Innovation & Growth Pitch Competition 2026

Applications are now open for the Innovation & Growth Pitch Competition 2026, an opportunity for early stage technology startups in Ontario to showcase innovative solutions to investors, industry leaders, funders and other key ecosystem stakeholders. The competition will take place on October 27, 2026, at the Barrett Centre for Technology Innovation.

The one day event will bring together researchers, industry leaders, government representatives, funders, investors and innovation partners to explore new solutions, encourage collaboration and support economic growth. As part of the programme, selected startups will participate in an Investor Pitch Showcase where they can present their ventures to a curated audience of investors, small and medium sized enterprises and ecosystem leaders from across Ontario.

The competition is particularly suited to founders preparing for pre seed or seed stage funding. It provides an opportunity to increase visibility, receive feedback from experienced investors and ecosystem partners, build valuable connections and demonstrate the potential of an innovative technology based business.

About the Competition

The Innovation & Growth Pitch Competition is designed to identify and showcase promising technology ventures that are already beyond the ideation stage and are working on novel solutions to important problems.

The competition forms part of a broader innovation and growth showcase taking place at the Barrett Centre for Technology Innovation. It connects emerging companies with people and organizations that can contribute to their commercial development, investment readiness and long term growth.

Participating startups will have the opportunity to present their businesses to a curated group of investors, SMEs and innovation ecosystem leaders. For founders preparing to raise pre seed or seed funding, the pitch showcase can provide valuable exposure at an important stage of business development.

Competition Benefits

The winner of the investor pitch competition will receive:

• A cash prize, with the award amount to be announced.

• An opportunity to present at the next Altitude Angels Investment Meeting.

• Direct exposure to active angel investors through the investor pitch opportunity.

• A complimentary DiscoveryX ticket courtesy of the Ontario Centre of Innovation.

• Expert feedback from investors, angel investors and community partners.

• Mentorship and guidance to strengthen the business and growth strategy.

• An opportunity to explore Labs4 programmes and one on one commercialization consultation.

• Personalized pitch feedback and preparation support from the MaRS Investment Accelerator Fund.

• Greater visibility among investors, SMEs and innovation ecosystem leaders across Ontario.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the Innovation & Growth Pitch Competition 2026, startups must:

• Operate as a technology based or technology driven business.

• Have a new and novel solution addressing an important problem.

• Be beyond the ideation stage.

• Be operating in Ontario.

• Be available to present virtually to the selection committees between September 23 and October 7, 2026.

• Submit an application or nomination before the September 15, 2026 deadline.

• Ensure that only one representative is available to present during the pitch competition if selected.

Required Application Information

Applicants should be prepared to provide information that clearly communicates their venture and demonstrates why it is suitable for the Innovation & Growth Pitch Competition.

The application should present:

• Information about the technology based or technology driven company.

• A clear description of the innovative solution.

• The important problem the venture is addressing.

• Evidence that the company has progressed beyond the ideation stage.

• Information demonstrating that the business operates in Ontario.

• Details relevant to the company's growth and investment potential.

• Information needed for the selection and pitch process.

Selection Criteria

The competition is intended for startups that demonstrate meaningful innovation and commercial potential.

Applications will be considered based on factors including:

• The technology based nature of the solution.

• The novelty and innovative character of the proposed solution.

• The importance of the problem being addressed.

• The company's progress beyond the ideation stage.

• The potential for growth and commercialization.

• The suitability of the venture for an investor focused pitch showcase.

How to Apply

1. Review the eligibility requirements for the Innovation & Growth Pitch Competition 2026.
2. Confirm that your company is operating in Ontario and has progressed beyond the ideation stage.
3. Prepare information describing your technology based solution and the important problem it addresses.
4. Complete the nomination or application through the official application platform.
5. Submit your application before the September 15, 2026 deadline.
6. If selected, make yourself available for the virtual selection committee presentations between September 23 and October 7, 2026.
7. Prepare for the Investor Pitch Showcase taking place on October 27, 2026, at the Barrett Centre for Technology Innovation.
8. Use the pitch preparation and expert feedback opportunities to strengthen your presentation ahead of the competition.