Ottawa, ON — February 26, 2026 – We’re kicking off an exciting new chapter this year, and we couldn’t be more energized to share it with you. For the first time ever, we’re launching the Startup Global National Pitch Competition: a coast-to-coast pitch experience that brings together Canada’s most ambitious founders, culminating in one unforgettable Grand Finale.

What’s New This Year
This isn’t just a rebranding. It’s a reimagining. What was previously part of our broader Global Program series has now evolved into its own dedicated competition with higher stakes, exciting cash prizes, and a clear national narrative. We want founders to feel the weight and excitement of competing on a truly national stage, and this new format delivers exactly that.

How It Works
The Startup Global National Pitch Competition features four pitch competitions in total: three live events at our Startup Canada Tour stops across the country, plus one Virtual Pitch Competition, making the opportunity accessible to founders no matter where they’re located.

Each competition will crown one finalist, meaning four founders in total will earn their spot at the Grand Finale in Mississauga. That’s where it all comes together. Four competitors. One main stage. One winner.

The Prize Pool
The prizing reflects the magnitude of this competition. Each of the four finalists will receive $8,500 just for making it to the Grand Finale, because earning your spot on that stage deserves to be rewarded. And at every stop along the way, a People’s Choice Award of $1,000 goes to the crowd favourite, because great energy deserves recognition too.

Then there’s the Grand Finale itself. One winner. One stage. $30,000. No second place, no third. Just one bold founder walking away with a life-changing prize.

Why This Matters
The Startup Global National Pitch Competition is designed to celebrate the depth of entrepreneurial talent across this country. Whether you’re pitching at a Tour stop in your city or joining virtually from your home office, you’re competing for a seat on the same national stage. That’s something new, and something worth getting excited about.

More Ways to Compete
In addition to the National Pitch Competition, we’ll also be hosting two Startup Global In-Person Pop-up Pitch Competitions: standalone events separate from the national series. Each Pop-up will offer a winner’s prize of $15,000 and a People’s Choice Award of $1,000. These are independent events and do not feed into the Grand Finale, giving even more founders a chance to take the stage and compete.

Stay tuned for more dates, locations, and registration details. This is going to be a year to remember.

Applications Are Open for the Following Competitions: 

Halifax Pitch Competition on April 29, 2026 | Sign up today!

Virtual Pitch Competition on May 26, 2026 | Sign up today!