The deadline to apply for the 2025 New Ventures BC Competition, presented by Innovate BC, was March 31st, 2025. Applications are now closed.
Where BC’s Top Startups Take Off
$250,000 in Cash and Prizes.
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
$30,000 Innovate BC Third-prize package
- $20,000 cash from Innovate BC
- $6,000 in-kind services from Ernst & Young
- $3,000 in-kind services from Fasken
- $2,000 in-kind services from NVBC’s silver & bronze sponsors
$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 cash from Innovate BC
$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 cash from Innovate BC
$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.
- $10,000 cash from Innovate BC
$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.
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 closed on August 8th, 2025.
NVBC Diamond-in-the-Rough Prize
An award that recognizes a promising top 25 venture that is pre-revenue and pre-investment.
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
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.
