BREAKTHRU
Where New Brunswick’s next startups take the stage.
The Breakthru Roadshow
We're hitting the road! Over the coming weeks, we'll be popping up across the province to connect over lunch with entrepreneurs, founders, researchers, students, and anyone exploring a startup idea.
For more details and to register, see below:
Venn Innovation (Moncton) | Thursday, October 22 at 12:00PM
Planet Hatch (Fredericton) | Wednesday, October 28 at 12:00PM
ConnexionWorks (Saint John) | Thursday, October 29 at 12:00PM
English Webinar | Tuesday, November 3 at 12:00PM
French Webinar | Wednesday, November 4 at 12:00PM
Interested in attending one of our private sessions at the University of New Brunswick (Fredericton) or Université de Moncton (Moncton)? Please contact eden.hoang@nbif.ca for more information.
Build What's Next
New Brunswick's premier startup pitch competition is back.
Breakthru helps early-stage entrepreneurs transform promising ideas into investment-ready technology startups through mentorship, expert guidance, pitch development, and real-world exposure.
Participants compete for more than $300,000 in potential NBIF equity investment and in-kind prizes, and join a community of founders building what's next in New Brunswick.
Applications close on Monday, November 9.
What is Breakthru?
Starting a company is challenging. Knowing where to start can be even harder.
Breakthru is NBIF's founder-development program and startup pitch competition designed to help entrepreneurs refine their ideas, validate opportunities, strengthen their business model, and prepare for investment.
Throughout the program, participants gain access to:
⏵ Founder-focused workshops and bootcamps
⏵ Mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and industry experts
⏵ Investment readiness guidance
⏵ Pitch coaching and storytelling support
⏵ Networking opportunities with investors and ecosystem partners
⏵ Exposure to the broader startup community
Whether you’re developing an early-stage concept, or validating a promising opportunity, Breakthru helps you take the next step.
Who Should Apply?
Breakthru is built for ambitious, technology-driven entrepreneurs who are ready to explore, validate, and grow a startup opportunity.
You don't need a perfect business plan.
YOU NEED:
⏵ A technology-driven idea
⏵ A willingness to learn and test your assumptions
⏵ Commitment to building and growing in New Brunswick
⏵ The ambition to create something meaningful
Investment Opportunity
Participants will compete for:
⏵ One $150,000 investment opportunity
⏵ One $100,000 investment opportunity
⏵ One $50,000 investment opportunity
All investment opportunities are subject to NBIF's due diligence process and investment approval requirements.
Ready to Build What’s Next?
For more than two decades, Breakthru has helped identify and support some of New Brunswick's most promising entrepreneurs.
The program provides practical experience, valuable feedback, meaningful connections, and a pathway toward building a successful technology company.
Applications Now Open.
Join the next generation of New Brunswick founders.
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