Why enter the New Ventures BC Competition?
Education
Get the essentials. Learn entrepreneurial building blocks from top-notch speakers at complimentary seminars and workshops.
Mentorship
Get advice. If you make it to the top 25, you'll get a mentorship team, plus pitch practice and feedback.
Networking
Get connected. Join events with fellow startups, plus mentors and potential investors.
Feedback
Know what you don't know. Provide your business plan + pitch for a jury of experts to receive constructive feedback.
Recognition
Be noticed. Making it to the Top 25 means you're a venture to watch.
Prizes
Did we say prizes? We're giving away over $250,000 in cash and in-kind services to take your startup to the next level.
$250,000 in cash and prizes
Each year, we give away prize packages to our top three finalists, plus specialty prizes. They’re all announced and awarded live at the Awards Ceremony.
Note: 2025 prizes are subject to change, as NVBC finalizes competition details.
$110,000
Innovate BC first-prize package
- $80,000 cash from Innovate BC
- $6,000 in-kind services from EY
- $9,000 in-kind services from Fasken
- $10,000 in-kind video services from pushr video
- $6,750 in-kind services from NVBC’s silver & bronze sponsors
$55,000
Innovate BC second-prize package
$30,000
Innovate BC third-prize package
- $20,000 cash from Innovate BC
- $6,000 in-kind services from Ernst & Young
- $3,000 in-kind services from Fasken
- $2,000 in-kind services from NVBC’s silver & bronze sponsors
$10,000
Innovate BC Sustainability Prize
Awarded to the most promising startup placing in the Top 10 or Top 25, that is working to commercialize a technology in service of reducing GHG emissions or addressing the impacts of climate change.
- $10,000 cash from Innovate BC
$10,000
Innovate BC Life Sciences Prize
Awarded to the most promising startup placing in the Top 10 or Top 25, that is focused on drug development, diagnostics, med-tech or therapeutics.
- $10,000 cash from Innovate BC
$10,000
Innovate BC Woman-Led Venture Award
Awarded to the most-promising venture with a woman CEO or Co-Founder in the Top 10 or Top 25. Preference will be given to CEOs, then to Co-Founders who hold 20% or greater ownership. This prize is open to anyone who self-identifies as a woman.
- $10,000 cash from Innovate BC
Alumni Impact Award
This community-nominated prize is awarded to one Competition alumni that has made a significant economic, social, environmental, or community-based impact to BC’s tech ecosystem. Nominations will open later this year.
NVBC Diamond-in-the-Rough Prize
An award that recognizes a promising top 25 venture that is pre-revenue and pre-investment.
Eligibility
- BC residents, teams or businesses
- Innovative technology product or services
- Any type of tech
- Raised less than $1,000,000 of non-grant funding from any source
- Less than 5 years old
- Incorporation not required
- Pay $200 entry fee
Competition Timeline
Have what it takes to compete for over $250,000 in cash and prizes? 6 months, 4 rounds of competition. 200+ competitors, 1 grand prize winner.
April - June
Education and Networking Events
Weekly education and networking events starting April 2025. Visit our events page for details.
Round 1 deadline
March 31, 11:59 pm
The Idea
Submit your registration and describe your business idea. All eligible participants move on to Round 2.
Round 2 deadline
April 22, 5pm
Feasibility Test
Submit a 5-page response to questions about your business idea.
- Top 15 from Round 2 advance right away to Round 3.
- 25 additional companies will pitch their way into Round 3 for the remaining 10 spots.
Round 2.5
June 18
Pitch Day
25 companies pitch and 10 will advance to round 3.
Round 3 deadline
July 30, 5pm
Condensed Venture Plan
Companies will be paired with a mentor team to expand their idea into an 8 page condensed venture plan.
Round 4 pitches
Sep 11 & 12
Top 10 pitches finale
Top 10 finalists make an in-person pitch to the jury for a chance to win $250,000 in cash in prizes.
Winners revealed
Sep 29
