Letter from the CEO

Every day, I am reminded of how far we’ve come at Grand Challenges Canada. When I joined as the organization’s first Program Officer, we were just beginning to define what it meant to be an innovation platform. Even then, the potential of our work was clear. Today, it’s incredible to look back at the impact we’ve achieved—both as an organization and through the remarkable innovations we’ve supported.

Our role as a catalyst has always been central to our identity. From those early days, we have focused on identifying bold ideas and helping them take root. As an innovation platform, we de-risk these ideas at every stage—supporting them to prove their concepts, refine and grow, and ultimately prepare for scale and sustainability. Our commitment doesn’t stop at funding; it’s about providing tailored support that meets innovators where they are. Whether through venture advisory, learning platforms, or blended finance, helping innovators get the support they need to get to the next level.

One of the greatest joys of this role is connecting with the founders, entrepreneurs, and innovators who tell me how GCC was one of their earliest supporters. To see how their solutions are changing lives—reinforces why we do this work. These moments aren’t just inspiring; they are a testament to the power of partnerships and the potential of innovation to create real and lasting impact.

This past year has been a powerful example of what we can achieve together. In Kenya, the implementation of the Mountain Model shows what’s possible when tested innovations are scaled with public sector partners. Our partnership with Grand Challenges Senegal demonstrates the power of the growing Grand Challenges network to collaborate and source local innovation. Through our climate and health investments, we are learning more about communities' needs and supporting bold new solutions to address the health impacts of climate change.

We’re not just scaling solutions; we’re constantly evolving as an organization. This year, we conducted a risk appetite analysis to inform how we source and support high-potential innovations. Establishing our Innovator Council has deepened our connection with the innovators we serve, providing invaluable insights that help us co-create programs that truly meet their needs.

None of this would be possible without the incredible people who make this work a reality.

To the innovators we support: your vision and passion have fuelled our growth from day one. To our funders and partners, especially the Government of Canada: your belief in our mission gives us the foundation to dream big.

Too our dedicated GCC staff and board: your strategic vision, unwavering commitment, and behind-the-scenes efforts ensure that innovators have the resources, guidance, and support they need to turn their ideas into reality. Your work is the foundation upon which this impact is built, and it is vital to everything we achieve together.

As we wrap up the final year of our current strategy, I'm excited to share that we are already looking ahead to what's next.

We're building a bold new roadmap to take us through 2030—one that will help us break down barriers for innovators and truly catalyze impact at scale.

By listening carefully to our partners and the communities we serve, we're designing an approach that meets the complex challenges of today's world while creating more pathways from promising ideas to meaningful change.

Thank you for being part of this journey with us.

Dr. Karlee Silver

CEO, Grand Challenges Canada