$100k Canadian Impact Investment Prize 2026 + $25k grant

The Canadian Impact Investment Prize is a $100,000 impact investment award designed to support the next generation of Canadian startups creating measurable social and environmental impact. Organized by CIVIC in partnership with Spring and Anges Québec, and presented during Startupfest, the prize recognizes ambitious founders building scalable solutions for people, communities, and the planet.

In addition to the $100,000 investment prize, the winning startup will also receive a $25,000 Startup in Residence grant powered by Desjardins. More than just funding, the prize offers national visibility, meaningful connections with investors and ecosystem leaders, and an opportunity to showcase your venture on one of Canada’s leading startup stages.

The winner will be announced live on July 10th, 2026, during Startupfest in Montréal.

Eligibility Criteria:

The Canadian Impact Investment Prize is open to startups that meet the following criteria:

• Is a Canadian pre-seed or seed-stage startup;

• Demonstrates measurable social and/or environmental impact;

• Has a concrete monetization strategy with early market validation (initial customers);

• Has a strong and complementary founding team;

• Is currently raising or preparing for a funding round in Fall 2026;

• Is building scalable solutions for people, communities, and/or the planet.

The Process:

Pre-application is required to be eligible for this prize. Applications are open until June 2nd, 2026.

Selected startups will be contacted by email to proceed to the next stage of the process. Finalists will have the opportunity to pitch during Startupfest in Montréal in front of investors, ecosystem leaders, and members of the impact investing community.

NOTE: You must have a Startupfest ticket to attend the event and participate in the live pitching activities.

The winning startup will be announced live on stage during Startupfest on July 10th, 2026.