August 30, 2024 | Alumni
Alumni-founded startup Erthos recognized with 2024 Governor General’s Innovation Award
![Two young women standing in a lab](/sites/default/files/styles/content_free_crop_scale_width_800/public/assets/article/main-image/UTE_Erthos_Jan%202024_Volpe-14.jpg?h=5d17bbef&itok=3qsTQvak)
Nuha Siddiqui (left) and Kritika Tyagi. Photo by Matthew Volpe.
Erthos, a biomaterials startup co-founded by University of Toronto alumni Nuha Siddiqui (BCom 2018) and Kritika Tyagi (BSc 2019), has received a 2024 Governor General's Innovation Award.
Launched in 2016, the annual awards celebrate exceptional Canadian individuals, teams and organizations for their excellence in innovation and their contributions in helping to shape our future and positively impact our quality of life.
Erthos, which began as a research project of Siddiqui’s while she was studying at U of T, was recognized for its efforts in helping tackle plastic pollution with its novel plant-based resin, which serves as a sustainable alternative to single-use plastics. The startup was nominated for the honour by the Business Development Bank of Canada.
“Nuha Siddiqui's leadership at Erthos is a testament to strategic vision, adaptability and a commitment to global sustainability,” reads the award citation. “Erthos stands resilient, inspiring transformative change for a more sustainable and inclusive future.”