Released on November 14, 2011
Monique Haakensen, President and Principal Scientist of Contango Strategies, has been named one of Canada's Future Entrepreneurial Leaders (FuEL) by Profit Magazine.
A scientist with an eye for business, Haakensen founded Contango Strategies just two years after completing her PhD with the underlying intent of integrating good environmental practices with good businesses practices.
"We use microbiology to help the natural resources and energy sectors add value, decrease waste and reduce environmental impact," Haakensen said.
"This province was founded by entrepreneurs and we celebrate and honour Monique and other young entrepreneurial leaders who are key drivers of our continued economic growth and prosperity," Minister responsible for Innovation Place Rob Norris said. "The government of Saskatchewan and Innovation Place are champions of small innovative businesses that make the leap from lab bench to real world business solutions."
Along with providing laboratory research and process development, Contango Strategies also provides clients with technology assessment, feasibility and independent peer review. Founded in February, 2011 the company now has a staff of six scientists with five more positions still to be filled.
Haakensen is also actively involved in the community, serving as an academic lead for the University of the Arctic, an adjunct professor and advisory member to graduate students at the University of Saskatchewan and a guest lecturer on entrepreneurship and the values of lateral thinking at the Edwards School of Business.
This is the inaugural year for the FuEL Awards which were created to promote entrepreneurship by identifying forward-thinking role models for youth and illustrating the many benefits of venturing out on one's own. Twenty Canadian business owners under the age of thirty are being honored this year. Haakensen is the only award winner from Saskatchewan.
The contest attracted more than 100 applicants from across the country. Judging criteria included the innovative nature of the product or service, commercial potential or results, job creation and employment practices, community building and social responsibility. To encourage public involvement, a social media voting component made up 20 per cent of the candidate's total score.
Contango Strategies is located in the L.F. Kristjanson Biotechnology Complex at Innovation Place in Saskatoon.
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For more information, contact:
Monique Haakensen
Scientist Contango Strategies
Saskatoon
Phone: 306-978-3111
Email: mhaakensen@contangostrategies.com
Austin Beggs
Innovation Place
Saskatoon
Phone: 306-933-7464
Email: austin@innovationplace.com
Cell: 306-227-1636