The $100k Best of the Fest Investment Prize has always been the most coveted prize at Startupfest, where hundreds of founders pitch for the chance to be crowned "Best of the Fest". We bring together a fantastic team of angel investor to award one startup with a $100K investment based on standardized investment terms. See More.

Funded by The Firehood, the $100k Women in Tech (WiT) Investment Prize is back! The Firehood is bringing together an incredible team of angel investors, relevant startup mentors, and legal experts who will award one female-led startup with a $100k investment. That means one female founder attending Startupfest will walk away with an important investment, and access to an amazing network of investors. See More.

Made possible by Rep Matters, the $100k Black Entrepreneur Investment Prize is back! With a mission to empower the next generation of Black startup founders, Rep Matters is bringing together a team of angel investors and venture capital firms who will award a Black-led startup with a $100k investment. See More.

Made possible by QueerTech, the 2SLGBTQIA+ prize is back! To qualify for the $100K 2SLGBTQIA+ Investment Prize, at least one co-founder must identify as part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and remain actively involved in the leadership and strategic direction of the company. See More.

The Fintech Grant is a non-dilutive cash prize designed to accelerate the growth of promising fintech startups. Funded by Digital Commerce Group and Apaylo, and Outlier this award empowers early-stage fintech founders to scale their operations, amplify their brand visibility, and forge powerful connections with investors and industry leaders. See More.

Are you a startup in Quebec? This is your chance to shine! The Fonds de solidarité FTQ is excited to once again launch the Impact grant, a $25,000 prize reserved for the most innovative impact startup. We celebrate the boldness and creativity of startups that aim to create a better future for everyone. See More.

Are you a startup based in Québec? This is your opportunity to grow. The Fonds de solidarité FTQ is proud to present the Productivity grant — a $10,000 prize awarded to the startup that pushes the boundaries of efficiency. See More.

Our Illustrious Grandmother Judges are back. Countless entrepreneurs line up each summer to make their cases to the grandmothers—and for good reason. These ladies can see a good idea (or a bad one) from a mile away, and they certainly have no qualms about calling it as they see it. The winner of the (non-cash) Grandmothers’ Choice Award may not walk away with newfound riches, however, they will leave with a treasure trove of good advice and a ton of bragging rights. See More.

The Audience Choice Award will be awarded to the best pitch out of the winners of our investment prizes. During the closing ceremonies, the winner’s circle will take the stage to vie for the one prize voted on by every attendee - and the winner is crowned the Startupfest Audience Choice. See More.

The Canadian Impact Investment Prize is a $100,000 impact investment award designed to support the next generation of Canadian startups creating measurable social and environmental impact. See More.

Introducing the Dual-Use and Sovereign Tech Investment Prize at Startupfest 2026, made possible by DMZ Ventures. The Investment Prize winner will also receive the Osler Startup Package from our partners at Osler, a prize valued at $5,000. See More.

Powered by BFN Accelerate, this grant supports Black founders across any sector, who have raised or generated less than $100K. See More.

Powered by Nobellum, this grant supports Black founders across any sector, who have generated over $100K in revenue. See More.

Powered by BFN Scale, this grant supports Black founders who have generated or raised over $250K across any sector, looking to expand into a new market. See More.