The Top 20 Startup Competitions in Canada You Should Enter in 2024
The Top 20 Startup Competitions in Canada You Should Enter in 2024
Canada’s startup ecosystem is buzzing with innovation, and 2024 promises to be an exciting year for entrepreneurs across the country. Startup competitions are a fantastic way to gain exposure, secure funding, and connect with key industry players. Whether you’re a tech innovator in Toronto or a social entrepreneur in Vancouver, there’s a competition tailored for you. Here’s a guide to the top 20 startup competitions in Canada that you should definitely consider entering in 2024.
1. Startup Canada Awards
What it is: The Startup Canada Awards celebrate Canadian entrepreneurs, startups, and ecosystems across various categories such as emerging startups, innovation, and social impact.
Why enter: Winning provides significant visibility and credibility, helping to build your network and attract investors.
Website: Startup Canada Awards
2. Canadian Export Challenge
What it is: This competition focuses on startups aiming to expand internationally. It’s designed to support Canadian entrepreneurs with global ambitions.
Why enter: Offers access to resources, mentorship, and funding opportunities for navigating international markets.
Website: Canadian Export Challenge
3. BMO Celebrating Women in Technology
What it is: This competition celebrates and supports female-led tech startups. It aims to amplify women’s impact in the tech industry.
Why enter: Provides exposure, mentorship, and funding opportunities specifically for women entrepreneurs.
Website: BMO Celebrating Women in Technology
4. Velocity Fund Finals
What it is: Hosted by the University of Waterloo, this competition is for student and recent graduate entrepreneurs, offering substantial cash prizes and support.
Why enter: Provides funding, mentorship, and access to a network of investors and entrepreneurs.
Website: Velocity Fund Finals
5. Innovative Solutions Canada
What it is: A government-led competition supporting innovative projects with potential commercial applications. It’s open to startups and small businesses.
Why enter: Offers significant funding, resources, and opportunities to collaborate with federal departments.
Website: Innovative Solutions Canada
6. The Pitch Competition
What it is: A national pitch contest that showcases startups across Canada, focusing on impactful and scalable business ideas.
Why enter: Provides a platform to pitch to investors and industry experts, gaining valuable exposure and potential funding.
Website: The Pitch Competition
7. The Next 36
What it is: A program and competition for Canada’s top young entrepreneurs, offering intensive support, mentorship, and pitching opportunities.
Why enter: Provides a comprehensive support system, including mentorship from top entrepreneurs and access to investors.
Website: The Next 36
8. MaRS Discovery District Competitions
What it is: MaRS Discovery District hosts various competitions throughout the year, focusing on sectors such as health, cleantech, and social innovation.
Why enter: Offers access to MaRS’s extensive network of investors and experts, along with funding and mentorship opportunities.
Website: MaRS Discovery District
9. Startup Fest
What it is: One of Canada’s largest startup festivals, Startup Fest includes a competition that attracts entrepreneurs and investors from around the world.
Why enter: Provides immense visibility, networking opportunities, and a platform to pitch to a global audience.
Website: Startup Fest
10. UBC Venture Accelerator
What it is: This competition focuses on supporting early-stage ventures at the University of British Columbia, providing resources and funding.
Why enter: Offers mentorship, funding, and a supportive network to help startups grow and succeed.
Website: UBC Venture Accelerator
11. Creative Destruction Lab (CDL)
What it is: CDL runs competitions across multiple cities in Canada, focusing on scaling high-impact, science-based startups.
Why enter: Provides access to experienced mentors, resources, and potential funding opportunities.
Website: Creative Destruction Lab
12. The Canadian Innovation Awards
What it is: This competition recognizes innovation across various sectors in Canada, celebrating groundbreaking ideas and technologies.
Why enter: Winning can lead to increased visibility and recognition in the Canadian innovation community.
Website: Canadian Innovation Awards
13. Canadian Tech Awards
What it is: Focuses on honoring exceptional tech startups in Canada. The competition covers various tech sectors, including AI, software, and hardware.
Why enter: Offers exposure to industry leaders and potential investors, along with the chance to gain recognition for your tech innovation.
Website: Canadian Tech Awards
14. StartUp Here Toronto
What it is: A Toronto-based competition aimed at showcasing and supporting local startups across various industries.
Why enter: Provides visibility within Toronto’s vibrant startup ecosystem and access to a network of local investors and partners.
Website: StartUp Here Toronto
15. VenturePrize
What it is: The VenturePrize competition is run by the Calgary-based Venture for Canada and supports high-potential startups with funding and mentorship.
Why enter: Offers cash prizes, mentorship, and access to a network of investors and entrepreneurs in Calgary.
Website: VenturePrize
16. Espace Founders
What it is: A Montreal-based competition that supports early-stage startups with resources and networking opportunities.
Why enter: Provides access to a vibrant entrepreneurial community in Montreal, along with funding and mentorship.
Website: Espace Founders
17. Halifax Startup Challenge
What it is: This competition highlights innovative startups in Halifax, offering exposure and support to emerging ventures.
Why enter: Offers a platform to showcase your startup in Halifax’s growing entrepreneurial ecosystem, along with potential funding and connections.
Website: Halifax Startup Challenge
18. Toronto Business Development Centre (TBDC) Competitions
What it is: TBDC runs several competitions throughout the year, focusing on supporting and growing startups in Toronto.
Why enter: Provides access to resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help your startup thrive in Toronto.
Website: TBDC Competitions
19. The Accelerator Centre’s AC Jumpstart
What it is: AC Jumpstart is a competition that provides startups with mentorship, resources, and funding opportunities in the Waterloo region.
Why enter: Offers intensive support and resources to help startups scale and succeed in the Waterloo entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Website: AC Jumpstart
20. Y Combinator’s Startup School
What it is: While not a traditional competition, Startup School by Y Combinator offers resources and support for startups worldwide, including Canadian ventures.
Why enter: Provides access to a wealth of resources, mentorship, and potential connections to Y Combinator’s global network.
Website: Y Combinator Startup School
Conclusion
Entering startup competitions can be a powerful way to elevate your business, gain visibility, and connect with key industry players. With these top 20 competitions in Canada for 2024, you have a fantastic array of opportunities to showcase your innovation, secure funding, and expand your network. Whether you’re based in Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, or anywhere in between, these competitions offer valuable platforms to help your startup thrive.
Get ready to prepare your pitch, refine your business model, and take full advantage of these exciting opportunities to propel your startup to new heights in Canada’s vibrant entrepreneurial landscape!
Feel free to tailor any specifics or add additional details based on the latest updates or particular focus areas relevant to your startup.
