Two Vancouver-based startups—Tydra Laboratories and Tree Track—were among the standout winners at this year’s Startupfest in Montréal, each taking home major prizes for their innovative climate solutions.
The 15th annual edition of Startupfest, Canada’s leading startup event, concluded July 11 with more than $1 million in funding commitments awarded to entrepreneurs from across the country—the highest in the festival’s history.
Tydra Labs Wins $100K Women in Tech Prize
Tydra Laboratories took home the $100,000 Women in Tech Prize, awarded by The Firehood, a women-led angel investor network. Tydra Laboratories co-founder Jaiya Varshney is pictured with The Firehood founder Danielle Graham above.
Tydra is developing a clean method to extract chitin—a valuable material found in crustacean shells—using seawater and bacteria instead of harsh chemicals. The company’s bio-extraction process offers a sustainable alternative to conventional methods, unlocking the potential of crab and lobster shell waste.
Tree Track Secures $50K Impact Investment
Also representing Vancouver, Tree Track received a surprise $50,000 Impact Investment Prize for its reforestation technology. The startup is developing a novel formula to ensure high germination rates of seedpods, aiming to accelerate tree planting efforts and improve the success of climate restoration projects.
Tree Track is a member of the BC Tech Association.
BC Tech is the largest member-led technology non-profit in British Columbia, and we’re dedicated to turning startups and scaleups into the anchor companies of tomorrow. Our work supports members to grow and diversify their talent pool, acquire new customers, access capital and accelerate their scaleup journey. Technology is a key industry for BC’s future and builds resiliency in every industry. Today, every company is a tech company. Join now.
As BetaKit first reported, Startupfest 2025 placed a strong emphasis on diversity and environmental impact. These wins by Tydra and Tree Track reflect Vancouver’s growing leadership in biomaterials innovation and ecological tech.
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