Premio Venezia
The Premio Venezia is a prestigious prize which recognizes annually outstanding Canadian businesses, people and institutions that maintain or develop working or business relations with Italy.
20th edition
The 20th edition of the Premio Venezia will be held in 2026, marking a milestone celebration of excellence and the strength of the enduring relationship between Italy and Canada. This landmark edition will once again recognize outstanding individuals and organizations whose achievements embody innovation, leadership, and collaboration across our two countries.
The call for nominations will be launched shortly, and we invite you to put forward your candidacy or nominate a deserving individual or organization. The nomination deadline will be announced soon.
You will find the description of the award categories below.
Jury
The Premio Venezia Jury is composed of highly accomplished professionals and recognized leaders from the business, legal, financial, and innovation ecosystems. Drawing on their extensive experience and strategic insight, jury members will carefully review and evaluate the nominations, ensuring a rigorous, transparent, and merit-based selection process that reflects the values of excellence, leadership, and impact at the heart of the Premio Venezia.
Award Ceremony
The award recipients will be honored during a prestigious evening celebration in November 2026, a highlight of the year that will bring together 200 distinguished guests from the institutional, business, scientific, and innovation communities. An unforgettable evening dedicated to excellence, inspiration, and the strength of Italy–Canada relations.
2024 Recipients
- Senator Tony Loffreda – Grand Ambassador
- Zara Family – Italian Heritage
- Manulift
- MSC & Aponte Family
Categories
Investment
An individual or a firm who invested in an Italian company or a Canadian company, with the objective to penetrate a new market (EU or NAFTA), to complete its products/services portfolio, to access new, value-added technologies, etc.
Industrial
A company who contributes to the promotion of the Made in Italy or Made in Canada know-how and expertise in the industrial sector, and considers it a value-added for the success of the company (e.g. Italian equipment in a Canadian plant and vice versa).
Commercial
An individual or company who promotes Made in Italy or Made in Canada in terms of innovation, creativity, quality, and design (consumer goods, fashion, design, etc.)
Made in Italy
A company who promotes the quality and authenticity of Made in Italy products and relies on this notoriety for its success.
Academic Collaborations
Universities and academic institutions which collaborate on projects with Italian partners (sharing knowledge, personnel, summer schools, etc.)
Scientific Collaborations
Universities, laboratories and research centers which collaborate on research projects and technological development projects with Italian partners (sharing of know-how, equipment, personnel, technologies, etc.)
Grand Ambassador
Influential person recognized for creating economic value and enhancing business relations between Canada and Italy, throughout his/her career.
Italian Heritage
An accomplished individual or family of Italian descent that has contributed significantly to the economic development of Québec and/or Canada.
Young Entrepreneur
Entrepreneur, under 40 years old, who has distinguished himself in his field while promoting Made in Italy or Made in Canada products/services/expertise/innovation.
Highlights
Get notified on our upcoming Events
Don’t miss any of the ICCC’s initiatives, events, and activities! Sign up for our newsletter to receive the latest news, invitations, and exclusive updates directly in your inbox.
