A pitch competition for the best Prairie startups, hosted live at UP25
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 2025, with pitch qualifiers on day 1 (May 7th) and an on-stage final day 2 (May 8th).
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 prairie expat judges who can help you scale!
Eligible founders who purchased their UP25 Tech Founder before April 7th were automatically considered for the Prize of the Prairies. Note: the deadline to apply has now passed, see FAQs below for details.
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 23rd.
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 UP25 Main Stage! Finalists from the pitch qualifiers will have 5 minutes to pitch (with a deck) on Day 2 of the conference. The winner will receive a cheque for $30K cash on stage!
No longer accepting applications. Only those who purchased their ticket before the April 7th deadline will be considered to pitch at UP25.
Successful candidates will be contacted via email on April 23rd to participate in the Pitch Qualifiers.
An exclusive private pitch at UP25, between shortlisted startups and our panel of judges.
A showcase of the top Prairie startups on the UP25 Main Stage! Pitch finalists will be notified the morning of May 8th.
“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 truly is a cornerstone event for the Prairies' innovation ecosystem. Having attended and spoken at the conference, I’ve experienced firsthand its impact as a dynamic hub that attracts top investors, founders, and ecosystem leaders from across the country. What sets UP apart is its unique blend of professionalism and warmth; it’s not just a place to network but a community where meaningful relationships are built."
"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."
"UP is the best event on the Prairies to meet venture investors and other founders - I've met several of my investors there."
"Uniting the Prairies connected me directly with mentors and investors that I likely would never have met. I speak regularly to one of the mentors and am currently discussing our funding round with an investor."
Meet the Prairie tech expats, operators, & founders who will decide which startup takes home the $30K Prize of the Prairies!
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 UP25 Tech Founder founder ticket BEFORE the deadline. Must be available for the qualifiers May 7 & finals May 8th and attend UP25 in person.
Successful applicants will be contacted via email by April 23rd. 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 were automatically considered for the Prize of the Prairies & the UP25 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 May 7th. See agenda for details.
Yes! UP25 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 got your ticket after April 7th you will NOT be considered for the Prize of the Prairies or the UP25 Investor Dealbook.