420 mins
Meridian Hall
Registration & Badge Pick Up
Badges can be picked up at Meridian Hall between 2:00pm – 9:00pm. We encourage you to arrive early to pick up your badge to avoid lines.
300 mins
Meridian Hall — Upper Mezzanine
Opening Night Drinks
Grab a drink and catch up with fellow attendees on the Upper Mezzanine. Drinks available for purchase from 4–9 PM.
60 mins
Meridian Hall — Main Stage
Pitch Showcase
Come early and hear from unicorns in the making as they present powerful 3min pitches. Who knows, you might find your next investment!
120 mins
Meridian Hall — Main Stage
Opening Night Kickoff
Elevate Festival 2026 starts right here. Presented by TD and hosted by Amber Mac, experience an evening of world-class speakers and bold ideas as global leaders in tech and innovation take the stage to explore the trends and breakthroughs defining the future.
This year, we’re kicking off the festival with…
An exciting announcement from Elevate CEO Lisa Zarzeczny.
TD’s Rizwan Khalfan joins Cohere’s Francois Chadwick to discuss how organizations can move from experimentation to responsible adoption.
Justin Scaini & Tamar Brannigan from Kids Help Phone return with new findings at the intersection of youth mental health and tech.
Avinash Sooriyarachchi and Howard Cohen from Mistral show us the path to owning your AI Future.
A look inside the creative process of Julio Himede – the creative lead behind Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Halftime Show, the Grammy Awards, and tours for Shakira, Doechii, and Alicia Keys.
Get a glimpse at the future of search and user privacy with DuckDuckGo CPO, Beah Burger-Lenehan.
Toronto Raptors legend and six-time NBA All-Star Kyle Lowry joins us for a fireside chat on his career, his connection to Toronto, and cultivating a winning mindset.
60 mins
Meridian Hall — Trailblazer Lounge
Opening Night Trailblazer Reception
Wind down the day with drinks, light bites and great company at the Trailblazer Reception.
Please note: This event is only open to Trailblazers, Investors and Speakers.
Schedule Coming Soon
540 mins
Meridian Hall
Registration & Badge Pickup
Badges can be picked up at Meridian Hall between 8:00am – 5:00pm. We encourage you to arrive early to pick up your badge to avoid lines.
60 mins
Meridian Hall — Upper Mezzanine
Kokedama: A Living Art Workshop
Discover the art of Kokedama, a traditional Japanese style of planting where moss is used to cradle and display beautiful greenery. Each participant will create their own Kokedama plant to take home and care for.
Please note: Each workshop is limited to 10 people. Sign up in the app is required.
50 mins
Meridian Hall — Lower Lobby - Castlepoint Numa Lounge
Crash Course: Product Leadership Under Pressure
This session has a maximum of 100 attendees – first come, first served. Line queue opens 45 minutes before the session.
This Crash Course is designed for: Product leaders of all levels and startup founders or operators who lead and hire product talent
Early stage companies face an inherent tension between what product leaders are trained to do, and what founders are wired to do. This Crash Course provides a step-by-step framework for naming that tension and thriving through it. Whether you are a product leader seeking strategies for success, or a founder seeking clarity on what it takes to hire and lead product talent, this interactive session will empower you to deliver value.
What to bring: Pen and paper or device to take notes
360 mins
St. Lawrence Centre — Bluma Appel Lobby
Networking Meetings
We’ve launched a new networking program for attendees! Make the most of your time at Festival with AI-powered matchmaking in the official event app. Book meetings with the right connections and meet 1-on-1 with new people in our Networking Lounge.
Please note: Meetings must be pre-booked to access the Networking Lounge.
5 mins
St. Lawrence Centre — Bluma Appel Theatre
Fintech Stage Kickoff
Welcome to the next chapter of Canadian fintech, where digital assets, evolving regulation, trust, and global payments are reshaping how money moves. On this stage, we’ll explore Canada’s opportunity to lead in financial innovation, hear from the founders and leaders building what’s next, and uncover how Canadian fintech can drive growth, competitiveness, and global impact.
5 mins
St. Lawrence Centre — Jane Mallet Theatre
Sovereign Growth Stage Kickoff
Welcome to the Sovereign Growth Stage, where Canadian innovation meets the challenge of building a more resilient, competitive economy. Explore the technologies, businesses, and strategies shaping Canada’s future and hear from the leaders building and investing in the capabilities Canada needs to compete, scale, and lead on the global stage.
45 mins
Meridian Hall — Lower Lobby - Registration Required
Roundtables Block 1
Roundtables are exclusive to Startup Pass holders who pre-book their seats on the Elevate Booking Platform. If you are a Startup Pass holder, you will receive a link to access the Booking platform by email.
Roundtable 1: Battle Test Your Pitch
Host: Mikayla Wronko
Roundtable 2: Building the Operating System for an Early-Stage Startup
Host: Claire Fauquier
Roundtable 3: What Early-Stage Investors Actually Look For
Host: Elizabeth Yin
Roundtable 4: Fundamentals of Making Your Business Fundable
Hosts: William Ma
15 mins
St. Lawrence Centre — Bluma Appel Theatre
The Evolving Role of Bank of Canada
The Bank of Canada is entering a new chapter. As Canada’s financial system evolves, its role is expanding beyond traditional monetary policy to include new responsibilities tied to financial innovation, consumer-driven banking, and the stability of emerging digital markets. This conversation will explore what the Bank’s evolving mandate means for Canada’s economy, financial sector, and position in a rapidly changing global landscape—and how it can balance stability with innovation.
10 mins
St. Lawrence Centre — Jane Mallet Theatre
Opening Remarks
The world is changing fast, and Canada can’t afford to sit on the sidelines. From AI and defence to critical infrastructure, energy, and advanced manufacturing, the technologies we build and control will shape our economic future. Today we’ll ask the big question: can Canada turn its homegrown innovation into the global advantage it needs to compete?
20 mins
St. Lawrence Centre — Jane Mallet Theatre
First Customer: From Demonstration to Deployment
Drones, counter-drones, uncrewed systems, and the autonomy behind them are changing what the Canadian Armed Forces need, and how fast capability must move. This conversation explores the novel approaches to bringing Canadian technology from demonstration into operational use, and how our Forces, founders, government, and investors are building that pathway together. We’ll examine how first customers and small-scale procurements give homegrown companies revenue, references, and real industrial capacity, and what it will take next.
20 mins
St. Lawrence Centre — Bluma Appel Theatre
The Future of Money, Made in Canada
Canada is on the verge of the biggest change to its financial system in a generation. Real-time payments, open banking, and a homegrown stablecoin are all in motion. Join us as we hear from Wealthsimple, Canada’s leading financial innovator, and get concrete about what these changes mean for Canadians and small businesses, the real use cases that will change everyday money for Canadians and small businesses, and where Canada sits in the global race to build its own stablecoin.
5 mins
Meridian Hall — Lower Lobby
Startup Stage Kickoff
This is where we celebrate early-stage founders, investors, and industry leaders as they explore today’s vibrant startup landscape. From pitches to demos, and insightful workshops, get an exclusive look at the future in action. So take a seat, grab some headphones, and tune into bold ideas.
30 mins
Meridian Hall — Lower Lobby
Rocket Pitches: DMZ
For over a decade, DMZ has backed bold tech entrepreneurs building what’s next. From AI-powered wellness and financial technology to digital health, event technology and construction innovation – discover the bold solutions transforming how we live, work and connect.
