BC Business
Early-stage, B.C.-based tech startups have the chance to compete for more than $250,000 in cash and prizes.
Have a tech startup you’re looking to get off the ground running? Now’s your chance to get a head start at B.C.’s largest and longest running tech startup competition.
Applications for the renowned New Ventures BC (NVBC) startup competition are open until 11:59PM PST on March 31.
Supported by Innovate BC, 2025 marks the 25th anniversary of a program that’s helped launch some of B.C.’s most successful early tech startups. “Celebrating 25 years of supporting B.C.’s innovation ecosystem is a milestone we’re incredibly proud of,” says Angie Schick, Executive Director of NVBC. “This competition has helped shape the province’s startup landscape, and we can’t wait to see the next generation of entrepreneurs step up and create the province’s next homegrown success story.”
B.C.-based startups that have raised less than $1 million and are less than five years old are eligible to apply. The competition spans six months, with several elimination rounds. Throughout the competition, startups will gain industry exposure, can attend networking events and expert-led educational series, as well as receive valuable mentorship.
Finalists will compete for over $250,000 in cash and prizes to grow their business. Winners will be announced at a ceremony later in the year, where first place will receive $110,000, second will win $55,000 and third will receive $30,000.
More than 4,200 startups have participated in the NVBC competition since it started in 2000. Since its inception, the competition has awarded more than $4 million to help startups scale their businesses. Former participants have gone on to raise more than $2.7 billion in funding and have created more than 8,500 jobs.
217 startups entered the 2024 competition, where the Vancouver-based cleantech startup TIMEZYX won first place. Last year’s competition also recognized top 10 winners including SkyAcres Agrotechnologies and Fibernx. Previous notable winners include RetreatsAndVenues (2023), OVOU (2022), Lumen5 (2019), and Ecoation (2017).
Applications (along with the $200 entry fee) can be submitted here. Find more information at www.newventuresbc.com/compete.