Over the years, prizes have included coveted spots in top tier Accelerator programs; our two $100,000 investment prizes; Grandmothers’ choice; Paid Proofs-of-concept; long-term partnerships with world-class corporations; straight cash in hand; and so much more.
See our current prizes listed below, with more coming on a rolling basis throughout the spring and summer. The application process and exact criteria will vary with each prize.
How to Apply
- Create a profile with Submittable
- Fill in the Startupfest Pitch from Home application
- At the bottom of the application form, select which contests you would like to apply for
- Fill in any additional questions the form requires based on your selections
Once the application process is complete, all applicants will be contacted within 2 weeks following the deadline of the contest they applied for. Look out for follow up questions in your inbox if you are shortlisted! Certain prizes may conduct virtual interviews with shortlisted applicants.
2020 opportunities- more to come!
CIAP Acceleration Program’s 2020 Cohort
by: CIAP
The winner will receive a placement in CIAP’s 2020 Cohort of women-led businesses and be invited to join an immersive 6-half day ScaleCamp and more!
Deadline: Apply by October 8th.
CLOSED!
Fall 2020 Initiation Cohort
by: Ecofuel Accelerator
The winning company will be admitted to the fall 2020 cohort of the Ecofuel Accelerator Initiation Program.
Deadline: Apply by August 16th.
CLOSED!
Pitch Competition – Early Stage Companies (0-3 years)
by: PME MTL
PME MTL network is looking for the emerging company that will make the difference in the future. PME MTL will award one winning company with a $5,000 bursary, dedicated support, and more!
Deadline: Apply by July 17th.
CLOSED!
Pitch Competition – Agile and Resilient Companies
by: PME MTL
PME MTL network is looking for the company that managed to cope with the crisis and reinvent itself. PME MTL will award one winning company with a $5,000 bursary, dedicated support, and more!
Deadline: Apply by July 17th.
CLOSED!
L-SPARK 2020 SaaS Accelerator
by: L-SPARK
1 company will be selected for admission into the L-SPARK SaaS Accelerator. This 6-month intensive program is looking for a Canadian startup.
Deadline: Apply by June 19th.
CLOSED!
The DMZ 2020 Accelerator Cohort
by: The DMZ
Over the course of 3.5 month fast-paced months, companies will rapidly increase their revenue, grow average deal sizes, increase customer engagement and grow sales teams.
Deadline: Apply by June 19th.
CLOSED!
Incubation Program – LE CAMP
by: LE CAMP
Two companies will be admitted to LE CAMP Incubation Program. By becoming a Camper, LE CAMP team offers personalized coaching and guides you to the resources you need during your incubation period, and beyond!
Deadline: Apply by June 19th.
CLOSED!
Next AI Top Startup Award
by: NEXT Canada
One spot in either the Toronto or Montreal 2021 Cohort of Next AI, Canada’s premiere accelerator for idea to pre-seed stage AI-enabled startups.
Deadline: Apply by June 19th.
CLOSED!
Next 36 Young Entrepreneur Award
by: NEXT Canada
Pitch to Next 36 alumni and mentor judges for your chance to win an exclusive founder spot in the 2021 Cohort of Next 36!
Deadline: Apply by June 19th.
CLOSED!
$100k Prize
by: Startupfest
Open to any startup, this is a $100,000 investment based on the SAFE.
Note: You’ll have the opportunity to let us know if those terms don’t work, and propose alternative ones.
Deadline: Apply by June 12th. Shortlist announced by June 29th.
CLOSED!
Grandmothers’ Choice
by: Startupfest
No investment prize included, but the Grandmother judges are one of the most iconic parts of Startupfest—and their record is better than anyone else’s. Back in 2011, they picked Onavo— went on to be acquired by Facebook for a cool $150M. By applying for any prize, you’re automatically entered to be reviewed by the Grandmother Judges!
CLOSED!
Centech Acceleration
by: Centech
Centech is offering three spots to be part of its fall 2020 cohort starting September 8th.
The Acceleration program is an intensive 12-week program for high-potential technology companies.
Deadline: Apply by June 14th. Shortlist announced on June 30th.
CLOSED!
“Défi Start-up Les Affaires“
by: National Bank
The National Bank is making you benefit from the synergy of two of our partnerships. We invite you to participate in the “Défi Start-up Les Affaires” presented by the National Bank. Many prizes to win, including a coveted spot in the finals of Startupfest’s $100k Investment Prize.
Deadline: Apply by May 31st.
CLOSED!
CBC Montreal Pivot prize
by: CBC Montreal
Are you a Quebec-based startup who has changed your product to try to help our community during COVID-19? CBC Montreal wants to hear from you! Submit a one-minute video of your product pitch for a chance to be featured on CBC Montreal.
Deadline: Apply by June 12th.
CLOSED!
FounderFuel Community Demo Day Pitch Spot
by: FounderFuel
FounderFuel, one of the country’s top Accelerator programs, is offering one burgeoning startup the ultimate exposure; an honorary pitching spot at FounderFuel Community Demo Day 2020. This opportunity will also include 1-on-1 time with RV partners and/or FF GMs for pitch refining and more.
Deadline: Apply by June 26th.
CLOSED!
Open Water Accelerator Fall Cohort
by: Open Water
Open Water Accelerator is looking for 5 early stage software startups to join their Fall Cohort! Open Water provides selected startups with $125k in cloud credits and a dedicated team of engineers, designers, and growth hackers.
Deadline: Apply by June 26th.
CLOSED!
