July 8-10, 2026

STARTUPFEST

Where founders come to level up
Montréal

$1M+

in investment prizes up for grabs

120+

battle-tested speakers and mentors

25%

of attendees can sign your term sheet

16yrs

of putting founders first

Immediate ROI for founders fuelled by our festival energy

Startupfest is a three-day founder-focused festival in Montréal that brings founders, investors, and ecosystem leaders from across the world together to connect and unlock real opportunities. The event is built on our three core pillars: the Startupfest Village, our world-class content, and high-stakes pitch competitions. Every feature is designed to provide direct value for your business, moving you from inspiration to unwavering momentum. Startupfest is engineered to put you directly in front of the people who can fund, advise, and accelerate your startup to the next level. No distractions. Pure momentum.

2026 EVENT OVERVIEW

Since our founding in 2011, Startupfest has awarded more than $9M in investment prizes alone. Our $100K prizes—spanning categories like Best of the Fest, Women in Tech, and Black Entrepreneurs—serve as a pivotal launchpad for high-potential founders. In the Startupfest Village, we pair this capital with immersive networking; through Mentor Office Hours, Braindates, and curated Match-Ups, every moment is designed to turn conversations into partnerships and momentum. All of this is set against our vibrant, festival-style atmosphere on Montréal’s waterfront, transforming the daily grind into a high-energy, high-reward experience.

 

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STARTUPS

For Startups

WHY ATTEND

For Investors

WHY ATTEND

For Partners

WHY ATTEND

Talent is Everywhere. Access is Not.

At Startupfest, access to expertise isn't confined to a seat in the audience. Our speakers double as Startupfest mentors, moving from the stage to the Village for Mentor Office Hours and Braindates to deliver tactical solutions for your specific challenges. Meet the experts ready to help you level up.

Misti Cain

Investor, Mighty Capital

Marty Weiner

Founder and CTO, VerifyYou

Andrew Lockhead

CEO, Stay22

Rene Caissie

CEO, Medeloop

Haley Bryant

Partner, Hustle Fund

Becky Wang

Head of Strategy, Metafide

2026 Theme: Coming of Age

The best founders see the world not as it is, but as it should be. It takes a kind of “child’s mind” to see what’s truly possible and push the status quo flat on its back. Like a child, a startup is shaped by how it is raised. By the people who show up, the moments that test it, and the experiences that help turn ideas into something real. And like a child, a business will come of age. 
For sixteen years, Startupfest has been a catalyst for founders on this journey to maturity. So, whether you’re taking your first steps, rebelling against the world, or well on your way to scale, come of age with us this July.

Read the manifesto

Join us in the world’s festival capital.

Montréal is second to none. As Startupfest takes over the iconic Old Port, the city transforms into a global stage for tech, culture, and nightlife. From waterfront views of our beloved venue at the Grand Quay to the hidden terraces of Old Montréal, your trip to Startupfest will be the definition of business and pleasure.

Learn more about Montréal and where to stay!

Sign up for our newsletter to get the latest updates straight to your inbox.

Partners & Sponsors

Presented by:

In partnership with:

In collaboration with: