Awards and Recognition
Excellence in action
Honouring the achievements of our faculty, staff, and the institution as a whole. This recognition reflects our shared commitment to excellence and impact.
Spirit of Innovation Award
Innovate with AI Competition, GDG Windsor DevFest 2025
Students from UNF’s Master of Data Analytics program earned the Spirit of Innovation Award at GDG Windsor DevFest. The team consisting of Sarah Dinola, Jerwin Piol, Kerwin Vilan, and Alistair Salgado was selected as a finalist from more than 100 competitors and received the award for their proposal of SeniorHub – a platform designed to connect seniors with various support services.
A second team of UNF students featuring Rodrigo Alfaro, Emmanuel Olajabu, German David Garcia Nieves, and Ana Carolina Quiroz Vazquez also advanced to the finals for their creation of Sympthia, an AI-powered tool that supports public health awareness.
Most Innovative Higher Education Institution 2025 - Ontario
Education and Training Awards, Corporate Vision
UNF was named the Most Innovative Higher Education Institution in Ontario for the 2025 Education and Training Awards through Corporate Vision.
This recognition highlights UNF’s student-centred, future-focused approach to education. With programs that emphasize a digital mindset, hands-on learning, and strong industry connections, UNF ensures students gain the skills and experience needed for today’s workplace.
Finalist, Excellence in Business Award: 26 Employees or More
Niagara Business Achievement Awards, Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce
UNF was named a finalist in the Excellence in Business Award: 26 Employees or More category in the 2025 Niagara Business Achievement Awards.
This recognition highlights not only the strength of UNF’s vision and strategy, but it is also a reflection of the incredible work being done across our university and the strong connections we continue to build within the Niagara community.
First place
GUS Business Pitch Competition, Arden University
A team of students from UNF’s Master of Data Analytics program tied for first place in the GUS Business Pitch Competition, organized by Arden University in the United Kingdom. The competition was opened to higher education institutions from the Global University Systems (GUS) network.
UNF students Roberto Reyna Delgado (team lead), Carlos Alberto Juarez Maldonado, Emmanuel Santiago Forero, Kalid Sacbe Juarez Ponce, and Wilmer Mateo Heras Vera won for their innovative idea to use AI to identify and recommend solutions for diseases affecting grapevines.
Second place
Higher Education Analytics Data Competition, Mohawk College
A team of students from UNF’s Master of Data Analytics program earned second place in the Higher Education Analytics Data Competition held at Mohawk College, where they competed against teams from universities and colleges across Ontario.
Students Juan Esteban Cisneros, Ana Carolina Quiroz, David German Garcia, and John Oluwatosin Omiyale, led by faculty advisor Omid Isfahanialamdari, explored a real-world problem related to transportation in the city of Hamilton based on available data.
