PITCH 2026: Vancouver’s Premier Stage for Early-Stage Startups

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Web Summit Vancouver has long been recognized as one of the world’s leading technology conferences, bringing together innovators, investors, and entrepreneurs from across the globe. Among its many programs, PITCH stands out as the ultimate startup competition for early-stage ventures seeking visibility, mentorship, and funding. PITCH provides a platform for the world’s most promising startups to showcase their products and ideas on a global stage, competing for recognition and investment in front of influential investors and industry leaders.

What Is PITCH?

PITCH is a startup competition hosted at Web Summit Vancouver that highlights early-stage companies from across the globe. The program is specifically designed for ALPHA and BETA startups exhibiting at the conference that have received less than CA$5 million in funding to date and have maintained a consistent business model over the last three years. By providing a stage to demonstrate innovation and scalability, PITCH allows startups to gain exposure, feedback, and connections that can accelerate their growth.

The competition is renowned for its rigorous selection process and high-profile judging panel, making it one of the most prestigious opportunities for emerging startups to make an impact in the tech ecosystem.

How the Application Works

Startups interested in participating in PITCH must first submit an application through the official Web Summit Vancouver website. All applications are reviewed and assessed by a dedicated review committee, which evaluates startups based on factors such as innovation, market potential, scalability, and overall impact.

From all applications, 35 startups are selected to participate in the next stage of the competition. These startups are then given the opportunity to prepare their pitch deck and refine their delivery, gearing up for a five-minute presentation on the PITCH stage at Web Summit Vancouver. This stage is where the competition truly comes alive, with startups presenting their ventures in front of an audience of investors, global partners, and industry leaders.

The PITCH Experience

For participating startups, PITCH is more than just a competition—it is a comprehensive growth experience. Selected startups receive guidance on how to craft compelling pitch decks, communicate their value proposition effectively, and capture the attention of investors and partners. Preparing for PITCH pushes entrepreneurs to clearly articulate their vision, business model, and market strategy in a concise and persuasive manner.

Once on stage, startups face an independent panel of investors and global partners who evaluate each pitch for its innovation, market viability, and potential for growth. The stakes are high, and the experience is intense, but the rewards are substantial. Being selected for PITCH alone positions a startup as a global contender and opens doors to networking, partnerships, and potential investment.

Meet the 2025 PITCH Winners

The 2025 PITCH competition showcased a diverse array of startups from multiple sectors, demonstrating the breadth of innovation represented at Web Summit. Notable winners included:

• AVEE HEALTH – Healthtech & wellness

• Certifi AI – AI & machine learning

• eeva – SaaS solutions

• Fuse Power Management – Energy & utilities

• Glüxkind – Hardware, robotics & IoT

• Hope Innovations – Agritech & foodtech

• Lite-1 – Sustainability & cleantech

• Neurabody – Healthtech & wellness

• PharmaServ Inc – Healthtech & wellness

• Sigen AI – AI & machine learning

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Other notable participants included VodaSafe, Wave Connect, CODA, Favoland Canada Inc., FutureTwin AI, Hallo, HomeBook, Hubjoy, Kaabo, and Kiwi Charge, representing sectors from e-commerce and education to proptech and sustainability. These startups exemplified the diversity and innovation PITCH seeks to highlight, demonstrating that creativity and ingenuity know no bounds.

Judging Panel

One of the most exciting aspects of PITCH is the caliber of its judges. The 2025 panel featured leading figures from venture capital, corporate innovation, and global investment. Some of the judges included:

• Edith Yeung, General Partner, Race Capital, USA

• Yasmeen Ahmed, Co-founder & Managing Partner, FPV Ventures, USA

• Lisa Yu, General Partner, Ninety Nine, USA

• Mike Sigal, Founder, Sigal Ventures, UK

• Ana Casaca, Director of Innovation, European Union, Portugal

• Ryan Youhan, Emerging Growth Practice, KPMG, USA

• Emily Fontaine, Global Head of Venture Capital, IBM, USA

• Gautam Rege, Co-founder, Josh Software, India

• Sonia Vora, CHRO (former), Gates Foundation, USA

• Will Wilson, Co-founder & CEO, Antithesis, USA

• Audrey Marie-Nely, Associate Vice President, RBCx, Canada

This panel reflects the global perspective and expertise that PITCH brings to early-stage startups, offering participants valuable feedback and potential opportunities to engage with investors worldwide.

What Past Winners Say

The experience of participating in PITCH has had a lasting impact on past winners. Christian Pedrosa, Co-founder & CEO of DigAÍ, the Web Summit Rio 2025 PITCH winner, stated:

“We’re here to show what we’ve built, Web Summit is amazing for that.”

Similarly, Federico Trotta, Co-founder & CEO of Metalchemy, a Web Summit Qatar 2025 PITCH winner, said:

“The experience at Web Summit has been amazing. We did not expect to get this far as we do not work with software.”

João Guimarães, CEO of Intuitivo and 2024 PITCH winner, emphasized the value of being part of the ecosystem:

“Just to be with other people from the ecosystem is the best part of Web Summit.”

These testimonials highlight how PITCH not only provides a competitive platform but also fosters connections, learning, and community among early-stage founders.

Why Apply for 2026

Startups applying for the 2026 PITCH competition have the chance to gain global visibility, investor attention, and mentorship opportunities that can propel their ventures forward. By participating, startups refine their pitching skills, build relationships with industry leaders, and position themselves as contenders on the global stage.

Applications for PITCH 2026 are open to eligible ALPHA and BETA startups exhibiting at Web Summit Vancouver. Founders are encouraged to apply early and ensure their submissions reflect the creativity, innovation, and potential of their ventures.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for early-stage startups to compete on a world-renowned platform, attract investment, and join a global network of innovators shaping the future of technology and business.

For more information or to apply for PITCH 2026, interested founders can visit Web Summit Vancouver Startups and submit their application via the provided form.