5 mins
Meridian Hall — Main Stage
Main Stage Kickoff
Elevate Co-Founder and CEO Lisa Zarzeczny welcomes you to the Festival and and kicks off a full slate of the biggest leaders in tech and innovation.
30 mins
Meridian Hall — Upper Mezzanine
AMA: Beah Burger-Lenehan
In 2019, Beah Burger-Lenehan joined online privacy company, DuckDuckGo, as their first product management hire. Today, Beah oversees DuckDuckGo’s full portfolio of privacy products and features as their CPO. In this AMA, Beah gets candid about her career journey and her drive to build user-respecting products that make the internet a better place. Whether you’re curious about product, big tech alternatives, or doing good via the products you build, now is your chance to ask Beah anything.
20 mins
Meridian Hall — Main Stage
The Human Layer of the Internet
As AI makes answers faster and content easier to create, human perspective is becoming more valuable, not less. Adam Collins explores why people still turn to communities to validate decisions, understand trade-offs, and find trusted perspectives. From keeping platforms human to connecting conversations across languages and turning answers into lasting communities, he’ll share how we need to be building for a world where technology scales information, while cultivating trust.
20 mins
St. Lawrence Centre — Jane Mallet Theatre
The End of the Cloud
AI is driving an unprecedented demand for compute, but larger data centres and centralized infrastructure bring growing costs and risks. This fireside chat explores why the cloud model may not suffice for the AI economy. We will also examine how distributed, accessible, and sovereign AI infrastructure can bring compute closer to the organizations that need it and strengthen Canada’s AI future.
20 mins
St. Lawrence Centre — Bluma Appel Theatre
The Split Second That Decides Everything
Notice the tiny pause before you pay somewhere new? That half-second flinch is your gut asking a very old question: can I trust this? As digital products have become faster and more automated, every app, checkout, and experience starts to feel the same. And when everything is seamless, seamless alone is no longer a differentiator. The real competitive edge is something you can’t clone, download, or build overnight: trust.
50 mins
Meridian Hall — Lower Lobby - Castlepoint Numa Lounge
Crash Course: Scaling AI & Developer Autonomy with Enterprise Guardrails
This session has a maximum of 100 attendees – first come, first served. Line queue opens 45 minutes before the session.
This Crash Course is designed for: Developers and software engineers of all levels of expertise.
As AI tools transform software development, engineering teams face the dual challenge of accelerating feature delivery while maintaining high availability, robust security, and regulatory compliance. Workshop attendees will learn how to integrate AI into developer workflows while participating in an architectural framework exercise to map their own organizational friction points against enterprise patterns. Leave with concrete action items you can implement immediately.
What to bring: Pen and paper or device to take notes
10 mins
Meridian Hall — Main Stage
The State of Modern Entrepreneurship in Canada
Entrepreneurs are helping shape Canada’s future, and the experience of building a business is rapidly changing. To support the next generation of innovators, we must first understand who Modern Entrepreneurs are – and what they need to succeed. Tangerine, in partnership with PwC, will unveil new research on the state of entrepreneurship in Canada. Together, we’ll explore the realities facing today’s builders, uncover emerging trends shaping the future of entrepreneurship, and discuss how founders, investors, financial institutions, and community leaders can work together to create the conditions for Canadian businesses to thrive.
20 mins
St. Lawrence Centre — Jane Mallet Theatre
Beyond the Launch: Building Canada’s Space Ecosystem
Canada’s space economy needs a strong ecosystem to thrive. This conversation will explore how founders, investors, government, industry, and research institutions can work together to help Canadian space companies move from innovation to scale. We’ll examine the champions, capital, and long-term commitment needed to build a resilient space economy that can compete and grow globally.
25 mins
St. Lawrence Centre — Bluma Appel Theatre
Overrated or Necessary? Building the Loonie Stablecoin
Is a Canadian-dollar stablecoin the next evolution of digital finance or a solution in search of a problem? This panel will explore the case for a “loonie stablecoin,” from payments and financial innovation to regulation, adoption, and the potential impact on Canada’s digital economy.
45 mins
Meridian Hall — Lower Lobby - Registration Required
Roundtables Block 2
Roundtables are exclusive to Startup Pass holders who pre-book their seats on the Elevate Booking Platform. If you are a Startup Pass holder, you will receive a link to access the Booking platform by email.
Roundtable 1: The AI Action Gap: From Insight to Execution
Host: Kristin Spong
Roundtable 2: Mastering Deal Structure: Navigating Early-Stage Valuations and Investor Alignment for a Successful Exit
Host: Ozan Isinak
Roundtable 3: Winning Corporate Startup Deals: From First Meeting to Scaled Partnership
Host: Marcus Daniels
20 mins
Meridian Hall — Main Stage
Reinventing the Industries That Matter Most
Housing and healthcare are two of the most important and deeply entrenched industries in our lives. And that’s why Minna Song believes they’re worth reinventing. Drawing on EliseAI’s journey from automating apartment leasing to building AI for housing and healthcare, Minna will share what it takes to challenge legacy systems and build products that make essential services work better for the people who depend on them.
45 mins
Meridian Hall — Lower Lobby
Pitch Competition: Moneris’ eCommerce North Showcase
We’re celebrating 5 years of supporting unique & inspiring Canadian startups through eCommerce North, Canada’s leading commerce-focused accelerator program. In this unique competition you’ll hear pitches from five commerce-focused companies building solutions to drive value for merchants of the future. Test your VC skills and try to guess which founder will be walking away with a $10,000 grant from Moneris to support their growth!
30 mins
Meridian Hall — Upper Mezzanine
The Feminization of AI: Does Big Tech Need Women More Than Women Need AI?
AI is being pushed on women from every direction, and the message is clear: Use AI or risk falling behind. This is the feminization of AI, with women influencers and celebrities now its face, helping Big Tech scale AI into every aspect of our lives, from fitness and fashion to caregiving and work. We’ll trace bias from design to deployment, explore risks from surveillance to deepfakes, and build a model for AI discernment in our own lives.
10 mins
St. Lawrence Centre — Jane Mallet Theatre
Building a Sovereign Digital Foundation
We’re moving from the SaaSocalypse to the PaaSocalypse. As companies rethink their dependence on centralized platforms, sovereign technology is emerging as a new model for building with greater control, security, cost efficiency, and capability. This talk explores what sovereign application infrastructure actually requires and how a new generation of platforms can give developers the flexibility to build, deploy, and manage applications.
20 mins
St. Lawrence Centre — Bluma Appel Theatre
Building Fintech That Scales Globally
Canada has the talent and ambition to build globally relevant fintech, but succeeding internationally means designing for global systems from day one. This conversation will explore how founders can build products that work across borders, currencies, payment rails, and regulatory environments. With Canada’s payments infrastructure evolving and greater interoperability on the horizon, the opportunity to build fintech for the world has never been more compelling.
20 mins
Meridian Hall — Main Stage
The Advantage Canada Can’t Afford to Lose
Canada’s global position is changing, and so is the urgency to build what we need at home. This session explores what this moment means for Canada’s digital sovereignty, from the technologies and infrastructure we rely on to the homegrown companies building our next generation of innovation. What will it take to strengthen Canada’s resilience, compete globally, and ensure we have a stake in the digital systems shaping our economy?
25 mins
St. Lawrence Centre — Jane Mallet Theatre
Who Owns the AI Infrastructure?
AI is moving from the screen into the backbone of our economy, and Canada needs the infrastructure to keep up. From compute and data centres to connectivity and cybersecurity, the systems powering AI are becoming critical to our economic resilience and sovereignty. This conversation explores what Canada needs to build, invest in, and protect to power the next generation of AI, and ensure the infrastructure behind our digital future is built to compete.
