Companies led by Memorial University students were recognized at the 2023 Mel Woodward Cup.

The event recognizes student entrepreneurs for their excellence in startup businesses.

The top prize of $25,000 went to Notch Embedded, an engineering startup created by student Shane Williams who designed a modern software program allowing engineers to support new chips in electronics.

The second prize of $15,000 was award to SmartBin, created by science student Aneesh Raghupathy and Niraj Shukia. The two developed a sensor that detects when waste bins are at capacity to allow companies to save time, money and focus on waste efficiency.

Both winners also received non-cash prizes from local tech and innovation companies.

Two other businesses were recognized on behalf of the Fry Family Foundation. Med SimuLabs co-founder Stephanie Roberts won the award for women or non-binary leadership, while CodeDoc Hub founders Tashin Ahmed Prottoy and Shawon Ibn Kamal were awarded the early-stage idea award.