Startup Global National Virtual Pitch Competition 2026

By Teri-Lyn O'Hara  |  

Friday, May 29, 2026 — This week, globally aspiring entrepreneurs from across Canada pitched their business for a shot at $8,500. Co-presented by UPS and Export Development Canada (EDC), the Startup Global National Virtual Pitch Competition brought together founders from coast to coast to coast with three minutes to share their ambitions of bringing their business to international markets.

After a full day of first-round heats on May 26, followed by the Top 10 businesses pitching again on May 28th, Uzma Ahmed Din of Vision 3X was crowned the winner! Along with their cash prize of $8,500, they’ve also earned a spot on stage at the Startup Global Pitch Competition Grand Finale in Mississauga on October 29, where they will compete for the grand prize of $30,000. Vision 3X delivers real-time 3D vision using a patent-protected technology approach that gives autonomous platforms the kind of spatial understanding that was previously only possible with sensors costing tens of thousands of dollars.

Alongside the judges’ decision, a People’s Choice Award was voted on by those watching the final round, recognizing the pitch that resonated most with the audience. This prize was awarded to Ameneh Madjd of D2Type Health Inc. D2Type Health is transforming diabetes care, at scale using real-time, personalized, between-visit care to prevent and manage Type 2 Diabetes and improve cardiometabolic health.

Meet the Finalists

From a strong field of over 189 applicants across Canada, these are the entrepreneurs that joined Vision 3X and D2Type Health Inc. on the virtual stage on May 28:

About the Startup Global National Virtual Pitch Competition

The virtual format exists to ensure that every entrepreneur in Canada, regardless of geography, has an opportunity to bring their business to the pitch stage. This virtual competition opens the door to businesses and ideas that might otherwise not get the chance to compete.

The calibre of all founders who participated in this competition demonstrated traction, ambition, and genuine potential to grow beyond Canadian borders.

Thank You to Our Judges

Running a virtual pitch competition across two full days requires judges who are deeply committed, and knowledgeable of what it takes to scale a business to international markets. Deliberation is very challenging with so many talented businesses being presented. A Sincere thank you to all of the judges who supported this competition: 

  • Annika Mang: Founder, TrailCollectiv, Born to be Adventurous
  • Bronwyn Bridges: CEO & Co-Founder, PragmaClin
  • Cara Dveris: Director, Strategic Programs, North Forge
  • Felipe Zariquiey: Marketing Manager, Small Business Segment, UPS Canada
  • Joyce Taylor: CEO, Prosper NWT
  • Katerina Msafari: Founder Success Manager, Tribe Network
  • Katie Young: Founder, Klondike Kettle Corn
  • Logan Freese: General Manager, Copper Niisuu Limited Partnership
  • Peter-Paul Van Hoken: Founder & CEO, FrontFundr
  • Sam Kullar: Head of Portfolio, ClimateDoor
  • Shaheel Hooda: General Partner, Sprout Fund
  • Shayna Hammer: Executive Director, Yukonstruct
  • Soifiya Hassani: CEO & Founder, Les Soins de MENEA
  • Stanley Barnaby: CEO, JEDI
  • Swarnamouli Majumdar: Founder & CEO, Zenext AI
  • Thauana Morais: Edtech Founder & Entrepreneurship Lead, YWCA
  • Andrei Samson: Executive Director, Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce – Top 10 Finals Judge
  • Bernice Clarke: Founder/Owner, Uasau Soap Inc. – Top 10 Finals Judge
  • Paul Gaspar: Director of Small Business, UPS – Top 10 Finals Judge

Your time and expertise are what give this competition its integrity. Thank you for showing up for founders from every corner of the country.

Interested in Pitching Your Business? Apply for a Startup Global pitch competition here.

Thank You to Our Partners

We are proud to deliver this program alongside our partners, whose support enables us to provide education, access to resources, and funding to founders aspiring to launch into international markets.

Presenting Partners
Powered by Startup Canada, the Startup Global program is presented in partnership with UPS and Export Development Canada (EDC).

Event Partners
Air Canada
Riipen

Ecosystem Partners
Forum for International Trade Training (FITT).

About Startup Canada

Startup Canada is the gateway to Canada’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. We’re here to connect entrepreneurs with the support, community, and tools they need to build a successful business in Canada. Since our inception in 2012, Startup Canada has grown to support more than 130,000 entrepreneurs annually and an ever-growing entrepreneurial ecosystem support network from coast to coast to coast. Through our flagship and digital programs, we provide guidance, eliminate barriers, and champion the needs of each and every entrepreneur to private and public sector partners. Startup Canada supports entrepreneurs in starting up and scaling up to ultimately make Canada the best place to start and build a business. For more information, visit https://www.startupcan.ca/.