Pop-up Pitch Applications - Calgary | Startup Global
ABOUT
Entrepreneurs in Western Canada are invited to participate in the Startup Global Pop-up Pitch Competition, hosted with SAIT, an in-person opportunity for globally aspiring entrepreneurs to win a cash prize of $15,000!
POP UP PITCH DETAILS
Date: Tuesday, June 16th, 2026
Venue: SAIT | 1301 16 Avenue NW, Calgary, AB, T2M 0L4
PLEASE NOTE: This registration page is for pitch applications only. If you would like to attend the event, please register here OR email [email protected]
Entrepreneurs that are interested in pitching, apply by registering for this event. Please read through the whole event page before applying to ensure you are eligible. A Startup Canada team member will review your application. If you are eligible, you will be emailed a confirmation with a the venue location approximately 2 weeks before the pitch day. PLEASE NOTE: You are not guaranteed a spot by applying. We request that only the person who intends to pitch completes the registration form. Please do not apply on someone else's behalf. Only 1 person per company may pitch and only the person pitching may be present.
ADJUDICATION PROCESS
This in person pitch competition will happen over the course of one day. The morning will consist of all the first round “heats”. Out of these heats, the judges will select a Top 5. The Top 5 will then pitch later that day to a secondary panel of judges and a live audience.
Pitchers will have 3 minutes to pitch, followed by 3 minutes of Q&A from the judges.
The pitch is verbal (no pitch deck/visual aid). If you are product based, you are welcome to show it during the pitch but no demonstrations are allowed unless the judges specifically ask.
Of the Top 5, one winner will be selected by the judges and will be awarded win a $15,000 cash prize!
AGENDA
10:00 AM | Registration opens
10:00 AM | Networking & partner booths open
10:15 - 10:30 AM | Event opening remarks
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM | First round pitches
12:30 - 12:45 PM | Decide on Top 5
1:00 - 1:30 PM | Top 5 pitches
1:30 - 1:45 PM | Decide on 1st place Winner
1:30 - 2:15 PM | Panel discussion
2:30 - 2:40 PM | Announce Winner
3:00 PM | Events ends
WHO IS THIS PITCH COMPETITION FOR?
This pitch competition is only open to entrepreneurs based in Alberta. If you are located outside of Alberta, we are hosting Pitch Competitions in a other cities as well as a Virtual Pitch Competition - Learn more about our National Pitch Competition
To be eligible for the Startup Global Pop-up Pitch Competition, you must meet the following criteria:
The intention/ability to export and expand your business internationally within the next 2 years
A minimum of 1 year of generating revenue and/or actively fundraising for Research & Development
Between more than $50,000 and less than $1,000,000 in revenue, as of February 2, 2026
Less than $1,000,000 in fundraising or investment (grants, bank loans, equity funding), as of February 2, 2026
Less than 8 years of operating your business, as of February 2, 2026
Your business/operations are founded/headquartered in Canada
JUDGING CRITERIA
Pitches will be assessed with the following guidelines: Target market, objective, solution, leadership, traction (if any), competition, and most importantly - ability to go global.
To learn more about the Startup Global Pitch Competition, please visit the Startup Global Pitch Competition Webpage.
PARTNERS
The Startup Global program is powered by Startup Canada, co-presented by UPS and Export Development Canada, event partners SAIT, Riipen and Air Canada, ecosystem partner Forum for International Trade Training (FITT) and community partners, GS1, Communitech, and WeBC.