This is a competition I have enjoyed being a mentor on for the last couple of years. I was thrilled to see that this year they have secured a new lead sponsor, BC Innovation Council.
The press release tells the story best ...
New Ventures BC Competition Grows to $335,000 in Prizes With New Title Sponsor
New Ventures BC, one of North America’s largest technology business idea competitions, is even bigger this year — with $335,000 in prize packages. That’s an increase of $200,000 over last year, thanks to new title sponsor The BC Innovation Council.
“Our investment in this competition speaks to its success in fostering new entrepreneurs over the past seven years,” says Soren Harbel, CEO of the Council. ”We hope our new Proof-of-Concept Awards will assist in bringing some great technologies into the market place.”
Previous competition winners include the world’s largest mobile community, AirG, with 20 million users worldwide, and GenoLogics Life Sciences Software Inc., which has customers throughout North America and Europe.
The competition is open to any B.C. resident, team or business with an innovative technology product or service that has not yet secured material financing. The deadline to enter is April 23.
Prizes include:
BC Hydro $60,000 first prize package plus BC Innovation Council $100,000 Proof-of-Concept award
Enbridge $38,000 second prize package plus BC Innovation Council $50,000 Proof-of-Concept award
A $17,000 third prize package plus BC Innovation Council $50,000 Proof-of-Concept award
BC Hydro Sustainability $20,000 prize.
Now in its eighth year, the competition aims to help very early-stage entrepreneurs acquire the business skills they need to get their technology to market. The competition takes place over four rounds and seven months and includes a unique mix of business education, networking, mentoring and $335,000 in prize packages.
Competitors can participate in eight business education seminars, which start April 2, ahead of the April 23 competition entry deadline. These seminars are also open to non-competitors who pay the $100 registration fee.
Established by SFU Business, New Ventures BC is operated by the non-profit BC Ventures Society and made possible through the generous support of private and public sponsors, as well as volunteer mentors, speakers, and judges.
For the seminar schedule, and to register, visit www.newventuresbc.com, call 604-725-5740
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