breakthru is New Brunswick’s premier startup competition — where bold ideas turn into real companies. Hosted by the New Brunswick Innovation Foundation (NBIF), breakthru connects entrepreneurs with the capital, mentorship, and exposure needed to launch and scale game-changing ventures right here at home.
Participants get hands-on support and mentorship every step of the way: from developing a winning business plan to perfecting your pitch. Learn directly from experts, gain the tools and guidance to refine your venture, and get investment-ready before you even step on stage.
This province-wide challenge offers up to $200,000 in equity investment and in-kind support to help founders take their ideas to market. breakthru brings together business, academia, and government to spark entrepreneurship and grow the next generation of New Brunswick innovators.
Ready to launch your venture? Review the Participant Guidelines and submit your application through the NBIF Application Portal.
Applications are due by 11:59PM AST, Friday, November 28th, 2025.
ARE YOU READY TO breakthru?
We encourage New Brunswickers with innovative business ideas and a passion for entrepreneurship to take advantage of this opportunity to pitch their startup ideas and take their ventures to the next level. You don’t have to have a perfect plan to apply — the breakthru process is designed to help you hone your concept, build your skills, and get pitch-ready. This is your chance to gain the support, guidance, and momentum you need to breakthru with confidence.
breakthru can turn your idea and startup dream into reality with:
• LEARNING | Build practical knowledge and skills to strengthen your business plan, pitch, and overall venture strategy.
• MENTORSHIP | Receive guidance from experienced industry leaders and investors.
• NETWORKING | Connect with investors, experts, and fellow innovators and founders, expanding your network and opening doors for future collaboration.
• IN-KIND SUPPORT | Chance to gain access to tailored entrepreneur and startup resources to take your startup to the next level.
• INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES | Chance to secure equity investment from NBIF.
If you are interested in pitching at breakthru, please review the Participants Guidelines carefully before submitting your application on the NBIF Application Portal.
Three companies will be selected to enter due diligence with NBIF for an equity investment — meaning NBIF would invest capital in exchange for ownership in the company. Each investment provides the startup with the critical funding and support needed to execute on its business objectives.
• Grand Prize | $100,000 equity investment by NBIF
• Runners-up x 2 | $50,000 equity investment by NBIF
breakthru is open to entrepreneurial New Brunswickers who are committed to launching and operating a new and innovative business venture in the province. Whether you’re still refining your idea or have just started your company, entrepreneurs at the earliest stages of their venture are encouraged to apply.
PARTICIPANT CRITERIA
breakthru is open to individuals or teams ready to launch a bold, new business in New Brunswick. Each participant can only participate in one submission and must meet the following:
• Be 19 years of age or older as of Friday, November 28, 2025;
• Be a resident of New Brunswick, or part of a team where at least one active member is a resident who will hold a minimum 51% ownership of the proposed venture;
• Be legally eligible to start and operate a business in New Brunswick; and
• Be ready and committed to developing and growing your new company right here in New Brunswick.
VENTURE STAGE CRITERIA
To qualify, proposed business ventures must:
• Be in the early or pre-seed stage of development — meaning the business is still in concept, prototype, or market validation phase and has not yet raised significant external capital or achieved meaningful commercial revenue;
• Have no significant operating history;
• Plan to establish and maintain headquarters and operations in New Brunswick;
• Be focused on creating an innovative product or service; and
• Be prepared to protect your intellectual property, where applicable.
BUSINESS CRITERIA
To be eligible, your submission should show that your business idea has:
• A strong business case — your idea makes sense and can work.
• Real market demand — customers want what you’re offering, and there’s room to grow.
• Financial and commercial potential — your plan can make money and be sustainable.
• A clear innovative edge — something new, better, or different from what’s out there.
• A competitive advantage — why your business can stand out and stay ahead.
• A capable team — people with the right experience to make it happen.
• Economic impact for New Brunswick — your business can create value, jobs, or growth in the province.
Key dates for the breakthru Startup Pitch Competition are listed below – please mark these dates in the calendar. The ones highlighted require in-person participation as you move throughout each stage of the competition.
ALL APPLICANTS |
Application Submission Deadline: Friday, November 28th, 2025
breakthru Bootcamp (all applicants): Saturday, December 6th, 2025
Business Plan Submission: Monday, January 12th, 2026
SEMI-FINALISTS |
Semi-Finalist Announcement : Monday, January 26th, 2026
Investment Readiness Bootcamp (semi-finalists only): Friday, February 6th, 2026
Investor Deck Submission: Monday, February 23rd, 2026
SEMI-FINALISTS |
Finalist Announcement: Monday, March 2nd, 2026
Finalists Pitch to Investors: Thursday, March 12th, 2026
breakthru Live Finale: Thursday, March 19th, 2026
Detailed guidelines are available in the Participant Guidelines
Complete the short online application located on the NBIF Application Portal. Information required includes:
- Participant/team information
- An executive summary of your proposed venture
- 60-second video pitch
You can save your progress at any time and return later to complete your form.
CONTACT
Contact Hilary Lenihan, Director of Strategic Engagement, at hilary.lenihan@nbif.ca for any questions or inquiries.
APPLY TODAY!
We look forward to receiving your applications and helping you breakthru while supporting the growth of New Brunswick’s technology and innovation ecosystem!