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Where BC’s Top Startups Take Off

$250,000 in Cash and Prizes.

The deadline to apply for the 2025 New Ventures BC Competition, presented by Innovate BC, was March 31st, 2025. Applications are now closed.

Since 2000, more than 4,200 startups have participated in the New Ventures BC Competition, presented by Innovate BC. These startups have gone on to raise more than $2.7 billion in funding and have created more than 8,500 jobs.

Why enter the New Ventures BC Competition?

Education

Get the essentials. Learn entrepreneurial building blocks from top-notch speakers at complimentary seminars and workshops.

Mentorship

Get advice. If you make it to the top 25, you’ll get a mentorship team, plus pitch practice and feedback.

Networking

Get connected. Join events with fellow startups, plus mentors and potential investors.

Feedback

Know what you don’t know. Provide your business plan + pitch for a jury of experts to receive constructive feedback.

Recognition

Be noticed. Making it to the Top 25 means you’re a venture to watch.

Prizes

Did we say prizes? We’re giving away over $250,000 in cash and in-kind services to take your startup to the next level.

$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: 2025 prizes are subject to change, as NVBC finalizes competition details.

$110,000 Innovate BC first-prize package

  • $80,000 cash from Innovate BC
  • $6,000 in-kind services from EY
  • $9,000 in-kind services from Fasken
  • $10,000 in-kind video services from pushr video
  • $6,750 in-kind services from NVBC’s silver & bronze sponsors

$55,000 Innovate BC second-prize package

  • $40,000 cash from Innovate BC
  • $6,000 in-kind services from EY
  • $6,000 in-kind services from Fasken
  • $2,000 in-kind services from NVBC’s silver & bronze sponsors

$30,000 Innovate BC third-prize package

$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 Life Sciences Prize

Awarded to the most promising startup placing in the Top 10 or Top 25, that is focused on drug development, diagnostics, med-tech or therapeutics.

$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.

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.

NVBC Diamond-in-the-Rough Prize

An award that recognizes a promising top 25 venture that is pre-revenue and pre-investment.

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: 2025 prizes are subject to change, as NVBC finalizes competition details.

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

Competition Timeline

2025
The Idea

Round 1 Deadline

Submit your registration and describe your business idea.

All eligible participants move on to Round 2.

Feasibility Test

Round 2 Deadline

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.

Pitch Day

Round 2.5

25 companies pitch and 10 will advance to round 3.

Condensed Venture Plan

Round 3 Deadline

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

Top 10 Pitches Finale

Round 4 Pitches

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

Winners Revealed

Winners announced at Awards Ceremony

How to Get Involved:

Startups

Ready to take your venture to the next level?

Sponsors

Support BC’s top startups and connect with the next wave of innovation.

Mentors & Jurors

Share your expertise and guidance with ambitious entrepreneurs.