Deadline: Unspecified
The TiEQuest Program 2026 is now open for applications! This 10-week accelerator and pitch competition is designed to help Canadian startups go further, faster. The programme focuses on helping entrepreneurs sharpen product-market fit, accelerate growth, and prepare for global scale while gaining exposure to top investors in Canada, Silicon Valley, Boston, New York, and India.
If you are a Canadian startup ready to refine your business model and access global investor networks, the TiEQuest Program 2026 offers a transformative opportunity to elevate your venture.
About the Opportunity
TiEQuest is a prestigious startup accelerator and pitch competition organised by TiE Toronto. The programme offers a structured 10-week journey that combines expert mentorship, capacity building, and exposure to leading investors. Startups will undergo intensive workshops, one-on-one mentorship, and multi-stage pitch competitions that culminate at the TiEQuest Summit 2026 — one of Canada’s premier startup events.
Participants will also gain invaluable insights from industry experts, refine their business strategies, and join an active entrepreneurial community that continues to support innovation long after the competition ends.
Programme Structure
Phase 1 – Workshops & Mentorship:
Selected startups participate in hands-on workshops covering customer discovery, product validation, go-to-market strategy, business planning, fundraising, storytelling, and pitch delivery. Each team also benefits from dedicated one-on-one mentoring sessions.
Phase 2 – Elevator Pitch Round:
In this round, startups deliver an elevator pitch to a panel of judges. Promising participants move forward to receive individual mentorship aimed at refining their market positioning and validating their problem-solution fit.
Phase 3 – Business Plan Round:
Startups that progress to this stage receive personalised coaching and feedback to enhance their business plans. They will pitch to an experienced panel of judges, with top-scoring companies advancing to the final round.
Phase 4 – Finals at TiEQuest Summit 2026:
The finalists will present live to investors during the TiEQuest Summit 2026. They will showcase their innovations, compete for top prizes, and become part of the TiEQuest alumni community — a network of successful founders and business leaders.
Prizes and Benefits
- US$50,000 cash prize distributed among winning teams.
- Up to US$500,000 in angel investment (subject to due diligence).
- US$100,000 in in-kind prizes from programme partners.
- Exclusive access to TiE’s investor network across Canada, the United States, and India.
- Ongoing mentorship and post-programme support from TiE’s global ecosystem.
Eligibility
- Open to Canadian startups across all sectors.
- Entrepreneurs from diverse industries are encouraged to apply.
- A dedicated Med-Tech Stream is available for startups developing innovative solutions in the healthcare and medical technology sectors.
Application Process
Applicants are required to complete an online registration and submit relevant startup details as part of the screening process. Shortlisted candidates will be notified for participation in the first phase of the accelerator.
Application Deadline: Currently unspecified — interested applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
Selection Process
Startups will be evaluated based on the strength of their business model, innovation, market potential, and scalability. Judges will also assess the quality of the team, clarity of vision, and potential for global impact. Successful finalists will be invited to pitch live during the TiEQuest Summit 2026.
Additional Information
Participation in TiEQuest provides not just funding opportunities but also long-term benefits through networking, mentoring, and visibility. The programme has a proven track record of helping startups achieve market validation and investor readiness.
Read more about the programme here
Contact us for proposal drafting, refining, and review.
