Applications Are Now Open for the 2023 New Ventures BC Competition

The annual competition is back for its 23rd consecutive year

The 2023 New Ventures BC Competition, presented by Innovate BC, is officially underway. Innovative startups from across British Columbia are encouraged to apply for the province’s largest and longest running tech competition.  

Each year, hundreds of early stage ventures from across BC compete to be crowned the province’s top tech startup. Last year, more than 200 startups entered the competition, which was won by Vancouver-based OVOU. Since the competition’s launch in 2000, more than 3,400 startups have participated and over $4M in cash and prizes have been awarded. 

2022 was a notable year for competition alumni. 2017 Top Regional Startup Certn raised a $50M USD Series B round; 2021 winner Mintlist landed $2.5M through an oversubscribed seed round and were named Car Buying App of the Year; and 2018 Runner-Up Cyberdontics secured $15M to bring their robotic root canals to market. 

Over the next six months, startups will compete through multiple rounds of the competition to get their hands on more than $250,000 in cash and prizes. Competitors will also get access to in-person events, mentorship opportunities, and New Venture BC’s educational seminar series. The winner will be crowned at an award ceremony later this year. 

For more information about this year’s competition, click here. Applications close on April 11 at 5:00pm PST and can be submitted here.

QUOTES

“This competition attracts the best startups our province has to offer. These companies use our competition as a launching pad to accelerate their growth, connect with new partners, and get on the radar screen of early-stage investors. This year, we’re excited to uncover a new wave of startups that will bring even more attention to BC’s thriving tech community.”

Angie Schick

Executive Director, New Ventures BC

“BC has the fastest growing tech sector in North America, and the ingenuity and creativity of our startups is an important part of that story. The New Ventures BC Competition presented by Innovate BC helps these promising companies connect with early stage investors, access mentorship, and compete for cash prizes. It’s a great time to be in the BC technology sector and I can’t wait to see what these new companies solve with the support of New Ventures BC.”

Honourable Brenda Bailey

Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation

“We are thrilled to support the New Ventures BC Competition Awards once again and continue our partnership of over fifteen years. This event is one of North America’s most exciting showcases for innovation and has not only highlighted the great work emerging out of British Columbia startups but also provided essential funding and resources to help these companies reach their potential and contribute to our province’s vibrant tech ecosystem. If you’re an innovator making an impact out of our region, I highly encourage you to take part in this great competition.”

Raghwa Gopal

President + CEO, Innovate BC

SUPPORTING INFORMATION

Key Dates: 

March 20: Competition Info Session

March 28: Kick-Off Seminar and Networking Event (TELUS Garden)

April 11: Application Deadline

April 15: Startup Sprint (Day 1)

Videos:

Competition Explainer Video

2022 New Ventures BC Competition Top 11 Finalists

NVBC 20th Anniversary Video

Media Contact:

Jamil A. Karim

jamil.karim@gmail.com

604 317 5786