Over $250,000 in cash and prizes are on the line for BC’s top startups
Applications are now open for the 2026 New Ventures BC Competition, presented by Innovate BC. The annual competition attracts BC’s most promising early-stage startups for six months of mentorship, education, and high-profile exposure within the province’s innovation ecosystem. Entering its 26th year, the competition continues to evolve alongside the founders it supports, helping startups turn early traction into scalable, investment-ready businesses.
Each year, hundreds of startups from across British Columbia enter the New Ventures BC Competition to sharpen their ideas, strengthen their pitches, and compete for the title of BC’s top tech startup. In 2025, 216 companies participated, with Binta Financial emerging as the overall winner. Since 2000, over 4,000 ventures have taken part in the competition, collectively creating more than 15,000 jobs and raising more than $3.4 billion in financing.
New Ventures BC alumni continue to grow, raise capital, and compete on the global stage. Companies such as Aspect Biosystems, Moment Energy, and VoxCell BioInnovation have leveraged the competition experience to secure major funding rounds, expand into international markets, and create high-value jobs across the province.
The six-month competition features multiple elimination rounds designed to help founders refine their business models, strengthen their pitches, and build meaningful connections within BC’s innovation community. Participants gain access to expert-led educational sessions, mentorship opportunities, networking events, and increased visibility with investors and partners. Finalists will compete for a share of more than $250,000 in cash and prizes, with winners announced at an awards ceremony later this year.
The 2026 Competition runs through the fall and serves as a strong launchpad for startups heading into Web Summit Vancouver (May 11–14, 2026), with the Top 40 startups to be announced ahead of the event. The Competition also complements Innovate BC’s Road to Web Summit programming, including the Startup Readiness Engine, which helps BC companies prepare to showcase on the global stage.
Applications close on March 12th at 11:59 PM PST and can be submitted here.
Quotes
“Every year, the New Ventures BC Competition reveals just how much entrepreneurial talent exists across our province. The competition is about more than winning—it’s about giving founders the tools, confidence, and connections they need to grow. Whether they’re refining an idea or preparing to scale, we’re here to help startups move forward.”
Angie Schick
Executive Director, New Ventures BC
“Innovate BC is proud to once again support the New Ventures BC Competition, which continues to play a crucial role in helping early-stage B.C. companies take meaningful steps toward growth. The competition enables founders to test their ideas, strengthen their business fundamentals, and connect with mentors, peers, and partners who help accelerate their progress at a critical moment in their journey. By helping companies build with confidence from the very beginning, it contributes to stronger, globally competitive sectors and advances the long-term economic priorities set out in the Province’s Look West strategy.”
Peter Cowan
CEO, Innovate BC
“B.C. has a global reputation as a leader in technology and innovation, and the New Ventures BC Competition plays a vital role in strengthening our province’s innovation economy. By supporting early‑stage companies and helping entrepreneurs develop solutions that tackle serious challenges, this program continues to strengthen our standing on the world stage, while also shaping job creation and driving regional economic growth.”
Honourable Brenda Baily
Minister of Finance
SUPPORTING INFORMATION
Key Dates:
- [February 25 at 4pm] – Competition Info Session [Register here]
- [March 3 at 5pm] – Kickoff Networking Event [Register here]
- [March 12 at 11:59pm] – Application Deadline
Videos:
For 26 years, New Ventures BC (NVBC) has been part of BC’s startup community, empowering early-stage tech companies with the tools, mentorship, and funding they need to succeed. As a non-profit, NVBC programs include the annual New Ventures BC Competition, Accelerator Programs, Capital Compass, IP Pathways and AccelerateIP — supporting thousands of founders as they launch and grow. To date, NVBC has helped launch some of BC’s top tech success stories, contributing to a thriving innovation ecosystem that has created thousands of jobs and attracted over $3.4 billion in investment.
Innovate BC helps turn bold ideas into real-world impact. As a Crown agency, we serve as a trusted advisor and partner for British Columbia’s innovation ecosystem. Our diverse programs and initiatives advance opportunities for made-in-B.C. innovations, giving companies, industries, and communities the resources they need to grow and prosper.
Media Inquiries:
media@newventuresbc.com
