Deadline: November 28, 2025
Applications for the NBIF breakthru Startup Pitch Competition 2026 are now open. breakthru is New Brunswick’s premier startup competition — where bold ideas turn into real companies. Hosted by the New Brunswick Innovation Foundation (NBIF), breakthru connects entrepreneurs with the capital, mentorship, and exposure needed to launch and scale game-changing ventures right here at home.
Participants get hands-on support and mentorship every step of the way: from developing a winning business plan to perfecting your pitch. Learn directly from experts, gain the tools and guidance to refine your venture, and get investment-ready before you even step on stage.
This province-wide challenge offers up to $200,000 in equity investment and in-kind support to help founders take their ideas to market. breakthru brings together business, academia, and government to spark entrepreneurship and grow the next generation of New Brunswick innovators.
Benefits
Three companies will be selected to enter due diligence with NBIF for an equity investment — meaning NBIF would invest capital in exchange for ownership in the company. Each investment provides the startup with the critical funding and support needed to execute on its business objectives.
- Grand Prize | $100,000 equity investment by NBIF
- Runners-up x 2 | $50,000 equity investment by NBIF
Eligibility
Participants Criteria
breakthru is open to individuals or teams ready to launch a bold, new business in New Brunswick. Each participant can only participate in one submission and must meet the following:
- Be 19 years of age or older as of Friday, November 28, 2025;
- Be a resident of New Brunswick, or part of a team where at least one active member is a resident who will hold a minimum 51% ownership of the proposed venture;
- Be legally eligible to start and operate a business in New Brunswick; and
- Be ready and committed to developing and growing your new company right here in New Brunswick.
Venture Stage Criteria
To qualify, proposed business ventures must:
- Be in the early or pre-seed stage of development — meaning the business is still in concept, prototype, or market validation phase and has not yet raised significant external capital or achieved meaningful commercial revenue;
- Have no significant operating history;
- Plan to establish and maintain headquarters and operations in New Brunswick;
- Be focused on creating an innovative product or service; and
- Be prepared to protect your intellectual property, where applicable.
Business Criteria
To be eligible, your submission should show that your business idea has:
- A strong business case — your idea makes sense and can work.
- Real market demand — customers want what you’re offering, and there’s room to grow.
- Financial and commercial potential — your plan can make money and be sustainable.
- A clear innovative edge — something new, better, or different from what’s out there.
- A competitive advantage — why your business can stand out and stay ahead.
- A capable team — people with the right experience to make it happen.
- Economic impact for New Brunswick — your business can create value, jobs, or growth in the province.
Application
Complete the short online application here. Information required includes:
- Participant/team information
- An executive summary of your proposed venture
- 60-second video pitch
You can save your progress at any time and return later to complete your form.
For more information, visit breakthru Startup Pitch Competition.