50 mins
Meridian Hall — Lower Lobby - Castlepoint Numa Lounge
Crash Course: Building Experiences Your Customers Remember
This session has a maximum of 100 attendees – first come, first served. Line queue opens 45 minutes before the session.
This Crash Course is designed for: Startup founders and customer-facing emerging leaders
Something has changed in customer experience: the curiosity and connection that once made work special is fading. As AI automates processes, how do we rediscover what makes us human? This workshop teaches startup founders and emerging leaders how to rediscover childlike curiosity and creativity to build deeper connections with customers, peers, and yourself. Leave with a framework and practical habits you can start building today.
What to bring: Pen and paper or device to take notes
10 mins
St. Lawrence Centre — Bluma Appel Theatre
Bullish on the Canadian Investor
Canada has a reputation for being a conservative, risk-averse investment market, but a new generation of self-directed investors is challenging that narrative. Join us as we explore how Canadian investors are taking greater control of their financial futures, and what financial institutions and regulators must do to meet them where they are.
15 mins
Meridian Hall — Main Stage
Ontario’s AI Advantage: Innovation, Investment and Growth
Comprised of an abundance of fast-growing tech start-ups and world-renowned institutions, Ontario is one of the most dynamic and highly sought-after regions in the world for tech innovation, research, and investment. By 2035, it is projected that AI adoption will generate $122 billion in cumulative real GDP for Ontario’s economy and create more than 17,000 jobs annually. In his keynote address, the Hon. Vic Fedeli, Ontario’s Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade will highlight how Ontario is harnessing its leadership to advance the next generation of technology, attract unprecedented investment, and foster the conditions for hometown talent to thrive in the global economy.
10 mins
St. Lawrence Centre — Jane Mallet Theatre
Building Canada’s Biomaterial Advantage
What does it take for Canada to build and own the technologies shaping the future of advanced materials? This lightning talk explores how breakthroughs in biopolymer fibre manufacturing could drive innovation across industries, from soldier uniforms that mask thermal signatures to soft tissue repair devices with maximized biocompatibility. From lab breakthrough to global commercialization, discover how Canadian deep tech can strengthen our biomaterial sovereignty and compete on the world stage.
10 mins
St. Lawrence Centre — Bluma Appel Theatre
From 2M to 2B: Halal Fintech Goes Global
Canada’s 2 million Muslims represent a fraction of a 2 billion-strong global market that mainstream finance has largely ignored. Manzil built an exportable compliance and tech stack that adapts across regulatory regimes, currencies, and payment rails. It demonstrated this model with a US and multi-country market entry via the Manzil Invest app. As tariffs reshape global trade, this session makes the case for why Canada’s next fintech winners must be built for export, not just domestic scale, and details what it takes to get there.
30 mins
Meridian Hall — Upper Mezzanine
How I Built This: From Virtual Gurus to Tapwi
What does it take to become the first indigenous woman in Canada to close a Series A funding round? Hear from Trailblazer Bobbie Racette on reshaping the digital landscape and future of work through her now exited startup, Virtual Gurus, and new venture, Tapwi. Learn how Bobbie built a $300 idea into a multi-million-dollar company by creating opportunities for underserved talent, and her plans to do it all again.
20 mins
St. Lawrence Centre — Jane Mallet Theatre
The Canada-Europe Tech Opportunity
A new joint letter from Canadian and European innovation leaders calls for stronger transatlantic partnerships to help homegrown technology companies reach new markets and build more resilient economies. This conversation will unpack why deeper Canada-Europe ties matter now, what they could mean for technology companies on both sides of the Atlantic, and how we can move beyond simply opening markets to actively creating new ones in a changing geopolitical landscape.
25 mins
St. Lawrence Centre — Bluma Appel Theatre
The Trust Launch: Building Credibility from Day One
How do you convince customers to trust a financial product they’ve never heard of? In this conversation, founders will share how they built credibility from the ground up, from earning their first customers to navigating regulation, proving security, and turning trust into a competitive advantage. Get practical lessons on launching a new fintech product and building the confidence that drives adoption.
45 mins
Meridian Hall — Lower Lobby - Registration Required
Roundtables Block 3
Roundtables are exclusive to Startup Pass holders who pre-book their seats on the Elevate Booking Platform. If you are a Startup Pass holder, you will receive a link to access the Booking platform by email.
Roundtable 1: Accessing Angel Investment: A Strategic Roundtable for Women Founders
Host: Sally Morris
Roundtable 2: The Seed-Stage Fintech Playbook: Trust, Distribution and Growth
Host: Tal Schwartz
Roundtable 3: Real Traction vs. Theatre: What Actually Counts
Host: Jesse Rodgers
Roundtable 4: Building a Globally Scaling Commercialization Strategy
Hosts: Benton Leong & Randall Howard
60 mins
Meridian Hall — Upper Mezzanine
Kokedama: A Living Art Workshop
Discover the art of Kokedama, a traditional Japanese style of planting where moss is used to cradle and display beautiful greenery. Each participant will create their own Kokedama plant to take home and care for.
Please note: Each workshop is limited to 10 people. Sign up in the app is required.
30 mins
Meridian Hall — Lower Lobby
Demo Showcase: OurPwr, Husmates, FLIK FX
Watch founders in action as they demo products from the world of FemTech, PropTech and drone entertainment. Whether you’re interested in learning about the latest in hardware or software, these founders are here to show you the next big thing.
5 mins
Meridian Hall — Main Stage
AI Stage Kickoff
The biggest questions in tech today all start with AI. On this stage, we will explore what’s next as AI moves from breakthrough technology to everyday infrastructure. From open models and autonomous systems to voice, AI agents, policy, and adaptive intelligence, discover how AI is reshaping business, society, and the way we work, connect, and innovate.
20 mins
Meridian Hall — Main Stage
Love Automatically: Exploring AI in Modern Love
As AI becomes increasingly woven into our everyday lives, it’s also changing how we connect, date, and build relationships. This fireside chat explores the opportunities and unexpected challenges of bringing AI into modern love, from personalized experiences to how technology can shape the way we find and connect with one another.
50 mins
Meridian Hall — Lower Lobby - Castlepoint Numa Lounge
Crash Course: Speed vs. Momentum When Building Better Products
This session has a maximum of 100 attendees – first come, first served. Line queue opens 45 minutes before the session.
This Crash Course is designed for: Product and design practitioners
In product teams, process can seem like the antithesis of progress, and even more so when AI compresses timelines to raise the bar for what ‘fast’ means. Yet process reflects the deeply human nature of product work, and most teams struggle to balance moving fast while meaningfully including stakeholders in the journey. This session provides a framework for understanding speed vs. momentum to help product teams ship with trust and alignment, together.
What to bring: Pen and paper or device to take notes
10 mins
Meridian Hall — Main Stage
Build Your Own Frontier AI
What does it take to build AI systems that move from powerful models to real-world applications? This session explores how businesses can build proprietary AI systems and harness advances in document processing, voice, robotics navigation, and reasoning models. Discover how these technologies enable AI to operate across increasingly complex environments and what’s next for intelligent systems.
5 mins
St. Lawrence Centre — Bluma Appel Theatre
Moonshots Stage Kickoff
From space exploration to climate solutions, deep tech is driving the moonshots that will reshape industries and redefine what’s possible.
45 mins
Meridian Hall — Lower Lobby - Registration Required
Roundtables Block 4
Roundtables are exclusive to Startup Pass holders who pre-book their seats on the Elevate Booking Platform. If you are a Startup Pass holder, you will receive a link to access the Booking platform by email.
