Applications now open for the New Ventures BC Competition

If you’re familiar with the province’s startup scene, then you’ve almost certainly heard of the New Ventures BC Competition, presented by Innovate BC. Now in its 25th year, the competition has helped launch some of British Columbia’s most successful tech companies and continues to be a springboard for early-stage startups across the province.

“Celebrating 25 years of supporting B.C.’s innovation ecosystem is a milestone we’re incredibly proud of,” said Angie Schick, executive director of New Ventures BC. “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.”

Applications are now open for this year’s New Ventures BC Competition hopefuls. Interested startups can attend an information session on March 11 and a kick-off networking event on March 27 (open to everyone). The deadline to submit an application is March 31.

Over six months, qualifying startups will participate in expert-led educational sessions and have access to networking opportunities, mentorship, and industry exposure. But not everyone will make it to the finale — there are multiple rounds of cuts before the winning startups are named and prizes are awarded at a ceremony at the end of September.

“New Ventures BC is the province's premier event for helping prepare high-potential B.C. startups for success,”  said Diana Gibson, minister of jobs, economic development, and innovation. “The competition helps our most promising innovators network, expand their knowledge, and most importantly receive funding to grow their operations. While these companies are early stage, many past winners have gone on to become anchors within our tech sector. I’m excited to see what ideas this year’s groups bring to the table.”

Last year, it was Vancouver-based Timezyx whose product earned first place. The cleantech startup, which provides real-time digital twin technology to help cities and infrastructure adapt to extreme climate events, won the $110,000 Innovate BC First Place Prize and the distinction of being the province’s top startup.

Upon winning, Kamyab Zandi, the company’s co-founder said, “We are thrilled and honoured to receive the top prize in this year’s New Ventures BC Competition. This achievement validates our commitment to transforming how cities and infrastructure adapt to extreme climate events. We appreciate the recognition and support, which will allow us to enhance our digital twin solution and deliver impactful cleantech solutions.”

Other competition alumni continue to make waves around the world. Ionomr Innovations, a top-10 finalist in 2016, was recently named to the Global Cleantech 100 List for the fourth time for its ion-exchange membranes and polymers. Meanwhile, pH7 Technologies, a top-26 finalist in 2021, has spent the last two years rapidly scaling its venture, which included raising a $16M Series A round in 2023 while being named one of the country’s top startups by LinkedIn. 

This year, the New Ventures BC Competition takes place as part of the Road to Web Summit, which features dozens of events and programs leading up to Web Summit Vancouver (May 27-30).

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