Sask Polytech Startup Challenge 2026

About

The Sask Polytech Startup Challenge is a 10-week program designed for early-stage entrepreneurs and Sask Polytech students, offering mentorship, networking opportunities, and cash prizes to accelerate business development and innovation in Saskatchewan.

Benefits

• 💰 Cash Prizes
• First prize for early-stage category is $10,000, second is $5,000, and third is $2,500
• 🎓 Student Prizes
• First prize for student category is $2,000, second is $1,000, and third is $500
• 🏆 Theme Awards
• Additional theme awards valued at $4,000
• 👥 Mentorship
• Access to bi-weekly online mentoring sessions and one-on-one guidance
• 🌐 Networking Opportunities
• Opportunity to connect with industry and community leaders during the final pitch event

Eligibility Criteria

• 🌍 Geographic Eligibility
• Open to early-stage entrepreneurs operating in Saskatchewan province
• 🎓 Student Eligibility
• Must be a student at Sask Polytech
• 💼 Business Stage
• Targeting early-stage businesses or social enterprises
• 🚫 Business Restrictions
• Business must not involve controlled substances, gambling, adult entertainment, speculative or predatory financial services
• 🌟 Community Impact
• Preference given to businesses/projects with a commitment to community impact

Participation Commitments

• 📍 Attendance Requirement
• Must attend all online workshops and the final in-person pitch event
• ⏰ Time Commitment
• Participation in a 10-week program with bi-weekly sessions

Target Region

Open to participants from Saskatchewan, Canada

Target Sector

Focused on entrepreneurship and business innovation