Startup Global National Pitch Competition
Three Tour stop pitch competitions. One virtual pitch competition. Four finalists. One national winner.
National Pitch Competition
NEW for 2026
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.
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.
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
Our virtual pitch competition will take place on Tuesday, May 26 (first-round pitches) and Thursday, May 28 (Top 10 Finals). | Open Now
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The Startup Global National Pitch Competition is structured in two stages: qualifying pitch competitions, followed by the Grand Finale.
Stage 1: Qualifying Pitch Competitions
One finalist will be selected from each of the three Tour stop pitch competitions and one finalist from the Virtual Pitch Competition, winning a prize of $8500 cash each. These four finalists will advance to the Grand Finale for a chance to win $30,000.
Stage 2: Grand Finale in Mississauga, ON
The four finalists will compete on the main stage at the Grand Finale in Mississauga. One winner will be crowned the 2026 Startup Global National Pitch Competition champion.
In-Person Tour Stop Pitch Competitions
- Pitchers will have 3 minutes to pitch, followed by 3 minutes of Q&A from two judges. The pitch will be verbal, with no pitch deck. Participants may bring their product to the pitch (small, tabletop products only; no setup time is provided).
- Following the first round, judges will select the top 5 pitchers to advance to the finals.
- Finalists will be announced in the afternoon.
- The top 5 will then present to a panel of 3 judges on the Mainstage, with 3 minutes to pitch and 2 minutes of Q&A.
- One finalist will be selected from each Tour stop to advance to the Grand Finale.
- Pitchers must be present all day if they advance to the top 5 to be eligible for the main stage presentation.
Virtual Pitch Competition
- Pitchers will have 3 minutes to pitch, followed by 3 minutes of Q&A from two judges. The pitch will be verbal, with no pitch deck. Participants may bring their product to the pitch (small, tabletop products only; no setup time is provided).
- Following the first round, judges will select the top 10 pitchers to advance to the finals.
- Finalists will be announced the morning of the Finals.
- The top 10 will then present to a panel of judges at the Finals, with 3 minutes to pitch and 2 minutes of Q&A.
- One finalist will be selected from each Tour stop to advance to the Grand Finale.
- Pitchers must be present all day if they advance to the top 10 to be eligible for the Finals.
Grand Finale
- The four finalists will compete on the main stage in Mississauga before a panel of judges.
- One national winner will be selected and awarded the Grand Finale prize.
Finalist Prize: Each of the four finalists competing at the Grand Finale will receive $8,500, awarded for earning their spot on the national stage.
People’s Choice Award: A $1,000 People’s Choice Award will be presented at each qualifying pitch competition, including the virtual competition, voted on by the audience.
Grand Finale Winner: One winner. One stage. $30,000.
Our criteria focus on one central question: What is your potential to scale globally? Our panel of judges will assess your business under the following criteria:
Target Market: Is there a clearly defined target market? Businesses that have clearly outlined their target audience will be able to identify the potential for scaling globally, including understanding current market size, growth potential, market stability, and niche characteristics
Objective: Does your business solve a long-term, sustainable problem? Solutions built around short-term trends are less likely to scale globally. Judges are looking for real, enduring need.
Solution: Businesses with a detailed, innovative solution and a strong unique selling proposition (USP) are more likely to scale globally. This criterion assesses your overall product or service across price, convenience, uniqueness, innovation, quality, efficiency, and branding.
Leadership: Does your team, mentors, or board of advisors have the industry experience, key relationships, and prior successes needed to support global expansion.
Traction (if any): Judges will evaluate the trajectory of your solution, including your minimum viable product (MVP) and existing partnerships.
Competition: How does your business stand out on an international stage? Why would a customer choose your solution over another?
Ability to Go Global: Ultimately, can you scale globally? Judges will synthesize all of the above to answer this question.
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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Review the eligibility criteria above. Key requirements include 1+ year of revenue or active R&D fundraising, between $50,000 and $1,000,000 in revenue, less than $1,000,000 in total investment, less than 8 years in operation, and a Canadian-based business with international export intentions.
To apply in-person, register for the “Pitcher Pass” at the Startup Canada Tour stop nearest to you. To apply virtually, register for the Virtual Pitch Competition day.
If selected, you will be emailed to confirm your spot and select your pitch time no later than one week prior to your relevant event.
Unfortunately, Startup Canada is not able to accommodate participants who wish to pitch in French at this time.
Only one co-founder may pitch in the 2026 Startup Global National Pitch Competition. However, we encourage you to bring your team to the Startup Canada Tour event to cheer you on and take part in the day’s activities. Once your spot in the competition is confirmed, you’ll receive a discount code that can be used for up to 3 team members to attend at a discounted price.
If you pitched in 2025 but were not selected as a Top 10 Finalist, you are welcome to apply again. If you were a Top 10 Finalist in 2025, you are not eligible to apply to the pitch competition this year, but you are welcome to participate in Startup Global programming.
No. You may only participate in one stream of the Startup Global National Pitch Competition. This ensures as many entrepreneurs as possible have the opportunity to compete.
Yes. The Startup Global National Pitch Competition is a separate program from the Startup Global Pop-up Pitch Competitions. The Pop-up events are standalone competitions and do not feed into the Grand Finale. Visit the Pop-up Pitch Competition page to learn more.
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