University of Toronto stu
University of Toronto students and alumni with a vision for the future have an incredible opportunity to turn their ideas into tangible business ventures with the 2026 Desjardins Startup Prize. This annual pitch competition, presented by Desjardins and delivered by University of Toronto Entrepreneurship, is designed to recognize, reward, and accelerate the most innovative startups emerging from Canada’s largest university. With over $100,000 in prizes up for grabs, aspiring entrepreneurs have the chance to gain financial support, mentorship, and recognition for their entrepreneurial talent.
Turning Ideas into Reality
Are you a startup founder or someone with a groundbreaking idea you’re eager to turn into a business? The Desjardins Startup Prize provides a platform to showcase your entrepreneurial vision. The competition identifies the most promising startups and connects founders with a network of experienced investors, industry professionals, and fellow innovators. By participating, applicants gain exposure to potential funding, valuable mentorship, and an opportunity to refine their business strategies for real-world impact.
The prize is not just about financial rewards—it’s about launching ideas that can change industries and contribute meaningfully to society. From tech innovations to social enterprises, the competition celebrates creativity, ingenuity, and the drive to solve real-world problems.
Competition Structure
The 2026 Desjardins Startup Prize competition will culminate in a week-long celebration of entrepreneurship at the University of Toronto during Entrepreneurship Week, taking place from March 2–6, 2026. Ten finalists will be selected to participate in the pitch competition, where they will have five minutes to present their business ideas to a panel of distinguished investor judges.
Participants are divided into two categories based on their startup’s stage and funding:
Early-Stage Startups: For ventures that have received less than $50,000 in cumulative funding or investment and have earned less than $25,000 in revenue as of November 29, 2025.
Later-Stage Startups: For ventures that have raised between $50,000 and $250,000 in cumulative funding and generated less than $100,000 in revenue as of November 29, 2025.
This dual-category structure ensures that startups at different stages of growth can compete fairly and receive recognition appropriate to their development level.
Prizes and Benefits
The 2026 competition continues the tradition of offering substantial prizes and support to winners. In each category, three main prizes will be awarded along with an additional People’s Choice award of $4,000, known as the Dongjun Wang Family True Blue Prize. This prize allows the community to recognize a startup that resonates with the public and celebrates entrepreneurial potential.
For Early-Stage startups, the prizes are:
-
1st Place: $15,000
-
2nd Place: $10,000
-
3rd Place: $5,000
-
People’s Choice: $4,000
For Later-Stage startups, the prizes are even more significant:
-
1st Place: $40,000
-
2nd Place: $20,000
-
3rd Place: $10,000
-
People’s Choice: $4,000
Beyond the cash prizes, all winners receive additional support designed to accelerate their growth, including up to $5,000 in legal counsel from Cassels, two passes to Startup Fest in Montreal, and an ONRamp membership. These benefits offer startups crucial guidance and networking opportunities that extend far beyond the competition itself.
A Glimpse at Past Winners
The 2025 Desjardins Startup Prize celebrated innovative startups across a range of industries. In the Early-Stage category, NanoMorphix captured first place with $15,000, followed by Medium AI and Vrit. Elev8 & Perform received the People’s Choice award.
In the Later-Stage category, Flow Robotics won $40,000 for first place, while Dinamik Therapies and Re:Pair Genomics took home $20,000 and $10,000, respectively. Flow Robotics also secured the People’s Choice award, reflecting the strong support and excitement from the entrepreneurial community. These past winners illustrate the caliber of innovation and potential recognized by the Desjardins Startup Prize.
Application Process
Applications for the 2026 Desjardins Startup Prize open on October 14, 2025, and close on November 24, 2025. Interested applicants are encouraged to submit their applications early and ensure all required materials are complete. The finalists will be notified in advance of the pitch competition, which is scheduled for March 5, 2026.
The application process is straightforward but competitive. Applicants are evaluated based on criteria such as innovation, market potential, scalability, and overall impact. Founders should be prepared to demonstrate how their venture addresses a real need and why it stands out in its respective market.
Eligibility and Evaluation
To ensure fairness and transparency, eligibility criteria and funding thresholds are clearly defined. Early-Stage startups must have received less than $50,000 in cumulative funding and earned less than $25,000 in revenue, while Later-Stage startups must fall within the $50,000–$250,000 funding range with less than $100,000 in revenue.
The judging process is rigorous, with a panel of investor judges evaluating each pitch for innovation, feasibility, and growth potential. The People’s Choice award provides an additional opportunity for community engagement and recognition, giving startups a platform to gain support beyond the judging panel.
Why Participate?
The Desjardins Startup Prize is more than a competition—it’s a springboard for entrepreneurs ready to take their ventures to the next level. Participants benefit from mentorship, investor connections, financial rewards, and visibility within a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Whether you are an aspiring founder with a concept in its earliest stages or a startup founder looking to scale, the competition offers invaluable opportunities to accelerate growth and make meaningful connections. It’s a chance to validate your ideas, refine your pitch, and showcase your startup to influential stakeholders.
Contact and Further Information
For any questions regarding the 2026 Desjardins Startup Prize, applicants can reach out to Bonnie Ho, Program and Events Coordinator at University of Toronto Entrepreneurship, via email at JLIB_HTML_CLOAKING with the subject line: Questions: Desjardins Startup Prize.
With more than $100,000 in prizes, mentorship opportunities, and recognition at stake, the Desjardins Startup Prize is a must-participate event for U of T entrepreneurs aiming to transform their ideas into impactful businesses. Apply today and take the first step toward turning your innovative vision into reality.
For submission guidelines please visit https://entrepreneurs.utoronto.ca/for-entrepreneurs/2026-desjardins-startup-prize/