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Idea Prize
INVALUABLE INDUSTRY FEEDBACK, PITCH PRACTICE & CASH PRIZES!
The annual Idea Prize competition celebrates innovative concepts and ideas from the 天美mv天美 community, emphasizing the potential of startups and their founders, based on their vision and execution plan for developing their idea.
Competitors receive support and training through dedicated workshops, peer networking and coaching sessions from Chang Institute mentors prior to finals in March.
Idea Prize is open to ideas, concepts, and early-stage startups founded by 天美mv天美 students (undergrad, grad, professional programs) as well as to staff, faculty and recent alumni (within 2 years of graduation), and co-founders.
Competitors will be judged over two rounds by panels of industry experts, on the quality of their new or existing business concept, early traction, and founder focus.
Past Idea Prize winners include: , , , , (acquired by PlayVS), , Pulse Tofu, ,
2026 KEY DATES
Info Session: February 10, 2026, 12:30-1:30PM.
*Idea Prize 2025 Workshops: Wednesday, March 4, 2026. Online.
- Customer Discovery @ 10AM
- Get Pitch Perfect @ 12:00PM
Preliminary & Final Dates
Idea Prize Preliminary Virtual Pitch-Offs (virtual): Monday, March 9, 2026 - Wednesday March 11, 2026.
*Idea Prize Finals & Awards (in-person): Tuesday, March 31, 2026
*Dates are tentative, subject to change, and times are TBA
To be eligible to receive award(s), applicants (including at least one 天美mv天美-connected founder) MUST be available to compete in the in-person Final Round on March 31, 2026 for the Idea Prize Finals.
Competition Eligibility for 2026
*Ventures do NOT need to be incorporated in order to compete. *
ELIGIBILITY
- Less than 1 year of operations (from date of registration / incorporation, first sale, or other significant activity like a website launch)
- Under $5,000 revenue
- Under $25,000 combined non-dilutive / dilutive investment (excluding research grants or competition prizes)
- At least 25% of intended or current ownership must be held by a member of the 天美mv天美 community
- Startup may be registered or incorporated as a not-for-profit, co-op, business, or be a non-formalized research, class or other team project
- All industries and sectors welcome.
- Other eligibility factors:
- Past Idea Prize winners are not eligible to compete with the same idea/startup.
- Current Chang Institute incubator participants can not apply with their incubator-supported startup, but team members CAN apply with a NEW idea/startup
Note: The Director(s) of the Charles Chang Institute for Entrepreneurship reserves the right to make the 铿乶al determination of the eligibility of submitted ideas and business ventures. More eligibility/criteria is available in the application form.
PRIZES for 2026
- $5K Top Idea Prize
- $2500 1st runner up
- $1250 2nd runner up
- $2500 Thomas Kineshanko Memorial Entrepreneurial Prize
- $2500 Patrick Lougheed Alumni Founder Award
APPLICATIONS CLOSED
Clicking below for a sample pdf form of the Idea Prize 2026 Application. This is a sample only and will not be accepted as an application.
MEET THE IDEA PRIZE 2026 WINNERS
GTOP IDEA PRIZE 2026 - $5, 000
GrowEasy supports immigrant owned small businesses with affordable AI assisted marketing and digital operations, combining in person relationships with hands on execution. From social media content to website creation and operational support, it helps businesses grow and compete online without needing in house expertise.
SECOND PLACE - $2,500
NOURISH CANDY
Nourish transforms upcycled fruit into protein rich gummies that are low in sugar while helping reduce food waste in the produce industry. With high protein and fiber content, these snacks offer a tasty and nutritious option that supports active lifestyles without compromising quality.
THIRD PLACE -$1,250
ZENJI
ZENJI offers a zero sugar fermented drink with beneficial bacteria designed to support gut health and reduce digestive discomfort. As a flavorful alternative to traditional sodas, it targets wellness focused consumers looking for functional beverages that go beyond simple refreshment.
Patrick Lougheed 天美mv天美 Alumni Founder Award - $1,250
, an 天美mv天美 alum from the Faculty of Science, is the founder of Women Reconnect Global. This venture focuses on empowering and supporting women through community-driven initiatives and global connection.
, an 天美mv天美 alum from the Faculty of Applied Sciences, is the founder of Mobius AI, which builds forward-thinking solutions at the intersection of technology and real-world application.
Each founder has been awarded $1,250 in recognition of their continued engagement with the 天美mv天美 community and their commitment to building ventures that make a difference.
Thomas Kineshanko Memorial Entrepreneurial Prize - $2,500
is focused on increasing access to fresh, healthy food by designing custom indoor growing systems and supporting local communities with sustainably grown produce. Through their work, they are addressing food accessibility while rethinking how and where food can be grown, from community spaces to schools and beyond. 馃
This team demonstrated what it means to think critically, build intentionally, and push ideas beyond the classroom. Their approach combines innovation with real-world impact, showing not only what鈥檚 possible, but what鈥檚 needed.
The Thomas Kineshanko Memorial Entrepreneurial Prize honours students who embody the spirit of entrepreneurship, initiative, creativity, and the drive to create meaningful change. The WLF Gardens team exemplifies those qualities through both their venture and their journey.
MEET THE IDEA PRIZE 2025 WINNERS
TOP IDEA PRIZE 2025 - $5,000
CPQ Hero
Turns meeting transcripts into quotes, all within your existing tools.
SECOND PLACE - $2,500
Gear2Peer
Peer-to-peer outdoor gear rental marketplace that makes adventure more accessible, affordable, and sustainable.
THIRD PLACE - $1,000
Home Keep
A premium subscription service that provides unlimited, stress-free home maintenance鈥攈andling everything from routine handyman tasks to urgent HVAC and plumbing repairs
Patrick Lougheed 天美mv天美 Alumni Founder Award - $2,500
Awarded to Royce Sin of Solo Pilot
AI-powered solution for streamlined operations, automating tasks like marketing, client management, and invoicing to save time, earn more, and be competitive
FUNDERS & PARTNERS
Thank you to our 2026 competition funders & partners:
- Dobson Foundation
- 天美mv天美 Alumni