Frequently asked questions

We believe that early-stage entrepreneurs deserve non-dilutive capital to help validate their ideas and grow their businesses. Prize money gives founders runway without giving up equity, and the exposure, mentorship, and connections that come with the competition are often worth more than the prize itself.

All applications are reviewed blind by a diverse panel of judges drawn from different industries, backgrounds, and geographies. Judging criteria are published in advance and applied consistently. We actively recruit judges who reflect the communities we serve.

The total prize pool is $20,000 CAD. First place receives $10,000 CAD, second place $5,000 CAD, third place $3,000 CAD, and four runners-up each receive $500 CAD.

Yes. All judges and reviewers are required to sign non-disclosure agreements before reviewing any applications. Your intellectual property is protected throughout the process.

A strong submission clearly identifies a real problem, presents a compelling solution, demonstrates market understanding, and shows traction or validation. Include a clear revenue model, competitive positioning, and a capable team. A minimum viable product (MVP) or prototype significantly strengthens your application.

As coined by Eric Reis, the author of Lean Startup, a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) is a rudimentary version of a novel product or service (for instance, a product sketch/design, wireframe, demo video, website, and/or landing page) that enables your team to gather validation from your customers with minimal effort.

Please email hello@ctribefestival.com, and we'll get back to you in 24-48 hours.

To be eligible, entrepreneurs must be engaged in ventures that are legally constituted and recognized under the law. Global companies are eligible to apply.

The pitch competition is reserved for tech-enabled businesses: businesses revolving around the manufacturing of electronics, creation of software, computers or products and services relating to information technology. We plan to open up into other areas in the future.

Yes, we encourage companies globally to apply. You must have a comparable legal entity similar to a US S-Corp or Canadian Incorporation in your respective jurisdiction.

Yes, but we recommend focusing on the business idea you think will have the most potential in the market.

No. Companies operating for profit with a social impact are highly welcome to submit their applications. They will be assessed based on the same criteria applied to other enterprises.

Please submit your application in English.

We will not accept any applications submitted after the deadlines. Please make sure you submit your application before the relevant deadline.

You will still be eligible if your venture does not exceed the current dilutive funding or revenue thresholds on Demo Day. If your venture does exceed those limits, you will no longer be eligible for the prize.

Each participant is allowed to be a member of up to two teams, with the exception of the team leader, who is restricted to leading a single team. Should a non-lead individual appear in three or more applications, C-Tribe will only consider the first two submissions.

A lead is defined as the CEO or President. If there is no CEO or President, the most senior role on the founding team will be the lead. If multiple members have similarly senior roles, you will self-select your lead. If there are 2+ submissions by a single lead, C-Tribe will keep the first submission.