Enter the Startup Global Pitch Competition for your chance of a slice of the $68,000 Prize Pot!
The Startup Global National Pitch Competition is our biggest, most exciting pitch format yet. Designed for early-stage and scale-up entrepreneurs with global ambitions, this coast-to-coast competition gives Canadian founders the chance to compete for their share of $68,000 in cash prizes, and a spot on the Grand Finale main stage in Mississauga.
Eligibility to Apply
To be eligible for the Startup Global National Pitch Competition, you must meet the following criteria:
- The intention/ability to export and expand your business internationally within the next 2 years
- A minimum of 1 year of generating revenue and/or actively fundraising for Research & Development
- Between more than $50,000 and less than $1,000,000 in revenue, as of February 2, 2026
- Less than $1,000,000 in fundraising or investment (grants, bank loans, equity funding), as of February 2, 2026
- Less than 8 years of operating your business, as of February 2, 2026
- Your business/operations are founded/headquartered in Canada
Please note these additional eligibility details:
- Employees of Startup Canada (and their immediate family members) are ineligible to apply.
- Submissions may be entered as individuals or teams; however, the maximum number of team members for a single pitch is limited to one person per company.
- A company may only submit one pitch to be considered for adjudication.
- You may only participate in one stream of the competition (in-person Tour stop or virtual). This ensures as many entrepreneurs as possible have the chance to compete.
How to Apply
There are two ways to participate in the 2026 Startup Global National Pitch Competition. You can pitch 1) in-person at one of our three Startup Canada Tour stops, or 2) virtually.
In-Person
To apply in-person, register for the "Pitcher Pass" at the closest Startup Canada Tour stop to you. During checkout, you will be asked a series of questions about your business to confirm eligibility.
- Halifax, NS | April 29th | Open Now
- Victoria, BC | September 29th | Coming soon!
- Mississauga, ON | October 29th | Coming soon!
Virtual
The virtual pitch competition will take place on Tuesday, May 26 (first-round pitches) and Thursday, May 28 (Top 10 Finals). | Open Now
Get notified first - Sign up for our Global newsletter to be notified when pitch applications open for Victoria and Mississauga! | Get on the list
