EVENT OVERVIEW

Luck is a strategy. Startupfest is a better bet.

Learn how all the elements of Startupfest come together to shape one unforgettable event; Funding, Visibility, Learning, and Connections. Startups, investors, corporate innovators, and the entire support ecosystem, converge for 3 high-impact days that feel more like a party than work.

Funding

Immediate ROI for founders in a unique festival atmosphere.

Simply by being at the event, you unlock the opportunity to pitch for up to $1M in prizes; just line up and pitch for one of the many investment prizes and grants. See which prizes are up for grabs in 2026!

Easily connect with VCs, Angels, and accelerators. The high concentration of investors, without the crowds of a massive trade show, makes for the perfect storm.

$1M+in investment prizes up for grabs
25%of audience made up of investors
1:1meeting opportunities with investors
5 à 7curated private networking events

Visibility

Don't be inbox clutter. Get noticed.

It's time to leave the sidelines and catch some media attention. Pitch for investment prizes, record a professional pitch video, or take centre stage during open mic hours to capture a live audience. Further level up your presence by taking physical space on the Demo Floor. Apply now!

Demo Floor

Take physical space to put your brand in front of the two groups you need most: the people who buy your product and the people who fund your future.

Media Exposure

Catch the eye of one of the many media outlets present on site. They're always looking for stories.

Pitch & Record

Get the opportunity to professionally record your pitch, and take the spotlight in our many competitions, showcases, and open mic hours.

Learning

The only thing that’s overproduced is the coffee.

Our world-class content is focused on imparting real knowledge from real operators, not just big names. We prioritize dirt-under-the-nails experience over the never-removes-their-sunglasses type. Our speakers and mentors geek out on their topics and are genuinely invested in molding and shaping the next generation of startups.

You'll learn from:

Founders who’ve built and exited multiple companies.
Investors who actually lead rounds, not just talk about them.
Operators who obsess over specific problems—hiring, fundraising, board management, resource allocation, and more.

Explore the content tracks:

Zero to Product-Market Fit TrackLearn how to: Validate what customers actually want, decide what to outsource vs. do yourself, structure early hiring when every dollar matters, and set your company up so it’s due-diligence ready from the start.
Growth TrackLearn how to: Allocate resources, scale teams and culture without burning out, build processes, not bureaucracy, get investor-ready (even if you’re bootstrapping now).
M&A and Beyond TrackLearn how to: Understand the “endgame” early, navigate acquisitions from a founder’s perspective, and run your company so you always have options.
Office HoursOur mentors are veterans who have failed more times than you've tried. The 'Office Hours' sessions offer the unparalleled opportunity to have intimate conversations with experts you would typically only get to see from the audience.
WorkshopsDive deep in our hard-hitting, outcome-focused, workshops. Walk away with practical knowledge and a to-do list that's three miles long.
AIFestAI at the Core, not a Sideshow: If your startup isn’t using AI meaningfully, you’re already behind. Startupfest 2026 treats AI as infrastructure, not novelty. You'll find deep, practical sessions on integrating AI into product, operations, and decision-making.
ImpactFestIn collaboration with Civic, ImpactFest invites you to reflect on how we can act collectively to tackle pressing challenges and develop innovative solutions that foster environmental resilience and social well-being.
CooperathonFor its tenth edition, Cooperathon, presented by Desjardins, and its program leaders are celebrating the teams that have distinguished themselves during the 2026 journey. The winning teams will take the stage to pitch their projects. Watch as they showcase the next generation of leading startups transforming the future of Québec and Canada.
FundFestIn collaboration with Inovia, FundFest is a half-day conference for venture capital investors. Through panels and round table discussions, it covers the full venture lifecycle — from fundraising to exit — and fosters candid, engaging conversations among the investment community. Open to holders of an Investor ticket only.
Women In Tech BootcampPresented by BDC, the WIT Bootcamp is dedicated to scalable technology companies founded by at least one individual identifying as a woman. Space is limited. Application required. Join our mailing list to learn when applications open!
CorpoFestPresented by Québec Tech, CorpoFest is 100% French programming that combines actionable content and meaningful connections around tech adoption, turning technology into a powerful driver of performance and productivity for Québec companies.
Startup ShowcaseCatch the next batch of shooting stars onstage in the Startup Showcase. This curated group of startups will pitch live onstage to investors, corporates, media, and ecosystem leaders actively looking for what’s next.

Connections

Connections that survive the hangover.

Manufactured serendipity looks a lot like the right people, in the right place, at the right time, with the right set tools to facilitate connecting.

Our structured networking activations are designed to get you in front of the people who will help you grow your business. Participate in our famed Match-Ups for a curated match, or try Braindates, a festival favourite for topic based meetings.

For more relaxed networking, connect at our hosted cocktails and parties, or venture out to discover the many Off Events scattered across vibrant and dynamic Montréal.