Why enter the New Ventures BC Competition?

Volunteer as a mentor

$250,000 in cash and prizes

Each year, we give away prize packages to our top three finalists, plus specialty prizes. They’re all announced and awarded live at the Awards Ceremony.

Note: 2024 prizes are subject to change, as NVBC finalizes competition details.

See past winners

$110,000

Innovate BC first-prize package

$60,000

Innovate BC second-prize package

$35,000

Innovate BC third-prize package

$10,000

Leap to the cloud Prize

This prize will be awarded to the most promising Software as a Service (SaaS) startup in the Top 10 or Top 25. The winning startup will showcase an innovative edge with a market validated by either sales, partnerships or trials. Thank you to our prize sponsor, National Bank of Canada. 

$10,000

Innovate BC Sustainability Prize

Awarded to the most promising startup placing in the Top 10 or Top 25, that is working to commercialize a technology in service of reducing GHG emissions or addressing the impacts of climate change.

$10,000

Innovate BC Regional Startup Prize

Awarded to the most promising startup placing in the Top 10 or Top 25, that is positioned to make a significant regional impact. The venture must be located outside of the Greater Vancouver Regional District.

$10,000

Innovate BC Woman-Led Venture Award

Awarded to the most-promising venture with a woman CEO or Co-Founder in the Top 10 or Top 25. Preference will be given to CEOs, then to Co-Founders who hold 20% or greater ownership. This prize is open to anyone who self-identifies as a woman.

Top Science-Based Company Award

Awarded to the most-promising science based company that is likely in Clean-tech, Health-tech or Deep-tech. The startup has IP and is addressing a real problem in a large market that will likely have a long product development cycle. Thank you to our prize sponsor, SFU Venture Labs.

Alumni Impact Award

This community-nominated prize is awarded to one Competition alumni that has made a significant economic, social, environmental, or community-based impact to BC’s tech ecosystem. Nominations will open later this year.

Eligibility

  • BC residents, teams or businesses
  • Innovative technology product or services
  • Any type of tech
  • Raised less than $1,000,000 of non-grant funding from any source
  • Less than 5 years old
  • Incorporation not required
  • Pay $200 entry fee

Check the Rules

Competition Timeline

Have what it takes to compete for over $250,000 in cash and prizes? 6 months, 4 rounds of competition. 200+ competitors, 1 grand prize winner.

View our event calendar >

March - June

Education and Networking Events

Weekly education and networking events starting April 13, 2024. Visit our events page for details.

Round 1 deadline

April 11, 11:59 pm

The Idea

Submit your registration and describe your business idea. All eligible participants move on to Round 2.

Round 2 deadline

May 1, 5pm

Feasibility Test

Submit a 5-page response to questions about your business idea.

- Top 15 from Round 2 advance right away to Round 3.
- 25 additional companies will pitch their way into Round 3 for the remaining 10 spots.

Round 2.5

June 14

Pitch Day

25 companies pitch and 10 will advance to round 3.

Round 3 deadline

July 31, 5pm

Condensed Venture Plan

Companies will be paired with a mentor team to expand their idea into an 8 page condensed venture plan.

Round 4 pitches

Sep 12 & 13

Top 10 pitches finale

Top 10 finalists make an in-person pitch to the jury for a chance to win $250,000 in cash in prizes.

Winners revealed

Sep 19

Winners announced at Awards Ceremony