Students from universities across Atlantic Canada participated in the online Innovation Sprint
ADDvocacy began with a personal turning point. In 2009, NSCC Truro alum Keith Gelhorn received a series of late diagnoses of ADHD, anxiety, depression, dysgraphia, dyscalculia and challenges with processing and executive functioning. This reshaped how he understood both his past and his future. Just a few years later, in 2012, he founded ADDvocacy to ensure others navigating similar experiences would not have to do so alone.
Keith’s story became the foundation for a recent Innovation Sprint hosted by the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre and NSCC Entrepreneurship. It brought together 19 students from Memorial University, University of Prince Edward Island, Mount Saint Vincent University, Dalhousie University and Saint Mary’s University. Working alongside ADDvocacy, students were challenged to explore practical, forward-thinking ways to strengthen supports for neurodivergent individuals at a time when many services are facing growing demand and tightening resources.
Students approached the opportunity with enthusiasm and a clear sense of purpose. Ideas ranged from forming partnerships with large corporations and leveraging Lifestyle Spending Accounts to reduce financial barriers for young professionals, to integrating AI tools that could streamline administrative work, automate intake and check-ins and improve billing efficiency. Other teams focused on sustainable growth, proposing tiered revenue models, refined marketing strategies, student co-op engagement across campuses and detailed roadmaps outlining achievable goals over the next one, two and three years.
“The Innovation Sprint was an incredible four hours,” said Keith Gelhorn, founder of ADDvocacy. “I gained insights I hadn’t considered in my business and really valued the students’ ideas and perspectives. I’d highly recommend it to any entrepreneur, at any stage; it’s a powerful way to see your business through fresh eyes.”
Top teams were recognized for their contributions. First place and a $1,000 prize went to Saint Mary’s students Hazzaa Sujeer and Chloe Pobjoy-Ridolfo. Second place, earning $700, was awarded to Umit Kaan Oran from Mount Saint Vincent University, Martino Elias from Saint Mary’s University and Erick Batista from Memorial University. Third place and $300 went to Dalhousie students Prabhath Sundarapalli, Hinesh Patel and Benison Amirvin.
While the sprint marked a single moment in time, its impact extends further. For students, it demonstrated how classroom learning can translate into tangible, community-driven outcomes. For ADDvocacy, it offered fresh insight and momentum shaped by the next generation of problem-solvers.
If you’re interested in being part of a future Innovation Sprint, click here.