Roundtable 1: From SaaS to Agents: How LLMs Are Rewriting Enterprise Software
Host: Roy Pereira
Roundtable 2: AI-Ready Hiring: Building Your Startup’s Talent Edge
Host: Alison Kaizer
Roundtable 3: Beyond the Pitch: Closing the Funding Gap for Women Founders
Host: Diane Wolfenden
Roundtable 4: Unlock IDEaS Funding for Defence & Security Innovation
Host: Sarah LaRose
20 mins
St. Lawrence Centre — Bluma Appel Theatre
Propelling our Deep Tech Economy, From the Seabed to the Sky
Canada faces a once in a lifetime opportunity to build deep tech capabilities beyond previous imaginations. This fireside chat will dive into the current state of our deep tech investment landscape, and Canada’s positioning on the global stage. From maritime to space capabilities and allied interoperability, understand the risks we must take to safeguard our deep tech economy.
25 mins
Meridian Hall — Main Stage
Open Models, Open Future: The Next Era of AI Innovation
As AI advances at unprecedented speed, open models are reshaping who gets to build, experiment, and innovate. This panel will explore the opportunities and challenges of open AI, from accelerating research and expanding access to enabling new products and businesses. What does an open AI ecosystem mean for the future of competition, collaboration, and innovation?
30 mins
Meridian Hall — Lower Lobby
Demo Showcase: Digipalz, ElleLogic AI , Lingowire
Watch founders in action as they demo products from the world of Edtech, AI for healthcare, and language fluency. Whether you’re interested in learning about the latest in hardware or software, these founders are here to show you the next big thing.
15 mins
St. Lawrence Centre — Bluma Appel Theatre
Rogue Medicine to Clinical Impact
When a stage four cancer diagnosis came for his son, Brad Sorenson developed a novel treatment protocol based on mRNA technology. Facing complex drug approval barriers, Sorenson administered his experimental vaccine to his son at home. This inspiring keynote will take you through the intimate journey of researching and developing mRNA technologies for the future of oncology related therapies when faced with life’s hardest trials.
15 mins
Meridian Hall — Main Stage
Beyond Brute Force: Building AI that Adapts
The next leap in intelligent systems may not come from bigger models, but from their ability to adapt. This session explores how AI can continue learning after deployment, evolving alongside changing conditions and closing the gap between what a model was trained on and what businesses face in the real world. Join us as we unpack what often breaks between AI pilot and production, why continuous learning can be more effective than simply scaling models, and how organizations can build systems that improve from the data and traffic they already handle. The goal: AI that works for people, rather than asking people to work around it.
20 mins
St. Lawrence Centre — Bluma Appel Theatre
Raising Capital in DeepTech and HardTech: First Cheque to Scale
Raising capital for deeptech doesn’t get easier as the company grows. This panel brings together founders at different stages to compare the realities of fundraising before the concept is fully proven, the challenges that come after securing investment, and how the founder journey changes as a company moves from early validation to scale.
25 mins
Meridian Hall — Main Stage
Who Gets to Set the Rules for AI?
As AI rapidly transforms industries, policymakers face a critical challenge: how do we protect the public without slowing innovation? This panel brings together leading voices to unpack the evolving AI policy landscape, from regulation and responsible development to competitiveness and the future of innovation. What rules do we need, and how can we get them right?
50 mins
Meridian Hall — Lower Lobby - Castlepoint Numa Lounge
Crash Course: From Policy to Practice, Your AI Field Guide
This session has a maximum of 100 attendees – first come, first served. Line queue opens 45 minutes before the session.
This Crash Course is designed for: Founders, operators, and team leads with an AI policy everyone nods at and nobody uses.
“Disclose your AI use” sounds reasonable until you press for details. Who do you tell, when, and in what words? This session gets into the answers. You’ll pressure-test real scenarios with the room and leave with a practical action plan for your own team. No policy yet? Come anyway.
What to bring: Pen and paper or device to take notes, current AI policy (optional)
30 mins
Meridian Hall — Upper Mezzanine
How I Built This: a Leadership Career in an AI-Driven World
Join a seasoned enterprise technology leader for an empowering talk on building a 20+ year career as a woman in the digital transformation space. From navigating roadblocks, to identifying opportunity, and guiding enterprise teams through decades of technological change. Expect hard-earning lessons every emerging leader can carry into their own journey while driving impact and innovation in the age of AI.
20 mins
St. Lawrence Centre — Bluma Appel Theatre
CleanTech for Critical Ubiquitous Materials
With the growth of the EV industry, AI, defence tech, and more, the need for industrially mined materials intensifies. This panel highlights CleanTech innovators building sustainable supply chain solutions for the recovery and recycling of critical ubiquitous materials, while seizing this pivotal moment for growth.
40 mins
Meridian Hall — Lower Lobby
Rocket Pitches: Italian Trade Agency
The global startup landscape offers rich opportunities for alliance and advancement, and Italian innovation is no exception. Meet visionary leaders from Italy at the forefront of biotechnology, blockchain, digital marketing, machinery and industrial technology, and foodtech. Supported by the Italian Trade Agency, these founders are uniting Canada and Italy to shape the future of global industry.
45 mins
Meridian Hall — Lower Lobby - Registration Required
Roundtables Block 5
Roundtables are exclusive to Startup Pass holders who pre-book their seats on the Elevate Booking Platform. If you are a Startup Pass holder, you will receive a link to access the Booking platform by email.
Roundtable 1: Building Companies Investors Can’t Ignore
Host: Lise Birikundavyi
Roundtable 2: Are You Building a Category or Just Another Startup?
Host: Mellie Chow
Roundtable 3: AI for Faster Customer Discovery
Host: Ehsan Mirdamadi
15 mins
Meridian Hall — Main Stage
Abundant Intelligence: Thriving in the Age of AI
Humanity has progressed by overcoming scarcity, and now, AI is ushering in an era of abundant expertise, making expert-level knowledge accessible to everyone. Every institution built around the scarcity of expertise must reinvent itself, shifting its advantage from what it knows to how effectively it adapts. Join us as we discuss how effectively businesses can scale judgment, orchestrate AI, and keep humans focused on leadership, relationships, ethics, and accountability.
10 mins
St. Lawrence Centre — Bluma Appel Theatre
Spatial AI: Engineering the Future of the Built Environment
The built environment is one of AI’s most demanding engineering problems, requiring geometric reasoning, code compliance, and constructability at massive scale. Explore why LLMs fall short and how Spatial AI is overcoming these limitations to enable a more sustainable and efficient construction industry.
10 mins
Meridian Hall — Main Stage
Everything Is Remembered
Why does today’s most powerful intelligence forget everything the moment it’s done? Join us as we trace a shift from massive, static systems retrained on a schedule toward learning that happens locally, continuously, and in real time, remembering every interaction and growing more attuned with each one, so progress compounds around the people it serves, not just the data it holds.
10 mins
St. Lawrence Centre — Bluma Appel Theatre
The Future of Bionic Intelligence
What happens when cutting-edge AI and human-centred design come together in real world products that improve accessibility? Join this live demo to see smartARM in action, the world’s first vision-powered bionic arm for people with upper-limb differences. Discover how physical AI is revolutionizing accessibility tech in a way that is affordable, scalable, and clinically deployable.
30 mins
Meridian Hall — Upper Mezzanine
AMA: Elizabeth Yin
As a seasoned tech founder turned VC, Elizabeth Yin practices what she preaches: ambitious ideas, hustle, and the nerve to start. In this AMA, Elizabeth gets candid about her passion for democratizing wealth through entrepreneurship, and her experience on both sides of raising early stage capital. Bring your questions on raising funds (for startups or VCs), investing in startups, and the future of tech.
20 mins
Meridian Hall — Main Stage
Human-AI Interaction
25 mins
St. Lawrence Centre — Bluma Appel Theatre
Built for Her: The Future of FemTech in Personalized Healthcare
Women’s healthcare is moving beyond a one-size-fits-all approach. Join FemTech founders leading this personalized transformation across wearables and digital health platforms that centre AI and data-driven insights. From hormonal health to menopause, discover how the future of Femtech is not only personal, but revolutionary.
10 mins
Meridian Hall — Main Stage
The Hidden Debt of Agentic AI
Enterprises are racing to deploy AI agents, but speed can create a hidden form of operating debt. As agents multiply across models, systems and workflows, who controls what they can do, what they cost and when humans step in? Using the control tower as a powerful analogy, we will reveal why governing workflows, not individual agents, is the key to scaling AI safely, and why the organizations that build control into execution from the start will ultimately move faster.
60 mins
Meridian Hall — Upper Mezzanine
Kokedama: A Living Art Workshop
Discover the art of Kokedama, a traditional Japanese style of planting where moss is used to cradle and display beautiful greenery. Each participant will create their own Kokedama plant to take home and care for.
Please note: Each workshop is limited to 10 people. Sign up in the app is required.
25 mins
St. Lawrence Centre — Bluma Appel Theatre
Sovereignty in Orbit: Canada’s Role in the Future of Space
The global space economy is rapidly growing, yet Canada is the only G7 country that relies on foreign countries to reach orbit. This timely discussion brings together next-gen innovators accelerating Canada’s sovereign possibilities in space. From end-to-end launch systems, to the delivery of mission critical-information from space, discover how Canadian SpaceTech is a vital component for securing Canada’s future.
20 mins
Meridian Hall — Main Stage
Freight, Fully Automated
Autonomous technology is poised to transform how goods move, from the highways that connect cities to the supply chains that power the economy. Join us as we explore the technology behind autonomous freight, what it takes to deploy AI in the real world, and how automation could reshape the future of logistics, trucking, and global trade.
60 mins
Meridian Hall — Trailblazer Lounge
Trailblazer Happy Hour — Hosted by Glean
Hosted by Glean
Wind down the day with drinks, light bites and great company at the Trailblazer Happy Hour.
Please note: This event is only open to Trailblazers, Investors and Speakers.
90 mins
Meridian Hall — Lower Lobby - Castlepoint Numa Lounge
Tech Talent Happy Hour — Hosted by EliseAI
Hosted by EliseAI
Expect people across product, engineering, customer support, sales, and strategy who are building in AI and in town for Elevate.
We’ll have drinks and small bites.
RSVP required. Space is limited.
RSVP here: https://luma.com/y2s316lr
90 mins
St. Lawrence Centre — Bluma Appel Lobby
The Upside Social
Hosted by The Upside Foundation
As Canada’s innovation community comes together in Toronto for Elevate, we’re creating space to bring together a community of people who care deeply about entrepreneurship, innovation, and giving back. Following a day of conversations about the future of technology, business, and innovation, we’ll gather to connect with fellow builders, exchange ideas, and strengthen relationships across the ecosystem.
This reception celebrates the people and relationships that continue to shape Canada’s innovation ecosystem, while advancing a culture where success and community go hand in hand.
RSVP required. Space is limited.
RSVP here: https://luma.com/ftobwhl6
Schedule Coming Soon
360 mins
Meridian Hall
Registration & Badge Pickup
Badges can be picked up at Meridian Hall between 8:00am – 2:00pm. We encourage you to arrive early to pick up your badge to avoid lines.
60 mins
Meridian Hall — Upper Mezzanine
Kokedama: A Living Art Workshop
Discover the art of Kokedama, a traditional Japanese style of planting where moss is used to cradle and display beautiful greenery. Each participant will create their own Kokedama plant to take home and care for.
Please note: Each workshop is limited to 10 people. Sign up in the app is required.
50 mins
Meridian Hall — Lower Lobby - Castlepoint Numa Lounge
Crash Course: Marketing for Founders
This session has a maximum of 100 attendees – first come, first served. Line queue opens 45 minutes before the session.
This Crash Course is designed for: Early stage startup founders and operators
Most early founders don’t have a marketing problem. They have a focus problem. In this hands-on session, build the four pieces of a marketing system that works when you’re early and stretched thin: the customer to win first, a message a stranger understands, the one or two channels worth your time, and a small experiment to run next week. Bring a real business and a pen. You’ll leave with a plan you can start Monday.
What to bring: Pen and paper or device to take notes, current business plan
5 mins
St. Lawrence Centre — Bluma Appel Theatre
Shop Talk Stage Kickoff
Join developers, product leaders, AI experts, and designers for a behind-the-scenes look at building what’s next. Shop Talk dives into the real challenges and opportunities shaping today’s digital products and services.
360 mins
St. Lawrence Centre — Bluma Appel Lobby
Networking Meetings
We’ve launched a new networking program for attendees! Make the most of your time at Festival with AI-powered matchmaking in the official event app. Book meetings with the right connections and meet 1-on-1 with new people in our Networking Lounge.
Please note: Meetings must be pre-booked to access the Networking Lounge.
45 mins
Meridian Hall — Lower Lobby - Registration Required
Roundtables Block 6
Roundtables are exclusive to Startup Pass holders who pre-book their seats on the Elevate Booking Platform. If you are a Startup Pass holder, you will receive a link to access the Booking platform by email.
Roundtable 1: Building AI-Native Teams Without Losing Product Judgment
Host: Teija Bean
Roundtable 2: Refining Resources for Maximum Scalability
Host: Stuart Browne
Roundtable 3: The Angel Advantage: How to Find and Win the Right Investors
Host: Ferhan Bulca & Angelo Pierro
Roundtable 4: Raise With Confidence: A Women Founders’ Guide to Your First Seed Round
Hosts: Mona Minhas
20 mins
St. Lawrence Centre — Bluma Appel Theatre
Navigating the Leap to Senior Design and Product Leadership
Open unexpected doors with a seasoned founder and CPO, who will share practical insights on what it takes to lead in the world of product design, development, and management. From practical thinking, to identifying and owning new opportunities, get inspired to take your career to the next level.
15 mins
St. Lawrence Centre — Bluma Appel Theatre
Build It to Prove It: Go From Opinions to Evidence with Agentic Coding
AI isn’t just changing how we build products, it’s changing how we decide which products are worth building. When realistic prototypes can be created by anyone in a matter of hours, the smartest teams stop debating ideas and start proving them. Drawing on lessons from Pixar to Paul Graham, this talk argues that the competitive advantage is no longer having the strongest opinion, it’s producing the strongest evidence.
5 mins
Meridian Hall — Lower Lobby
Startup Stage Kickoff
This is where we celebrate early-stage founders, investors, and industry leaders as they explore today’s vibrant startup landscape. From pitches to demos, and insightful workshops, get an exclusive look at the future in action. So take a seat, grab some headphones, and tune into bold ideas.
30 mins
Meridian Hall — Lower Lobby
Workshop: How to Make Networking Work for You
Networking shouldn’t feel like collecting business cards. Come learn how to build genuine relationships, navigate rooms with confidence, and follow up in ways people actually remember. Founders will walk away with practical tools to turn connections into fundraising, hiring, and partnership opportunities.
