Startupfest’s energy is unmatched; from unparalleled views from our tower, to waterfront lounging, nightlife, and the most spectacular festival city as our home.
Learn how the 3 main pillars of Startupfest fit together to create an unforgettable experience; the Content, the Startupfest Village, and Prizes & Pitch Opportunities.
The Startupfest Village is one of the most unique and attractive aspects of the entire event. Our goal is to create an environment that encourages people to look away from their screens and make real-time connections.
Created by: Startupfest
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 the standardized investment terms (available May 2025).
Open to:
All startups in attendance. No application required.
When to pitch:
Details to come
The Investment Prize winner will also receive the Osler Startup Package from our partners at Osler, a prize valued at $5,000.
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 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.
Open to:
Any female-led startup in attendance. No application required.
When to pitch:
Details to come
The Investment Prize winner will also receive the Osler Startup Package from our partners at Osler, a prize valued at $5,000.
Created with: Rep Matters
Back for the fourth year, and funded by by Rep Matters, the $100k Black Entrepreneurs Investment Prize will bring together up to 10 angel investors ready to invest $100K in a Black-led startup.
Open to:
Any Black-led startup in attendance. No application required.
When to pitch:
Details to come
The Investment Prize winner will also receive the Osler Startup Package from our partners at Osler, a prize valued at $5,000.
Created with: QueerTech
Back for it’s second year in a row, Startupfest is proud to partner with QueerTech to bring you the 2SLGBTQIA+ investment prize.
Open to:
Startups with the most senior member of the executive team identifying as part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. No pre-application required.
When to pitch:
Details to come
The Investment Prize winner will also receive the Osler Startup Package from our partners at Osler, a prize valued at $5,000.
Created with: Spring & CIVIC
Are you building a venture with purpose? The Impact Investment Prize is a $100K investment for Canadian founders creating real impact for people, communities, and/or the planet. If you are currently raising a pre-seed or seed investment round, apply now. This Impact Investment Prize will help amplify your venture on a national stage, introduce you to a community of values-aligned investors, entrepreneurs and experts, as well as playing a catalytic role in your current fundraising.
Open to:
Select applicants in the impact sector from across Canada. Application required.
The Investment Prize winner will also receive the Osler Startup Package from our partners at Osler, a prize valued at $5,000.
The Investment Prize winner will also receive consulting services from Propel's Impact Consulting Fellowship: 400 hours of support for projects such as Market Intelligence, Feasibility Assessments, Financial Modelling or Impact Measurement, valued at over $10,000.
And a special 1:1 session on expanding your investment options from the team at CIVIC.
Funded by: Front Row Ventures and LOI Venture
$100k Student Entrepreneur Investment Prize is back for its third year! This year Front Row Ventures (FRV) is teaming up with LOI Venture to double the investment prize from $50K to $100K!
Open to:
Student-led startups
When to pitch:
Details to come
Funded by: Digital Commerce Group & Apaylo
Presented in partnership with Startupfest, this grant empowers early-stage fintech founders to scale their operations, amplify their brand visibility, and forge powerful connections with investors and industry leaders. More than just funding, this grant offers a platform to share your story, strengthen your network, and unlock meaningful opportunities for business growth.
Open to:
Fintech startups (see full list of eligibility criteria)
When to pitch:
Details coming soon
Funded by: Fonds de solidarité FTQ
Are you a startup in Quebec? This is your chance to shine! Fonds de solidarité FTQ is excited to once again launch the Impact grant, a $25,000 prize reserved for the most innovative impact startup.
Open to:
Québec based startups (see the full list of eligibility criteria here)
When to pitch:
Details to come
Funded by: Fonds de solidarité FTQ
Are you a startup based in Québec? This is your opportunity to grow. The Fonds de solidarité FTQ is proud to launch, for the very first time, the Productivity grant — a $10,000 prize awarded to the startup that pushes the boundaries of efficiency.
Open to:
Québec based startups (see the full list of eligibility criteria here)
When to pitch:
Details to come
Created by: Startupfest
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.
Open to:
All startups in attendance. No pre-application required.
When to pitch:
Details to come
Presented by BDO
The Audience Choice Award this year will be awarded to the best pitch out of the 7 winners of our investment prizes. During the closing ceremonies, the winner’s circle will each take the stage to vie for the one prize voted on by every attendee- and one will be crowned the Startupfest 2025 Audience Choice.