Every year, investment prizes and grants are awarded to startups at Startupfest. We're proud to have delivered over $1,000,000 to founders over the years, with the support of our incredible partners.
With more prizes than ever and multiple categories increasing in value since last year, we saw hundreds of scaling startups hustling in the Startupfest Village over the past three days. We take great pride in our Winner's Circle, a group of world-class founders, and we're thrilled to announce the winners of our 2026 investment prizes and grants.
$100k Best of the Fest Investment Prize
Presented by Startupfest
$100k Women in Tech Investment Prize
Presented by The Firehood
$100k Black Entrepreneur Investment Prize
Presented by Rep Matters
$100k 2SLGBTQIA+ Investment Prize
Presented by QueerTech
$100k Fintech Grant
Presented by Digital Commerce Group, Apaylo, Outlier Compliance, and Osler
$100k Canadian Impact Investment 2026 Prize
Presented by CIVIC, Spring, and Anges Québec
In addition, the winning startup will also receive a $25,000 Startup in Residence grant powered by Desjardins.
$100K Dual-Use and Sovereign Tech Investment Prize
Presented by DMZ Ventures
Mistral Venture Partners Investment Prize— 25 000 $
Presented by Mistral Venture partners
$25k Impact Grant
Presented by Fonds de solidarité FTQ
$10k Productivity Grant
Presented by Fonds de solidarité FTQ
$10K BIZ Early-Stage Grant
Presented by Black Innovation Zone (BFN Accelerate)
$10K BIZ Growth-Stage Grant
Presented by Black Innovation Zone (Nobellum)
x2 $20K BIZ Scale Grant
Presented by Black Innovation Zone (BFN Scale)
Grandmother's Choice Award
Presented by Startupfest
Audience Choice Award
Presented by Startupfest