

A pitch competition for the best Prairie startups, hosted live at UP26
Get your ticket before March 31st to apply!
What is it?
The Prize of the Prairies is a pitch competition where the best Prairie startups will pitch to win a cash prize of $30,000! It will take place at Uniting the Prairies 2026, with pitch qualifiers on day 1 (April 29th) and an on-stage final day 2 (April 30th).

By being a part of the Prize of the Prairies, you have the opportunity to...
Platform your startup in front of 650+ attendees!
No equity — just cold, hard, cash!
Meet our exclusive group of judges who can help you scale!
By purchasing an UP26 Tech Founder ticket before March 31st, you are automatically considered for the Prize of the Prairies. Eligible founders MUST purchase their ticket by the deadline to be considered.

The selection committee will review applications and create a shortlist of startups to pitch at the qualifiers on Day 1 of the UP conference. Selected startups will be notified via email on April 15th.
This is your chance to impress! Shortlisted startups will get 5-min (includes Q&A) to pitch to our panel of judges offsite at The Avenue Room. Private pitch - no decks.


Present your startup to 650+ attendees on the UP26 Main Stage! Finalists from the pitch qualifiers will have 5 minutes to pitch on Day 2 of the conference. The winner will receive a cheque for $30K cash on stage!
Get your UP26 Tech Founder ticket before March 31st, 11:59 PM (MDT) to be considered!
Successful candidates will be contacted via email on April 15th to participate in the Pitch Qualifiers.
An exclusive private pitch at UP26, between shortlisted startups and our panel of judges.
A showcase of the top Prairie startups on the UP26 Main Stage! Pitch finalists will be notified the morning of April 30th.
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"Uniting the Prairies is a special gathering that brings together prairie-based startups and top Canadian investors in an energizing, inclusive environment. It’s not just a chance to connect with VCs, it’s a celebration of founders and the momentum that's being built right here at home. It was also an incredible opportunity for us to pitch Drawbridge on the mainstage, gaining standout exposure to our target audience."


“This conference is amazing. Two days, one stage carefully curated, large number of attendees, excellent networking, prairie hospitality, fun after-hours events, and perfectly executed. I will be back!"


"UP is perhaps one of the most overlooked conferences in the country. As founders, we found it to be an incredibly valuable experience, offering genuine face time with investors, fellow founders, and ecosystem partners. Unlike other conferences, there was no need for exclusive event or after-party invitations to make meaningful connections. In fact, during our very first UP, we met the investor who later became our lead. Highly recommended."


"UP was one of the best conferences I’ve ever been to (and I've been to A LOT!). Every talk was thoughtful, every person I met was genuinely open to connecting, and the energy was just unmatched from start to finish. I walked away with new ideas, new friends, and some great opportunities. Can’t wait to come back!"


"Uniting the Prairies was a game-changer for Gryd. At the conference, I connected with dozens of investors, who then introduced us to their networks. UP is more than just a networking event; it catalyzes meaningful connections and opportunities that significantly impact companies like ours. This conference isn't just a two-day event; it's an investment in the future of prairie innovation."


"My experience at UP was exceptional. This event celebrates the heart of entrepreneurship and innovation in the Prairies and is "the" place to make impactful connections. UP not only inspired me, it led to new client opportunities - a true testament to the caliber of this incredible conference."


"UP has been the best access point to the Saskatchewan and Prairie ecosystem, and has helped us connect with countless great founders and investors in its growing community."

Don't miss out on the biggest opportunity at Uniting the Prairies yet!
Founders/Co-Founders of a tech startup (<50 employees), who have purchased an UP26 Tech Founder founder ticket BEFORE the deadline. Must be available for the qualifiers April 29th & finals April 31st and attend UP26 in person.
Successful applicants will be contacted via email by April 15th. Afterwards the selection committee will follow up to collect due diligence and other details. Only selected startups will be contacted.
You're all set! By purchasing a Tech Startup Founder ticket before the deadline, you are automatically considered for the Prize of the Prairies & the UP26 Investor Dealbook. If you would like to opt-out of either opportunity please reach out to hello@unitingtheprairies.com after purchasing your ticket.
Candidates will be selected based on current traction, growth, and market potential. Your ticket order form will be reviewed as-is by the selection committee.
Nope! We've scheduled things so you can take full advantage of each opportunity, both happening off-site at The Avenue Room on April 29th.
Yes! UP26 Tech Founder tickets will still be available until we sell out, however only those who've purchased tickets before the deadline will be eligible to participate in Prize of the Prairies. If you get your ticket after March 31st you will NOT be considered for the Prize of the Prairies or the UP26 Investor Dealbook.