30 mins
Meridian Hall — Upper Mezzanine
How I Built This: Levelling the Playing Field in Sports Media with The GIST
Traditional sports media didn’t miss women because they don’t care about sports; it missed them because the system wasn’t built with them in mind. This market gap inspired The GIST co-founder Jacie deHoop, who will share how her vision became a media company reaching over 40 million fans. Expect insights into building authentic community, turning female fandom into an opportunity, and creating strategic partnerships.
5 mins
Meridian Hall — Main Stage
Main Stage Kickoff
We’re back with another day featuring the best and brightest speakers in tech and innovation.
20 mins
Meridian Hall — Main Stage
Building Canada’s Digital Economy: Stablecoins and The Future of Onchain Finance
As more of Canada’s financial system moves onchain, digital and tokenized assets are reshaping how Canadians and businesses move and manage money, from faster payments to more efficient cross-border transactions. Join Eric Richmond and Claire Brownell for a conversation about the state of digital assets in Canada and the transformation underway in its financial system.
10 mins
St. Lawrence Centre — Bluma Appel Theatre
Ship your 2027 Roadmap in Q1
Most large institutions run on systems no one fully understands. Outdated docs, departed staff, and stalled AI initiatives because of legacy code nobody dares touch. Writing code was never the constraint. Understanding what exists is. See what changes when a single knowledge graph holds an entire application ecosystem, hundreds of millions of lines of code, at once. Plan modernization against live architecture, and deliver multi-year product roadmaps in months.
50 mins
Meridian Hall — Lower Lobby - Castlepoint Numa Lounge
Crash Course: What AI is Saying About Your Business
This session has a maximum of 100 attendees – first come, first served. Line queue opens 45 minutes before the session.
This Crash Course is designed for: Startup founders and marketing leads
For founders and marketing leads who’ve never checked what AI says about their business. When your buyer asks ChatGPT which company to pick, who does it name? What does it cite? Come write three prompts a real buyer uses at the decision point, run them live, and see what comes back. We’ll diagnose why those sources won, and build a fix list for your site. Bring a phone or laptop and a URL you own.
What to bring: Device of choice and a URL you own.
25 mins
St. Lawrence Centre — Bluma Appel Theatre
Embodied Intelligence: Building and Designing Physical AI
Physical AI is quickly reshaping traditional industries with autonomous machines that perceive, reason, and learn from real-world interactions to perform complex tasks. Unpack what it really takes to build and design physical AI for mobility and organizational productivity in a human-centred world.
10 mins
Meridian Hall — Main Stage
Staying In Control When Agents Check Out: Trust, Transparency and The Future of Buying
As AI agents begin discovering products, making decisions and completing transactions on behalf of consumers, the rules of commerce are changing. During this session, Moneris will examine the rise of agentic commerce, what it means for customer relationships and why trust, transparency and control will become the defining advantages in an AI-driven marketplace.
45 mins
Meridian Hall — Lower Lobby - Registration Required
Roundtables Block 7
Roundtables are exclusive to Startup Pass holders who pre-book their seats on the Elevate Booking Platform. If you are a Startup Pass holder, you will receive a link to access the Booking platform by email.
Roundtable 1: Making Your Start-up Investment-Ready in the Age of AI
Host: Pedro Serrador & Angelo Delduca
Roundtable 2: Building Canada’s Next Global Champions: A Conversation with Black Founders
Host: Alice Luo & Jason Baibokas
20 mins
Meridian Hall — Main Stage
Building the AI Consortium: Inside a New Model for Enterprise AI Collaboration
What does it take to bring Canada’s largest and most regulated institutions together to build the infrastructure for AI at scale? In this conversation, founding members of the AI Consortium will take attendees inside its creation, exploring the genesis of the AI Consortium, what has and will be built, and the future of services and IP in the AI era.
Founded by Lightworks, Scotiabank, Sun Life and TELUS, the AI Consortium unites the world’s largest and most regulated institutions to advance the adoption of AI at scale, building shared, mission-critical AI systems, beginning with the Agentic Control Plane and AI Token Exchange.
30 mins
Meridian Hall — Upper Mezzanine
Conviction Before Proof: Making the Call Before the Playbook Exists
Challenge the prevailing wisdom of the tech industry by learning to make consequential decisions before the proof is there. This workshop takes you through building around the belief that the technology we create today shapes how the next generation thinks tomorrow. Learn how to make big decisions with conviction when there’s no playbook, no consensus, and not enough evidence.
15 mins
St. Lawrence Centre — Bluma Appel Theatre
Your Next Customer Isn’t Human: Enter the Agentic Web
What does AI say about you? On the agentic web, the answer determines whether a customer finds you, trusts you and buys from you. In this live build, we will ingest enterprise context, verify it, and carry that proof from discovery into an agentic transaction. With trillions at stake across search, ads and commerce, this session reveals how brands and institutions can become the trusted AI answer.
30 mins
Meridian Hall — Lower Lobby
Rocket Pitches: University of Toronto
Get a glimpse at the early-stage startups that will be making headlines and raising funding in the months and years ahead. This showcase will feature some of the most promising ventures from across the University of Toronto in areas including bioprinting, AI powered translation solutions, superconductors, organic waste processing, and data intelligence. Get to know these companies before your competitors do!
20 mins
St. Lawrence Centre — Bluma Appel Theatre
Architecting for the Agentic Future
In the near future, most tasks will be completed by agents. What does that mean for large enterprises in practice, and how will this unlock the next era of banking? Join us as we walk through how TD is building the data, technology, and governance foundations required to safely scale AI agents across the enterprise, enabling new levels of productivity, innovation, and customer value.
20 mins
Meridian Hall — Main Stage
You Are Here: MapQuest’s Unexpected Comeback
50 mins
Meridian Hall — Lower Lobby - Castlepoint Numa Lounge
Crash Course: AI That Gets Things Done — Build, Deploy & Scale a Voice Agent
This session has a maximum of 100 attendees – first come, first served. Line queue opens 45 minutes before the session.
This Crash Course is designed for: AI, technology, product and customer experience leaders looking to move AI agents from experimentation into production.
From first hello to production, what goes into a voice agent your business can actually deploy? In this crash course, you’ll see a multilingual AI agent built and launched in real time as it connects to trusted knowledge and business tools. Take part in a live, unscripted call as the agent completes real actions for efficient workflow integrations, while opening up the hood on the enterprise controls behind it.
What to bring: Pen and paper or device to take notes
15 mins
St. Lawrence Centre — Bluma Appel Theatre
Broadening Possibilities and Perspectives Through Inclusive Design
In a time when revolution becomes synonymous with automation, what does design innovation look like? This keynote will reveal everyday things in new ways to demonstrate how humans can make better design decisions. Discover how inclusive design can help you find the next great thing by surfacing innovation in what already exists.
15 mins
Meridian Hall — Main Stage
From Vision to Venture: Building Indigenous Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Toronto
The opening of the Indigenous Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship marks a new chapter for Indigenous-led entrepreneurship in Toronto. This panel explores how the Centre can foster innovation, build community, connect talent and capital — advancing Indigenous economic prosperity, while creating a model for meaningful, Indigenous-led participation in the broader innovation ecosystem.
30 mins
Meridian Hall — Upper Mezzanine
How I Built This: Modernizing the Prenup with Jointly
Many Canadians lack access to legal services that are affordable, reliable, and collaborative. Enter Jointly: a next-gen platform that provides family law tools for couples to avoid the trauma and expense of contentious separation. Discover what it takes to shake up a notoriously slow-to-change industry while navigating the high stakes of providing a service centred on trust, personal relationships, and legal compliance.
