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Up to $75K in cash and prizes to Simon Fraser University’s innovative ideas and most promising startups.


Coast Capital Venture Prize 

The Coast Capital Venture Prize competition celebrates innovative ideas and entrepreneurial pursuits from the Simon Fraser University community. 

Competitors are given the opportunity to practice venture ideation and presenting pitches. They’ll receive support in dedicated workshops and coaching sessions from Venture Connection’s mentors prior to the finals in April.

The competition is open to early-stage business ventures founded by SFU students from undergraduate, graduate and professional programs (e.g MBA), as well as by staff, faculty, and recent alumni.

Competitors are judged by a panel of industry experts on the quality of their business concept, current progress and future plans, founder track record and presentation skills. 

  • 12 years of the Venture Prize competition
  • $75K in cash and prizes awarded to winners in 2022

Download the application sample for viewing only. Applications must be submitted through the webform above.

*Timeline in this sample application may vary from actual event dates. Please refer to the Competition Timeline page for the most up to date information.

KEY DATES

Event Date
Application Period Opens January 23
Competition Information Session February 7
Application Period Closes February 20 at 11:59 PM
Workshop 1: Budget From the Bottom Up February 28
Workshop 2: Get Pitch Perfect  February 28
Pitch Social Night March 3
Preliminary Pitches March 13 -16
Pitch Social Night March 31
Idea Stream Finals April 4
Venture Stream Finals April 12
Awards Ceremony  April 18

APPLICATION AND COMPETITION STRUCTURE

The application period for Venture Prize is January 23 to February 20, 2023 at 11:59 PM (visit the application page).

Ensure you submit all the required documents and files. Application screening decision will be made based upon the information provided in the application and executive summary. Businesss model and progress to date including prototypes, initial customers and/or revenue and future plans will be considered.

PRIZES

More information coming soon

JURY

IDEA PRIZE

Preliminary: Alvin Lin, Angie Schick, Dave Thomas, Denise Williams, Douglas Fast, Garrett Downes, Jason Wong, Lesley Duncan, Melody Lim, Rochelle Grayson, Sang Mah, Scott Mallory.

Final: Chris Moscatello, Christina Wong, Michael Cheng, Rachel Chase, Vik Khanna.

VENTURE PRIZE

Preliminary: Bill Lakeland, Briana Sim, Brianna Blaney, Carlyn Feist, Dave Thomas, Douglas Fast, Finlay MacNab, Greg O’Toole, JM Lauzon, Lesley Duncan, Lisa Young, Michael Damiani, Michael Wong, Neil Branda, Penny Wilson, Pete Koat, Siobhann Williamson, Todd Farrell.

Final: David Nauman, Floyd Sijmons, Jim Derbyshire, Leah Nguyen, Maria Pacella, Marjan Miremadi.

CONTACT

Contact Maycko Macapugas at ecem_changinstitute@sfu.ca if you have any questions.

Presenting Sponsor   

           

 

Platinum Sponsors

  

Gold Sponsors

  

Silver Sponsors

  

Bronze Sponsors

                 

                 

Prizes

Up to $75K in cash and in-kind prizes available. 

Mentorship

Gain valuable insight from judges, industry experts, and experienced mentors who'll help you throughout the competition.

Grow Your Network

Join a thriving entrepreneurship community and meet entrepreneurs, industry experts, mentors, and investors throughout the competition.

Master Your Pitch

Gain confidence in pitching to anyone--from friends and family to potential investors.