National Virtual Pitch Competition | Startup Global 2026
ABOUT
As part of the Startup Global 2026 program, Startup Canada will facilitate a National Pitch Competition for early stage entrepreneurs looking to win cash to help with their exporting aspirations. This Virtual Pitch Competition is to accommodate entrepreneurs across Canada that aren’t able to pitch in-person at a National Pitch Competition at a Startup Canada Tour Stop (Learn more about our National Pitch Competition).
EVENT DETAILS
Tuesday, May 26, 2026
Entrepreneurs that are interested in pitching, apply by registering to this event. A Startup Canada team member will review your application. If you are eligible, you will be emailed a specific time slot and the zoom link for their pitch approximately 2 weeks before the virtual pitch day. Please ensure you are punctual, you will receive a calendar invite to lock the date and time into your diary. PLEASE NOTE: You are not guaranteed a spot by applying. Applications will be reviewed and if you are successful you will be sent a confirmation via email. Only 1 person per company may pitch and only the person pitching may be present.
This virtual Pitch Competition will happen over the course of two days. The first day will consist of all the first round “heats”. Out of these heats, the judges will select a Top 10. The Top 10 will then pitch on Thursday, May 28, 2026.
You will also be sent a calendar hold for the Top 10 on Thursday, May 28, to ensure that if you are selected as part of the Top 10 you will be available.
This will be held on zoom. There will be 12 breakout rooms on the first day. You will be put into a breakout rooms with a panel of 2 judges.
Pitchers will have 3 minutes to pitch followed by 3 mins of Q&A from two 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 during the Q&A section.
The Top 10 companies will be announced live on May 28, please ensure you are present.
Of the Top 10, a winner will be selected, winning a cash prize of $8,500 PLUS a spot in the Grand Finale in Mississauga, ON on October 29, 2026.
AGENDA
10:30 AM - 2:50 PM ET | First Round Heats
3:30 - 4:00 PM ET | Top 10 will be selected
WHO IS THIS PITCH COMPETITION FOR?
Applications are open to startups who meet these criteria:
The intention/ability to export and expand your business internationally within the next 2 years
A minimum number 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 2026
Less than $1,000,000 in fundraising or investment (grants, bank loans, equity funding), as of February 2026
Less than 8 years of operating your business, as of February 2026
Your business/operations are founded/headquartered in Canada
IN-PERSON PITCH OPPORTUNITIES
Did you know we’re hosting in-person pitch competitions? See which cities we’re heading to below and how you can register! PLEASE NOTE: You can only apply to pitch virtually or in person, you cannot apply to pitch at both.
Halifax | April 29, 2026 | Register Here
Victoria | September 29, 2026 | Register Here
Mississauga | October 29, 2026 | Register Here (please register for In-Person attendance)
JUDGING CRITERIA
Pitches will be assessed with the following guidelines: Target market, objective, solution, leadership, traction (if any), competition and ability to go global.
To learn more about the Startup Global Pitch Competition, please visit the Startup Global Webpage.
PARTNERS
The Startup Global program is powered by Startup Canada, co-presented by UPS and Export Development Canada.