Now in its fourth year, OCAD University’s RBC Centre for Emerging Artists & Designers is thrilled to announce the recipients of the 2024 Seed Fund for Creative Entrepreneurs:
- $6,000 First Place
Mufaro Mukoki/Mukoki Lab (Mufaro Mukoki), a modern womenswear fashion studio.
- $5,000 Second Place
Matchwise (Kimathi Bwomono), a mobile app designed to facilitate intergenerational connections.
- $4,000 Third Place
Student Must-Stash (Felipe and Santiago Bohorquez-Alvarez), a simple storage that helps newcomers navigate change.
DoubleTake Puzzles (Iris Elliott), double-sided wooden jigsaw puzzles with a twist.
- $1,000 Ample Labs Prize for a business tackling a social problem:
Matchwise (Kimathi Bwomono), a mobile app designed to facilitate intergenerational connections.
These individuals were selected by our jury of experts: Dr. Alia Weston, Associate Professor of Creative and Business Enterprise at OCAD University; Charlene McFarlane, Founder of The New ROR; Jaymin Luces-Mendes, founder of Toni Marlow Clothing, and Noire Now; Kimani Peter, founder of LOUD.army; and Tammy Yiu Coyne, co-founder and CEO of Partial.
We would also like to shout out the other finalists for this year’s Seed Fund:
- XING STUDIOS (Aimee Wu) is a sustainable fashion label centering heritage, healing, circularity and creative reimagination.
- The Good Citizen Studio (Katherine Valenzuela) explores the power of image to create meaningful change.`
- CEREMONY (Katie Sullivan): Experiments in collaboration. Research in creativity.
- QUANTUM FOOTWEAR (Lily Li) utilizes 3D printing technology to create sustainable and affordable footwear for all.
- Board (MURATHAN BILIKTU) - Handpicked Local Events: Join, host, and connect with creative locals
- Gray Objects By V.I.A (Vincent I. Akinbode) is an atelier store for collectors. We transform space via contemporary product design.
This year, all ten finalists will receive 1-on-1 mentorship to help them further develop their business idea.
Learn more about the CEAD at: www.ocadu.ca/cead
