Elevate has announced a partnership with Publicis.Sapient and Next AI to bring a new pitch competition to the Toronto-based technology festival this September.
Named ElevateR Pitch: AI Edition, the competition will give 16 Canadian AI companies the chance to pitch for a portion of $1,000,000 in funding on the Elevate Main Stage during the 4-day festival. ScaleUP Ventures and Espresso Capital will provide the funding for the competition, so the finalist startups should expect a blend of venture capital and venture debt.
“Our tech and innovation ecosystem is on the leading edge, and we need to keep and attract talent in Canada.”
“This is an important event for the tech industry in Canada,” said Alyssa Altman, President, Publicis.Sapient. “Our tech and innovation ecosystem is on the leading edge, and we need to keep and attract talent in Canada. As leaders in the tech and AI arena, we have a responsibility and the opportunity to elevate our industry and accelerate our growth in the global marketplace.”
To qualify, startups must be working in AI or an adjacent industry, have less than $10 million in revenue or funding, and be incorporated in Canada. The 16 finalists selected to pitch onstage will be judged by a panel of investors, celebrities, and media personalities.
“Canada’s most promising AI companies will be discovered on the Elevate Main Stage,” said Razor Suleman, CEO and co-founder of Elevate. “We’re bringing the whole country together for a truly Made-in-Canada competition.”
Interested startups are required to submit a 3-minute video pitch to earn a spot on the Main Stage, and can find the application page here. The deadline to apply is July 31.