, practical examples of local innovation.

 When someone receives the Innovation Challenge Chip, they can be recognized through a mix of high-visibility gestures:

• Feature story: A short “Canadian Innovation Story” profile on the Innovate Council website, LinkedIn, and newsletter, with a photo of the chip handover and a description of their contribution.​
• Council meeting: A 3–5 minute “innovation spotlight” at the next Innovate Council meeting or roundtable, where the nominating member briefly introduces the recipient and their work.​
• Pop-up recognition: A surprise visit by 2–3 Council members to the recipient’s workplace with the chip, and a group photo for internal and external sharing.​
• Civic signal: If appropriate, a short recognition note included in a council committee agenda or a comment from a municipal leader at a public meeting, acknowledging the recipient by name and their innovative initiative.​
• Digital badge: A simple “Innovation Challenge Chip Recipient” digital badge or icon that recipients can add to their email signature, website, or LinkedIn profile.
• Media recognition: The Innovate Council will write and distribute a press release that will be distributed to local media to acknowledge the recipients' recognition as an Innovator within the community, and country.

The Innovation Challenge Chip is to be framed as a peer-driven, story-rich recognition—less about a grand award and more about celebrating real, practical innovation that moves the community forward.  Messaging can emphasize that “innovation” includes policy changes, process improvements, frontline creativity, and cross-sector collaborations, not just technology, so that both government and business leaders can see themselves in it.