25 mins
St. Lawrence Centre — Bluma Appel Theatre
AI Behind the Scenes: Next Gen Customer Experience
When it comes to the customer journey, AI is quietly transforming the way organizations make decisions and reduce friction. This panel unpacks next-gen AI use cases from experts who are meaningfully improving customer experience behind the scenes while keeping human judgement where it matters.
45 mins
Meridian Hall — Meeting Exchange Lounge - Registration Required
Roundtables Block 8
Roundtables are exclusive to Startup Pass holders who pre-book their seats on the Elevate Booking Platform. If you are a Startup Pass holder, you will receive a link to access the Booking platform by email.
Roundtable 1: Raising Smart Capital: Storytelling, Strategy, and Investor Fit
Host: Tamer Hegazy
Roundtable 2: Your Pitch Deck Is Your GTM Story: Aligning Vision, Traction & Growth
Host: Tom Lowden
Roundtable 3: Targeting the Right Early-Stage Investors in Today’s Fundraising Landscape
Host: Zeeshan Ali
60 mins
Meridian Hall — Upper Mezzanine
Kokedama: A Living Art Workshop
Discover the art of Kokedama, a traditional Japanese style of planting where moss is used to cradle and display beautiful greenery. Each participant will create their own Kokedama plant to take home and care for.
Please note: Each workshop is limited to 10 people. Sign up in the app is required.
30 mins
Meridian Hall — Lower Lobby
Workshop: Co-Founding for Success
Choosing the right people to build with can make or break any company. This candid conversation will reveal lessons from the co-founder journey: when alignment is strong, and when it falls off. Whether you’re looking for your next partner, or thinking about co-founding with friends and colleagues, learn how to evaluate fit and structure deals to protect the longevity of the business and relationship.
15 mins
Meridian Hall — Main Stage
From Skeptic to Builder: How Foundation Models Changed My Perspective on AI in Biology
Albi shares how his perspective on AI in biology has transformed over the past decade, from skepticism to building foundation models that accelerate RNA drug discovery. Initially doubtful that machine learning could capture the complexities of experimental biology, his view shifted as advances in modeling began solving problems once thought impossible. He will explore how this evolution reflects industry shifts from narrow AI tools to scalable platforms and the impact on drug discovery.
50 mins
Meridian Hall — Lower Lobby - Castlepoint Numa Lounge
Crash Course: The AI Knowledge Stack for Building Your Second Brain
This session has a maximum of 100 attendees – first come, first served. Line queue opens 45 minutes before the session.
This Crash Course is designed for: Startup founders and operators
AI slop is a context problem, not a model problem. When tools don’t know you, your clients, or your interests, you get generic responses. The fix? Come build a “second brain” with Claude Code that keeps your agents and AI tools up to date using outcome-oriented architecture. Create a structured repository you control with no engineering background required.
What to bring: Device of choice with Obsidian installed, an active Claude subscription (the $20 plan is sufficient), and a GitHub account set up before the session.
20 mins
Meridian Hall — Main Stage
AI, Money & the New Market Order
AI isn’t just transforming how companies operate; it’s changing where capital goes and how investors define opportunity. This conversation goes behind the data to explore how AI is reshaping global markets, shifting investor appetite, and changing how companies, sectors, and long-term growth potential are evaluated.
5 mins
St. Lawrence Centre — Bluma Appel Theatre
Fast Forward Stage Kickoff
Dive deep into the conversations driving the trends of tomorrow. Hosted by Brigitte Truong, the Fast Forward stage brings together innovators shaping the way we will work, create, play and learn in the societies of tomorrow.
45 mins
Meridian Hall — Lower Lobby - Registration Required
Roundtables Block 9
Roundtables are exclusive to Startup Pass holders who pre-book their seats on the Elevate Booking Platform. If you are a Startup Pass holder, you will receive a link to access the Booking platform by email.
Roundtable 1: Leveraging AI For Product-Led Growth
Host: Monique Moran
Roundtable 2: Pre-Seed Fundraising
Host: Shambhavi Mishra
Roundtable 3: From First Hires to Series B: Building Engineering for Scale
Host: Riley King
Roundtable 3: Capital Formation for Founders: Funding Your Next Stage of Growth
Host: Alida Kanani
30 mins
Meridian Hall — Upper Mezzanine
Women+ In Tech Networking: Ask, Offer, Connect
Meet like-minded women+ in tech through a guided networking session, hosted by Ashley Wright. Be prepared to ask for what you need, offer in return, and connect with your future support systems.
20 mins
St. Lawrence Centre — Bluma Appel Theatre
Cultivating Online Creator Communities, IRL
Building digital spaces where creators can connect with audiences, while feeling safe and empowered to be themselves, comes with high stakes. In this fireside chat, Wattpad’s Head of Creators and Community joins an eight-time published author to discuss the technology and policies that foster trust and belonging in community driven platforms.
5 mins
Meridian Hall — Main Stage
Scale Up Stage Kickoff
Welcome to the Scale Up Stage, where ambition meets the realities of building companies that last. Explore the evolving venture landscape, navigate fundraising in a more selective market, and hear from founders who have scaled from startup to global success. From operational excellence to Canadian tech sovereignty and the journey to the public markets, discover what it takes to build, scale, and compete on a global stage.
25 mins
Meridian Hall — Main Stage
Built to Last: Canada’s Sovereign Tech Future
What does it take for Canada to build and own the technologies that will shape its future? This conversation brings together leaders from defence technology, advanced R&D, and enterprise AI to explore how Canadian companies can turn homegrown innovation into globally competitive capabilities. From strengthening national security to building critical digital infrastructure, the discussion will unpack what Canada needs to develop, scale, and retain the technologies essential to its economic and technological sovereignty.
30 mins
Meridian Hall — Lower Lobby
Rocket Pitches: QueerTech
Since 2016, QueerTech has empowered a community of 10,000+ 2SLGBTQIA+ leaders and founders to break into tech, advance their careers, and launch innovative businesses. This showcase will feature some of the brightest venture talent from across the QueerTech community, in areas including FemTech, MedTech, and AI Automation. See the future of a more equitable tech industry unfold before you.
15 mins
St. Lawrence Centre — Bluma Appel Theatre
Can Democracy Keep Up? Elections in the Digital Era
Our world is changing faster than institutions can adapt, and people expect more transparency, responsiveness, and trust. Can democracy keep up? How does one of our most important institutions, our elections systems, adapt, when many institutions struggle to respond? This keynote begins with democracy but ultimately reveals a much bigger question – one that challenges how every leader thinks about change, trust, and the future.
20 mins
Meridian Hall — Main Stage
The Road to Nasdaq: Building a Quantum Giant
From a bold scientific vision to a public company, Xanadu’s journey to the Nasdaq is a story of conviction, innovation, and building for the long term. In this fireside chat, we will unpack the company’s path from startup to public markets, the pivotal decisions along the way, and what it takes to build a globally competitive deep-tech company from Canada.
20 mins
St. Lawrence Centre — Bluma Appel Theatre
Threads of Change: Reimagining Fashion for a Sustainable Future
The future of fashion isn’t fast; it’s sustainable and ethical. Hear from experts reimagining textile waste and material circularity through advanced recycling and resale pilots, and tech-enabled solutions that help Canada’s favorite apparel and retail brands unlock potential.
50 mins
Meridian Hall — Lower Lobby - Castlepoint Numa Lounge
Crash Course: Becoming Fundable Before You Fundraise
This session has a maximum of 100 attendees – first come, first served. Line queue opens 45 minutes before the session.
