British Columbia’s longest-running startup competition is back.
Applications are now open for the 2026 New Ventures BC Competition, presented by Innovate BC, offering more than $250,000 in cash and prizes alongside six months of mentorship, education, and investor exposure for early-stage companies across the province.
Now entering its 26th year, the program continues to act as a proving ground for founders preparing to scale. Hundreds of startups apply annually to refine business models, strengthen pitches, and connect with investors and ecosystem partners. In 2025, 216 companies participated, with fintech startup Binta Financial taking the top prize.
Since launching in 2000, more than 4,000 ventures have gone through the competition, collectively creating over 15,000 jobs and raising more than $3.4 billion in financing.
A number of recognizable BC success stories — including Aspect Biosystems, Moment Energy, and VoxCell BioInnovation — previously competed in the program before going on to secure major funding rounds and expand internationally.
Participants move through multiple elimination rounds designed to help founders become investment-ready while gaining access to expert workshops, mentorship, and networking opportunities. Finalists will compete for the grand prize at an awards ceremony later this year.
The competition also ties into BC’s broader global startup push. The Top 40 startups will be announced ahead of Web Summit Vancouver in May, aligning with Innovate BC’s Road to Web Summit programming aimed at preparing local companies for international exposure.
Applications close March 12th at 11:59pm PST.
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