Seed Capital
Non-dilutive prize money, no equity required. Walk away with funding and full ownership of your company.
- $20,000 CAD in prizes
- Applications open Jan 6, 2027
- Pitch Day Aug 15, 2027
- Edmonton, AB
C-Tribe x Tech presents
About the competition
C-ElevateHer provides prize money to tech-inspired, women-led businesses. But it's not just about the money, it's about building durable connections. Founders connect with seasoned tech founders and investors who have built, scaled, and sold companies before. This competition champions the next generation of women redefining what's possible in technology.
$20,000 CAD
Total prize pool
- 1st Place$10,000 CAD
- 2nd Place$5,000 CAD
- 3rd Place$3,000 CAD
- Runner-Up (x4)$500 CAD each
Finalist perks
- Pitch coaching
- Graphic design support for pitch decks
Eligibility and judging
Who can apply
Eligibility
Women founders with controlling equity in a tech-enabled startup.
- Founder must identify as a woman with more than 10% controlling equity
- Team of minimum 2 members
- Maximum 2 teams per participant (lead member limited to 1 team)
- Must be 18 years or older and of legal age in their jurisdiction
- Startup Stage track: less than $1,000,000 raised in total dilutive funding
- Employees and immediate family of C-Tribe Society are not eligible
Judging criteria
A panel of 4 judges scores every pitch on:
Timeline
Key dates
Up to 7 finalists pitch live on stage in Edmonton on Pitch Day.
- Jan 6, 2027
Applications open
Submit your venture for consideration.
- Mar 7, 2027
Applications close
Final day to submit your entry.
- Apr 15, 2027
Semi-finalists announced
Up to 7 teams advance to the next round.
- Jun 1, 2027
Finalists selected
Pitch coaching and deck design support begin.
- Aug 15, 2027
Pitch Day
Take the stage at C-Tribe x Tech.
Why pitch
Four reasons to step on stage
Network
Direct connections with investors, mentors, and founders who have built, scaled, and exited before you.
Exposure
Media coverage, publisher meetings, ecosystem partners, and a live audience watching you pitch on stage.
Coaching
Pitch coaching, deck design support, and strategic prep for every finalist, so you show up ready.
Who should apply
Is C-ElevateHer for you?
Built for women founders, investors, and allies championing women in tech.
Woman Founder
You’re building a tech-enabled company and hold controlling equity. Get on stage, win funding, and connect with investors who back women-led ventures.
Investor
You’re actively looking to fund women-led startups. Meet pre-vetted founders and expand your portfolio with high-potential, diverse deal flow.
Ally & Advocate
You believe in levelling the playing field. Attend to support, mentor, and amplify women founders building the next generation of tech companies.
Aspiring Founder
You’re not ready to pitch yet, but you’re building toward it. Come for the inspiration, the connections, and to see what’s possible.
Proven launchpad
Past winners
Companies that launched from our pitch stage and went on to raise funding, land partnerships, and scale.
Cassidy e-Care Solutions
Mpho Begin
Digital health platform empowering people with diabetes to self-manage their health outside the hospital setting.
Anutio
Ehi Agbonlahor
AI-powered platform helping students and early-career professionals discover strengths and build fulfilling careers.
UpRow
Kelise Williams
Revolutionizing the newcomer settlement experience in Canada with enhanced access to resources.
Investors & judges
Past judges
Investors, founders and operators who have judged C-Tribe pitch competitions.
Beyond the pitch
Other ways to get involved
Exhibit
Showcase your product, service, or organization with a booth at C-Tribe x Tech. Get in front of attendees, demonstrate live, and generate qualified leads.
Partner
Align your brand with innovation. Sponsorship and partnership packages include stage presence, logo placement, VIP access, and direct engagement with founders and investors.
Want to dive deeper?
Ready to pitch?
Applications open January 6, 2027 and close March 7, 2027. Questions? Email hello@ctribefestival.com.