Desjardins, Canada’s largest co-operative financial group, has marked a decade of its Cooperathon programme, which brings entrepreneurs together to tackle social and environmental challenges.
Launched in 2016, the Cooperathon provides participants with “a structured programme of tools, networks and support to help turn innovative ideas into viable businesses”.
Projects focus on three broad areas – People, Planet, and Prosperity – and are linked to the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
According to Desjardins, more than 700 businesses have been created through the Cooperathon since its inception. The programme has reportedly seen over 7,400 participants take part with support from more than 100 partner organisations across Canada.
This year’s 2026 Cooperathon brought together nearly 170 projects addressing challenges across the three key areas. It concluded with a gala event on 9 July, where eight grants totalling CA$100,000 were awarded.
Meycell, a Brampton-based startup developing yeast-derived lipids for plant-based meat products, won the $40,000 Grand Prize as well as the $10,000 Planet Prize. Other winners included $10,000 People and Prosperity prizes for TechInu and Boussole ESG respectively, while Qalam Health Solutions received the $15,000 University Research Prize.
Related: Vancity, Co-operators and Desjardins make Canadian sustainability list
Meanwhile, Allio Health, LifeMemory and Altas Bio secured $5,000 each in the Innovation, Impact and AI/Tech categories. Allio Health, which has developed a wearable breast pump using biomimetic technology, was additionally selected for the People’s Choice award following a public vote.
For Desjardins, the Cooperathon forms part of a broader approach to cultivating “socially conscious entrepreneurship”. The credit union association said the programme provides participants with a route into a wider support ecosystem, including initiatives such as its Créavenir Youth Entrepreneurship Program and Startup in Residence.
Speaking at the anniversary gala, Desjardins business director of start-up and innovation ecosystem Mathieu Bélisle said: “Over the past decade, we’ve learned that support can’t happen in a vacuum. The Cooperathon is the first step in a journey that continues with ecosystem partners through Créavenir and Startup in Residence.
“Our role is to make sure no business falls through the cracks because of a lack of support.”
Tommy Pelletier, vice-president of business member and client services, added: “The Cooperathon was created based on a simple premise: we’re better at tackling society’s major challenges together than alone. For 10 years, we’ve supported entrepreneurs who dream of finding real solutions for people, the planet and collective prosperity.
“Tonight, we’re celebrating not only their boldness and action, but also an entire ecosystem of mentors, partners and business owners who are proving that when we work together, we can create positive, lasting change for our communities.”
