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The University of Toronto 2026 Desjardins Startup Prize is now accepting applications. Interested candidates are urged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and to apply.
Opportunity Details
The Desjardins Startup Prize is U of T’s annual business pitch competition, offering over $100,000 in prizes to recognize, reward, and accelerate the most innovative startups. Ten finalists will be selected to pitch their business idea in the 2026 Desjardins Startup Prize Pitch Competition the week of March 2-6, as part of U of T Entrepreneurship Week. The shortlisted individuals or teams will compete by showcasing their startup via a five-minute pitch to a panel of investor judges.
Early-Stage Startups
1st: $15K – NanoMorphix
2nd: $10K – Medium AI
3rd: $5K – Vrit
People’s Choice: $4K – Elev8 & Perform
Late-Stage Startups
1st: $40K – Flow Robotics
2nd: $20K – Dinamik Therapies
3rd: $10K – Re:Pair Genomics
People’s Choice: $4K – Flow Robotics
At least one founder must be a current full-time U of T student, post-doc, or recent alum (graduated after June 2023).
Affiliation with a U of T accelerator is encouraged.
Open to all faculties and sectors.
Must complete U of T’s IP Education Level 1 course (or Level 2 with waiver).
Applications for 2026 Desjardins Startup Prize
Applications Open: October 14, 2025
Applications Close: November 24, 2025
Pitch Competition Date: March 5, 2026
