Vancouver startups dominate New Ventures BC Competition

New Ventures BC has announced the companies advancing to the next stages of its 25th annual startup competition, spotlighting emerging innovation across the province and a particularly strong showing from Vancouver-area ventures.

The competition, a longstanding fixture in B.C.’s tech ecosystem, offers early-stage startups the chance to compete for over $250,000 in cash and prizes while gaining mentorship, exposure, and feedback from seasoned industry experts.

This year, 199 startups participated in Round 2. From that group, 15 ventures have been selected to move directly to Round 3. An additional 27 companies will compete in an intermediary pitch round—Round 2.5—for one of ten remaining spots in the Top 25.

Why Round 2.5?

Round 2.5 provides a second chance for promising teams that narrowly missed direct advancement. These startups will pitch live on June 18, aiming to convince judges they deserve a place in the next round. The format ensures a broader, more dynamic group of companies continues to receive exposure and support.

Vancouver leads the pack

The 15 companies advancing directly to Round 3 include six Vancouver-based ventures: A-Scent Innovations, BryoSphere Biotechnologies, EyecareX, Non-Euclidean, Sigen AI, and Syrina Therapeutics. They’ll be joined by others from across the Lower Mainland, including startups from North Vancouver, Burnaby, and Coquitlam.

The Round 2.5 group is also heavily weighted with Vancouver talent. Among the 27 companies selected to pitch, more than half hail from Vancouver or nearby cities. Aiming for a second shot are BuildMapper, Medilink, Otter Platform, RHT RailHaul Technologies, and nine other Vancouver-based startups, alongside other ventures from across the province.

Looking ahead

Following the June 18 pitch event, the ten successful teams will join the 15 already in Round 3, completing this year’s Top 25. From there, the competition will intensify, leading to the final pitch round and awards later this year.

With a quarter-century of history behind it, the New Ventures BC Competition continues to be a launchpad for innovative tech companies across the province. As this year’s contenders push forward, many eyes will be on the Vancouver startups making waves in B.C.'s dynamic innovation scene.