Deadline: September 15, 2026
Applications are open for the Innovation & Growth Pitch Competition 2026. Taking place on October 27, 2026, at the Barrett Centre for Technology Innovation, this one-day showcase will bring together researchers, industry leaders, government representatives, funders, investors, and innovation partners to explore groundbreaking solutions, foster collaboration, and accelerate economic growth.
As part of the Innovation and Growth Pitch Competition 2026, early-stage startups with innovative technology solutions will have the opportunity to participate in the Investor Pitch Showcase and present their ventures to a curated audience of investors, SMEs, and ecosystem leaders from across Ontario.
If you are building a high-potential venture and preparing for pre-seed or seed-stage funding, this is an opportunity to gain visibility, connect with investors, and showcase your innovation to key decision-makers.
Benefits
The winner of the investor pitch competition will receive:
- Cash Prize — Award amount to be announced soon! Made possible through the generous support of partners – Mitacs, eCampusOntario, Kiwi Charge, Labs4
- Investor Pitch Opportunity — An opportunity to present at the next Altitude Angels Investment Meeting and showcase your business directly to active angel investors.
- Complimentary DiscoveryX Ticket courtesy of Ontario Centre of Innovation
- Expert Feedback & Mentorship — Valuable feedback from investors, angel investors, and community partners to help strengthen your business and growth strategy. Opportunity to explore Labs4 Programs and 1:1 Commercialization Consultation.
- Personalized Pitch Preparation Support — Finalists will receive personalized pitch feedback and preparation support from MaRS Investment Accelerator Fund to help sharpen their pitch before the big day.
Eligibility
To be considered for the Pitch Competition, startups must meet the following criteria:
- Technology-Based Solution: The company must be tech-enabled or tech-driven, with a new and novel solution addressing an important problem. The venture should be beyond the ideation stage.
- Ontario-Based Business: The company must be operating in Ontario.
- Pitch Availability: Selected companies must be available to present virtually to the selection committees between September 23 – October 7, 2026.
- Pitch Team: Submissions may be made by individuals or teams; however, only one representative per company will be permitted to present during the pitch competition.
Application
The final deadline to submit your nomination or application is September 15, 2026.
For more information, visit Innovation & Growth Pitch Competition.
