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Invaluable industry feedback, pitch practice and cash prizes for 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 and ideas founded by SFU students from undergraduate, graduate and professional programs (e.g MBA), as well as by staff, faculty, and recent alumni (within 2 years of graduation).

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

  • 13 years of the Venture Prize competition!
  • $40K in cash prizes and significant in-kind service packages were awarded in 2023

Applications for Venture Prize 2024 are now closed.

KEY DATES

Event Date
Application Period Opens December 14
Competition Information Session January 9
Application Period Closes January 21 at 11:59 PM
Workshop 1: Budget From the Bottom Up *January 25
Workshop 2: Get Pitch Perfect  *January 25
Pitch Social Night Feb. 9 & Mar. 22
Preliminary Pitches February 12-15
Idea Stream Finals *March 28
Venture Stream Finals *April 4
Awards Ceremony  *April 9

*Dates are tentative, subject to change, and times are TBA

APPLICATION AND COMPETITION STRUCTURE

The application period for Venture Prize is December 13, 2023 to January 21, 2024 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

  • Top Venture - $10K cash + in-kind
  • Top Idea - $5,000
  • R&D Category Award*  
  • Local Products & Services Category Award* 
  • Tech Category Award*
  • Patrick Lougheed SFU Alumni Founder Award - $2,500

More awards & prizes tbd!

*Category Names subject to change; all prizes subject to change

JURY

IDEA PRIZE 

TBA

VENTURE PRIZE

TBA

CONTACT

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

Presenting Sponsor   

           

  

Gold Sponsors

  

SILVER Sponsors

  

Bronze Sponsors

                 

                 

Prizes

Custom venture prize packages awarded, to support founder and venture growth. 

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.

Perfect Your Pitch

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