Vancouver’s startup scene is taking center stage as local innovators dominate the next phase of the 25th annual New Ventures BC Competition — one of the most influential startup challenges in British Columbia.
This year’s competition attracted nearly 200 early-stage ventures across the province. Out of those, 15 promising companies have earned a direct spot in Round 3, while 27 others will compete in a special intermediary round known as “Round 2.5” for a chance to join them in the coveted Top 25.
What Is Round 2.5?
Round 2.5 serves as a high-stakes opportunity for teams that just missed a direct pass to the next round. These companies will pitch live on June 18, presenting their business cases to a panel of expert judges. Only ten will advance.
The format was introduced to ensure that more high-potential ventures receive valuable exposure, mentorship, and feedback from BC’s innovation ecosystem — even if they didn’t initially make the cut.
Vancouver Ventures Take the Lead
Vancouver-based companies are leading the charge. Of the 15 ventures advancing directly to Round 3, six are headquartered in Vancouver:
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A-Scent Innovations
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BryoSphere Biotechnologies
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EyecareX
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Non-Euclidean
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Sigen AI
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Syrina Therapeutics
They’re joined by other strong contenders from North Vancouver, Burnaby, and Coquitlam, showing the strength of the Lower Mainland’s innovation economy.
Meanwhile, Vancouver companies are also well-represented in Round 2.5. Over half of the 27 selected to pitch in this wildcard round are from the city or its surrounding areas. Startups like BuildMapper, Medilink, Otter Platform, and RHT RailHaul Technologies are among those hoping to secure a spot in the final Top 25.
What’s Next?
After the June 18 pitch showdown, the ten winners from Round 2.5 will move on to Round 3, joining the 15 who advanced directly. From there, the competition will intensify as teams edge closer to the final pitching stage and the chance to win a share of $250,000 in cash and prizes.
Now in its 25th year, the New Ventures BC Competition remains a key platform for discovering and accelerating high-potential startups across British Columbia. With so many Vancouver-area teams in the spotlight, the city continues to prove it’s a leading force in Canada’s tech future.
