Deadline: November 24, 2025
Are you an innovative entrepreneur, student, or recent graduate looking to take your startup to the next level? The Desjardins Startup Prize 2026 at the University of Toronto offers an incredible opportunity to showcase your business idea and compete for a share of over CAD $100,000 in prizes. This prestigious annual competition celebrates innovation, entrepreneurship, and impact-driven ventures that are shaping the future.
About the Desjardins Startup Prize 2026
The Desjardins Startup Prize 2026 is the University of Toronto’s annual business pitch competition, held during U of T Entrepreneurship Week, from March 2–6, 2026. The competition provides a unique platform for early-stage and later-stage startups to gain exposure, receive expert feedback, and win financial support to grow their businesses.
With over CAD $100,000 in total prizes, the competition highlights the strength and creativity of the University of Toronto’s entrepreneurial community.
Application Deadline: November 24, 2025
Prize Categories and Awards
The competition is divided into two main categories — Early-Stage and Later-Stage — each offering multiple awards and cash prizes.
Early-Stage Category
- 🥇 1st Place: CAD $15,000
- 🥈 2nd Place: CAD $10,000
- 🥉 3rd Place: CAD $5,000
- 🎖️ People’s Choice Award: CAD $4,000
Later-Stage Category
- 🥇 1st Place: CAD $40,000
- 🥈 2nd Place: CAD $20,000
- 🥉 3rd Place: CAD $10,000
- 🎖️ People’s Choice Award: CAD $4,000
Eligibility Criteria
To participate in the Desjardins Startup Prize 2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- At least one founder must be a full-time University of Toronto student, post-doctoral fellow, or a recent alumnus (graduated no earlier than June 2023).
- Affiliation with a U of T Accelerator is strongly encouraged.
- Open to startups from all faculties and sectors.
Early-Stage Criteria
- Cumulative funding or investment below CAD $50,000.
- Cumulative revenue below CAD $25,000 (as of November 24, 2025).
Later-Stage Criteria
- Cumulative funding or investment between CAD $50,000 and CAD $250,000.
- Cumulative revenue below CAD $100,000 (as of November 24, 2025).
Additional Requirements
- Startups do not need to be incorporated at the time of application but must be incorporated in Canada to receive prize money.
- The lead applicant must complete U of T’s IP Education Level 1 (or Level 2 with waiver) before the deadline.
- Finalists must be available to present in person during Entrepreneurship Week (March 2–6, 2026).
Judging Criteria
Entries will be evaluated by a panel of experts based on the following factors:
- Problem Identification & Opportunity: Clarity of problem statement and strength of value proposition.
- Viability: Understanding of market needs and evidence of customer demand.
- Growth Potential: Scalability and sustainability of the business model.
- Innovation: Originality, uniqueness, and intellectual property strategy.
- Team Strength: Expertise, diversity, and commitment of the founding team.
- Communication: Quality and persuasiveness of the executive summary and pitch presentation.
- Financial Strategy: Clarity on how the prize funds will support business growth and impact.
Key Dates
- Application Opens: Now accepting submissions
- Deadline: November 24, 2025
- Final Pitch & Awards: March 2–6, 2026
How to Apply for the Desjardins Startup Prize 2026
Applications are open to all eligible University of Toronto-affiliated entrepreneurs. Ensure your pitch and executive summary reflect innovation, feasibility, and potential impact.
👉 Click here to apply for the Desjardins Startup Prize 2026
👉 Click here to read more about the Desjardins Startup Prize 2026 programme
💼 Need Help with Your Application?
If you need expert support with your proposal drafting, refining, and review, contact us for proposal drafting, refining and review — we’ll help you make your submission stand out.
