The New Ventures BC Competition, presented by Innovate BC, has announced its Round 2.5 and Round 3 ventures for 2026, with 45 companies advancing out of a record-breaking 266 entries — the largest applicant pool in the competition's history.

Over the past seven weeks, participating ventures submitted a feasibility response to test their business idea before a jury of experienced peers and took part in a weekly Startup Education Program featuring industry professionals across key areas of venture growth.

Fifteen companies are advancing directly to Round 3, while an additional 30 have been invited to pitch before a jury on May 27 for a chance to secure a spot in the Top 25 and join them.

Vancouver companies are well represented across both rounds. Six of the 15 advancing directly to Round 3 are Vancouver-based, with another 11 Vancouver companies competing in Round 2.5. The broader list includes startups from across B.C., including Victoria, Squamish, Burnaby, Surrey, North Vancouver, and Penticton, among others. The cohort spans a range of sectors including AI, life sciences, cleantech, and healthcare.