The Competition
Startups from any country apply on merit with a CAD 99 application fee. Our selection team reviews every application and selects the 100 finalists.
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Ascend Tech 2027
Ascend Tech, our global tech and AI startup conference, brings the world's 100 most promising startups to Toronto to pitch to investors from around the world and compete for CAD 500,000+ in startup grants.
Register Startup- Fully Funded Finalists
- 100
- Fully Funded Finalists
- CAD in Startup Grants
- $500k+
- CAD in Startup Grants
- Founders, Investors & Attendees
- 5k+
- Founders, Investors & Attendees
- Days of Pitches & Programming
- 3
- Days of Pitches & Programming
Conference Details
15 to 17 June 2027
Toronto, Canada
Ascend Tech is a global startup competition and conference hosted by Ascend in Toronto, one of North America's leading hubs for technology and AI. Startups from any country apply on merit, and the strongest 100 are selected for Ascend 100.
Every finalist brings two founders to Toronto with flights, hotel, transfers, meals and passes covered. Over three days they show their products in the Innovation Hall, pitch to investors from around the world, meet them one to one in the Investor Lounge, and compete in the Grand Final on the main stage.
We can't wait to see you in Toronto!
Ascend Tech brings founders, investors and partners from every continent together for three days of pitches, meetings and ideas that move startups forward.
Why should I attend?
Register your startup to be first to hear when applications, tickets and investor registration open.
Pitch on a Global Stage
Every finalist pitches to investors and judges, with the best eight reaching the Grand Final on the main stage.
Meet Global Investors
Approved investors browse finalists in advance and book one to one meetings in the Investor Lounge.
Fully Funded Finalists
Flights, hotel, airport transfers, meals and event passes are covered for two people from each finalist startup.
Year Round Community
Our online community hub connects founders, investors and attendees before, during and after the event.
Ascend 100
Startup Grants
The Grand Final jury awards a CAD 250,000 grant to the Startup of the Year, CAD 150,000 to second place and CAD 75,000 to third place.
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Investor Lounge
A private space where approved investors meet finalists one to one, with meetings matched and booked through our platform.
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Ascend Tech Awards
Track Champions and special awards, including Entrepreneur of the Year, Best Social Impact and Woman Founder of the Year, presented at the Awards Gala.
Learn MoreGrand Awards
The Grand Final jury ranks the top three startups, with winners announced on stage at the Ascend Tech Awards Gala.
1stPlace
CAD250,000
Startup Grant
2ndPlace
CAD150,000
Startup Grant
3rdPlace
CAD75,000
Startup Grant
Fully Funded Package
- Return economy flights for two
- Hotel stay for four nights
- Airport transfers
- Meals during the event
- Two full event passes
- Display space in the Innovation Hall
- Investor Lounge access
- A 5 minute pitch in front of investors
Venue
Toronto, Canada
Venue to be announced
Highlights
Upcoming Events
JUN15
Ascend Tech 2027
Global Tech and AI Startup Conference
15 to 17 June 2027
Toronto, Canada
The world's top 100 startups, investors from around the globe and CAD 500,000+ in startup grants.
Register at ascendtech.ca
Ascend Tech 2027
Join us in Toronto for our global tech and AI startup conference.
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Past Events
For more than 20 years, Ascend has brought leaders, companies and communities together. These are the flagship events we deliver every year.
Ascend Engage
2026, Las Vegas, Nevada
Our largest annual conference, bringing more than 2,500 professionals and executives from over 250 companies together for four days of keynotes, learning tracks, mentoring and networking.
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A-List Awards
2026 annual gala
The Ascend Foundation's annual gala honouring executives for their professional achievements and for advancing others in their industries and communities. Funds raised support scholarships, research and leadership programs.
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Board Leadership Summit
25 and 26 September 2026, The Yale Club, New York
An invitation only gathering of corporate board directors from Fortune 1000 companies, hosted by Ascend Pinnacle, on the priorities shaping the modern boardroom.
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Fairways for the Future Invitational
6 October 2026, Manhattan Woods Golf Club, New York
Our annual golf benefit supporting the Ascend Foundation's research on inclusive workplaces, student scholarships and cross industry leadership programs.
Learn MoreYear Round Programs
- Women of Ascend Conference
- Annual conference in March, celebrating International Women's Month with practical leadership tools for every career stage
- Heritage Month and Mental Health Program
- Held every May
- E/BRG Forum
- Annual forum for employee and business resource group leaders, held in October
- Veterans Day Program
- Held every November
- Members in Career Transition
- Bi-weekly virtual office hours with career insights, networking and practical support
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