This Crash Course is designed for: Startup founders and those interested in learning more about investing
Understand what investors really evaluate before deciding whether to engage with a startup. Break down the key signals that shape investment readiness, from market opportunity and traction to business model, team, financial preparedness, and the funding ask. Founders will leave with a clearer understanding of where they stand today, the gaps they should address before fundraising, and the key elements they need to prepare for an investor-ready raise.
What to bring: Pen and paper or device to take notes
30 mins
Meridian Hall — Upper Mezzanine
Buying v. Building: The Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition Playbook
Entrepreneurship through acquisition is an appealing alternative for those thinking about ownership and succession with the chance to drive pre-existing businesses into new levels of success. This workshop provides practical insights into ETA for those interested in expanding their entrepreneurial journey, and those looking to thoughtfully transition their life’s work.
5 mins
Meridian Hall — Main Stage
From Pitch to 50K
Who has what it takes to turn an elevator pitch into $50,000? Join us as we reveal the winner of the Elevator Pitch Competition.
To participate, founders can visit the Tangerine Business booth on September 22 and 23 to share what $50,000 could unlock for their business.
20 mins
St. Lawrence Centre — Bluma Appel Theatre
Designing Digital Childhoods through the Safe Social Media Act
Globally, leaders are building frameworks to protect youth in the digital world, and Canada is no exception. While social media and AI are critical for the way we communicate, access information, and participate in cultural life, they also expose youth to growing risks. This fireside chat features voices from different generations to examine who gets to design a digital childhood, and how safety can be thoughtfully integrated into tech for the next-generation.
25 mins
Meridian Hall — Main Stage
Money Talks: Decrypting Fundraising in 2027
The fundraising landscape has changed, and founders need to know what investors are really looking for. This conversation will unpack the state of venture funding, from shifting investor expectations and tougher deal dynamics to valuation, deal structures, and what it takes to stand out in a competitive market. Get the inside perspective on how investors are deploying capital and how founders can position themselves to raise smarter.
45 mins
Meridian Hall — Lower Lobby - Registration Required
Roundtables Block 10
Roundtables are exclusive to Startup Pass holders who pre-book their seats on the Elevate Booking Platform. If you are a Startup Pass holder, you will receive a link to access the Booking platform by email.
Roundtable 1: Evolving from Operator to Leader: Stepping Away from the Day-to-Day
Host: Yoseph West
Roundtable 2: The 5x Playbook: Lessons from Building High-Growth Companies
Host: Rachel Zimmer
Roundtable 3: Positioning Your Deep Tech Startup for Investment
Hosts: Dejana Dua
Roundtable 4: AI Without the Hype: Practical Wins for Early-Stage Startups
Host: Patrick Farrar
35 mins
Meridian Hall — Lower Lobby
Rocket Pitches: Brampton Innovation District
The City of Brampton is quickly becoming one of Canada’s fastest-growing innovation ecosystems for bold ideas to scale, and growth that matters. This showcase features talented founders from across the Brampton innovation District reimagining AI, cybersecurity, healthtech, fintech, mobility and travel technology.
10 mins
St. Lawrence Centre — Bluma Appel Theatre
The Human Edge: Where Talent Fits in the Workplace of the Future
Work in the AI era is rapidly changing. For early- and mid-career professionals, this means pairing technical fluency with distinctly human skills that help teams turn technology into real impact. This talk unpacks how future-ready organizations are investing equally in technology and the people who build and use it. Learn how curiosity, adaptability, and workplace opportunities will define careers of the future.
10 mins
Meridian Hall — Main Stage
The State of Canadian VC
Canadian venture capital is at an inflection point. With deal activity becoming more selective, capital concentrating in fewer companies, and the path from early-stage funding to growth and exits under pressure, what does the next chapter of Canadian VC look like? Join us as we unpack the last 60 years of VC activity and what it means for the future.
10 mins
St. Lawrence Centre — Bluma Appel Theatre
Are We Ready for the Driverless City?
Autonomous vehicles are moving from science fiction to city streets. They have the potential to make roads safer, expand access to transportation, and change how people move around cities. But their arrival also raises difficult questions about community readiness, labour, and the role of government. Explore the opportunities, trade-offs, and unanswered questions surrounding the arrival of AVs, and what it will take to get the transition right.
30 mins
Meridian Hall — Upper Mezzanine
How I Built This: A Gen-Z First Wellness Brand with Puppy Sphere
What started as an unconventional idea – bringing puppies and wellness together – has grown into a North American wellness brand with 13 studios, 450,000+ guests, and 200,000+ loyalty members. Discover how Puppy Sphere navigated the unexpected lessons behind building and scaling a unique wellness concept. From fundraising and partnerships to viral marketing and rapid growth, learn what it really takes to build a Gen-Z first brand.
20 mins
Meridian Hall — Main Stage
When AI Becomes the Customer
What happens when AI stops helping us shop and starts shopping for us? Agentic commerce is poised to reshape how customers discover, evaluate, and purchase products. Join us as we explore what this shift means for Canadian businesses, from earning trust and maintaining customer relationships to preparing payments and infrastructure for a world where the buyer may no longer be human.
25 mins
St. Lawrence Centre — Bluma Appel Theatre
Sovereign Signals: Canada’s Future in Positioning, Navigation, and Timing
From the GPS on your phone to the timestamp on your bank transfer, Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) systems provide critical infrastructure for nearly all facets of everyday life. Yet Canada relies on technologies owned and operated by foreign entities. Hear from thought leaders working on Canadian PNT solutions, and how Canada can use them to secure its place as a resilient nation.
20 mins
Meridian Hall — Main Stage
Scaling Without Breaking: Building Operations to Last
Scaling a company is about more than growing revenue and headcount; it’s about building the systems, processes, and teams that can keep pace. In this conversation, we will unpack the operational challenges that emerge as startups scale, from evolving internal processes to maintaining culture and making smarter decisions at speed. .
60 mins
Meridian Hall — Upper Mezzanine
Kokedama: A Living Art Workshop
Discover the art of Kokedama, a traditional Japanese style of planting where moss is used to cradle and display beautiful greenery. Each participant will create their own Kokedama plant to take home and care for.
Please note: Each workshop is limited to 10 people. Sign up in the app is required.
25 mins
St. Lawrence Centre — Bluma Appel Theatre
Streaming, Social, and Superfans: The Future of Sports Entertainment
A new era of sports fandom is on the horizon, building new pathways of engagement. Learn how sports media is reaching fans where they are by curating experiences, catering to new communities, and showing up through cultural crossovers. From streaming to social media to major league marketing campaigns, discover how fans of the future will support their favorite athletes.
60 mins
Meridian Hall — Trailblazer Lounge
Trailblazer Happy Hour — Hosted by Blitzy
Hosted by Blitzy
Wind down the day with drinks, light bites and great company at the Trailblazer Happy Hour.
Please note: This event is only open to Trailblazers, Investors and Speakers.
-960 mins
Various — Downtown Toronto
Nrth Festival After Party
The meetings are over. The pitches are finished. Now it’s time to enjoy the final night of Nrth!
Join Nrth and Horizon Angels at Dolly’s Toronto for an evening of music, drinks, and good company – just steps away from the festival.
No panels. No presentations. Just a chance to unwind, reconnect with the people you met throughout the week, and end Elevate on a high note.
IMPORTANT: Guests must be pre-registered here. Tickets will not be available at the door.
Register here: https://luma.com/220qsngc