Inventures startup pitch competition

Apply to Pitch

As an Inventures Startup Pitch finalist, you will have the opportunity to pitch your product or service to our audience of venture capitalists, angel investors, entrepreneurs, early adopters, business educators and service providers.

Startup Pitch finalists will receive free registration to all Inventures programming, access to professional coaching and mentoring opportunities, and a chance to win $10,000 in funding.

The final application deadline is Friday, March 15, 2024 @ 11:59 MT and successful applicants will be notified by the Inventures team in mid-to-late April of 2024.

WHEN:

May 29 – 31, 2024

WHERE:

TELUS Convention Center
Calgary, Canada

WHAT:

Applications will be accepted from companies that have an innovative product or service in one of the following areas:

Growing Up: Food Tech Farm to Fork

With the national agri-food industry valued at $144 billion and growing, Canada is ideally positioned to step up with innovative solutions for a food insecure world. This track will explore tech that meets challenges connected to agriculture, climate, supply-chains, and other digital solutions.

Tech Triathlon: Quantum + AI + IoT

Overlapping developments in Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) are coinciding to revolutionize industries and unlock trillions in business and market value. With the potential for groundbreaking shifts and insights into our universe previously unrealized, this track will explore tech that meets challenges at both the micro and macro scale of human existence.

Blurring Boundaries: Tech at Work

There are an estimated 3 billion gamers worldwide, and these innovators are transforming even the most unexpected facets of life. From skilled trades to e-sports, and from leisure to learning, this track will explore tech that meets challenges across the virtual/remote-work landscape, augmented reality, and the metaverse.

Entrepreneurship: Accelerating Scaleup

Savvy investors are spotting trends and unicorns across supply chains earlier than ever. Led by digital and data tech, startups generated some $6 trillion globally in 2022 – but scaling successfully is key. This track will explore tech that meets challenges that are on the rise, making an impact, and identifying what is ready (or not) for capital investment.

Live Long Live Well: Unveiling Health Data

With immunizations and preventive care adding billions to health system costs, 92% of countries world-wide saw pandemic response stalled essential health services. Data is key to unlocking better health outcomes for everyone – a fact made even clearer over the last four years as we pushed the limits of medical science and caregiving. This track will explore tech that meets challenges for the health of bodies, minds, and communities at all stages of life.

Earth Tech: Building Everything Better

In an estimated $3-trillion global market, clean tech experts are fast tracking solutions that help to green infrastructure and the built environment. Structural systems are being transformed: from energy grids to materials, manufacturing to logistics, we have the building blocks to see potentially radical, positive change. This track will explore tech that meets challenges for smart cities, natural and renewable resources, and resiliency.

Apply to Pitch

Startup Pitch FAQ

Is there a fee to apply to the Inventures pitch event?

There is no fee to apply.

What are the eligibility requirements for applicants?
  • Companies must have launched/be planning to launch their product or service within 24 months of June 1, 2024.
  • Companies must not have raised more than $10 million in funding.
  • Companies may only enter one product or service for the Inventures Startup Pitch.
  • The submitted product or service must fall under one of the Inventures Startup Pitch categories.
  • Prior Inventures Startup Pitch finalists are not eligible to participate.
How will the on-stage pitch process work?

Each finalist will be granted five minutes to pitch, followed by three minutes of Q&A with a panel of judges who have investment experience in the finalist’s space.

Will there be an option to pitch virtually if I am selected as a finalist but am unable to attend Inventures in person?

No. Inventures Startup Pitch is an in-person event only.

What are the Inventures judging criteria?

Inventures Startup Pitch Judges will focus on these five critical elements:

  • Creativity – the originality and uniqueness of the idea
  • Potential – the longevity, actualization, and profitability of the idea
  • Goodness – how does the product or service impact/improve the world?
  • Traction – sales, users, marketing exposure, etc.
  • Team / People – how will the team help the startup succeed?
Will I receive a complimentary registration to Inventures 2024 if I am selected to pitch?

Yes! Companies participating in Inventures Startup Pitch will receive two (2) complimentary registration badges for Inventures 2024, good for access to all Inventures keynotes, panels, social outings, and other activities. These complimentary badges must be assigned to specific individuals attending the conference. Additionally, each presenting company will have the opportunity to network and demo their product/service within the hallways at Inventures.

What if I am not selected as an Inventures Startup Pitch Event Finalist, but would like to attend the event?

All applicants will receive a code allowing them to register for up to two (2) Inventures 2024 badges at a reduced price.

How are Inventures Startup Pitch Finalists selected?

Inventures staff will screen applicants to ensure they meet all eligibility requirements, and a committee of experts in each pitch category will review each application to decide which products and services are the most innovative.

Should my company include our pitch deck or demo video in our online application?

We strongly encourage you to upload a sample pitch deck to your application, along with a video demonstrating your product or service or a video of you pitching at a prior event. These materials carry a great deal of weight with our application committee.

How will I know if I have been selected to participate?

Applicants invited to participate will receive an email notification from Inventures staff. Participating companies will be notified in mid-to-late April of 2024. Please refrain from contacting Inventures or Alberta Innovates staff regarding the status of your application. We receive a high volume of submissions and will update all applicants regarding their status as soon as possible.

Where can I access the online application for the Inventures Startup Pitch Event?

To access the online application for the Inventures Startup Pitch Event, please click the button below.

Apply to Pitch

Still have additional questions?

Please contact the Inventures Startup Pitch Manager, Erynn Shannon at [email protected].