WHEN | Thursday, March 19, 2026 | 5:30 PM AST
WHERE | Fredericton Convention Centre
Where New Brunswick’s Next Generation of Startups Take the Stage
The breakthru Live Finale is the result of a province-wide competition, one that proves New Brunswick’s startup and tech pipeline is not only alive but booming.
On March 19, 2026, we’re bringing founders, investors, business leaders, and ecosystem partners for one night where bold ideas meet real opportunity.
FOUNDERS PITCH LIVE
After a six-year hiatus, breakthru is back for the first time since 2019, and the response has been nothing short of extraordinary:
• A record breaking 80 applications submitted
• More than 114 entrepreneurs representing companies across New Brunswick
• Two intensive bootcamps designed to sharpen ideas, teams, and traction
It all comes down to the March 19 Live Finale, where five startups will pitch on stage, competing for up to $200,000 in equity investment and in-kind support from NBIF – with winners announced in real time.
This is early investment, real capital, and real belief in New Brunswick-built companies.
breakthru is a celebration of ambition, risk-taking, and the people choosing to build their companies here.
WHY THIS NIGHT MATTERS
If you care about the future of New Brunswick’s innovation economy, this is the room to be in.
The breakthru competition is about:
• Investing early in high-potential founders
• Strengthening the startup pipeline across the province
• Showing what’s possible when the ecosystem comes together
SUPPORTED BY NEW BRUNSWICK’S INNOVATION ECOSYSTEM
breakthru is powered by collaboration.
This year’s competition and Live Finale are supported by organizations committed to helping entrepreneurs grow and scale, including: Propel, Cox & Palmer, University of New Brunswick, Elevate IP, Profitual
Together, these partners help ensure founders aren’t just pitching but building companies with staying power.
EVENT DETAILS
WHEN | Thursday, March 19, 2026 | 5:30 PM AST
WHERE | Fredericton Convention Centre
Event ticket includes a quality locally sourced dining experience.
BREAKTHRU PRIZES
GRAND PRIZE | over $100,000 in cash & in-kind services
RUNNER(s)-UP | over $50,000 in cash & in-kind
ABOUT BREAKTHRU
breakthru is NBIF’s flagship startup competition – designed to turn bold ideas into real companies. By combining early-stage investment, mentorship, and exposure, breakthru helps founders take their next step toward growth, right here in New Brunswick.
Learn more about the breakthru pitch competition: Breakthru Startup Pitch Competition – NBIF
CONTACT
Contact Hilary Lenihan, Director; Director, Strategic Engagement; at hilary.lenihan@nbif.ca for any questions or inquiries.
