INTRODUCTION

breakthru is New Brunswick’s premier startup competition — where bold ideas turn into real companies. Hosted by the New Brunswick Innovation Foundation (NBIF), breakthru connects entrepreneurs with the capital, mentorship, and exposure needed to launch and scale game-changing ventures right here at home.

breakthru isn’t just a competition — it’s where ideas and entrepreneurs break down the barriers to become real ventures. Participants get hands-on support and mentorship every step of the way: from developing a winning business plan to perfecting your pitch. Learn directly from experts, gain the tools and guidance to refine your venture, and get investment-ready before you even step on stage.

This province-wide challenge offers more than $200,000 in equity investment and in-kind support to help founders take their ideas to market. breakthru brings together business, academia, and government to spark entrepreneurship and grow the next generation of New Brunswick innovators.

Ready to launch your venture? Review the competition guidelines and submit your application through the NBIF Application Portal: [insert link]

Applications are due by Friday, November 28^th, 2025.

ARE YOU READY TO breakthru? 

We encourage New Brunswickers with innovative business ideas and a passion for entrepreneurship to take advantage of this opportunity to pitch their startup ideas and take their ventures to the next level. You don’t have to have a perfect plan to apply — the breakthru process is designed to help you hone your concept, build your skills, and get pitch-ready. This is your chance to gain the support, guidance, and momentum you need to breakthru with confidence.

breakthru can turn your idea and startup dream into reality with: 

• INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES | Chance to secure equity investment from NBIF.
• IN-KIND SUPPORT | Chance to gain access to tailored entrepreneur and startup resources to take your startup to the next level.  
• MENTORSHIP | Receive guidance from experienced industry leaders and investor to 
• LEARNING | Build practical knowledge and skills to strengthen your business plan, pitch, and overall venture strategy.
• NETWORKING | Connect with investors, experts, and fellow innovators and founders, expanding your network and opening doors for future collaboration.

CRITERIA

breakthru is open to entrepreneurial New Brunswickers who are committed to launching and operating a new and innovative business venture in the province. From ideation to newly created – we’ll take individuals or companies who are at the earliest stages of launching their venture.

PARTICIPANT CRITERIA

breakthru is open to individuals or teams ready to launch a bold, new business in New Brunswick. Each participant can only participate in one application and must meet the following:

• Be 19 years of age or older as of Friday, November 28^th, 2025;
• Be a resident of New Brunswick, or part of a team where at least one active member is a resident who will hold a minimum 51% ownership of the proposed venture;
• Be legally eligible to start and operate a business in New Brunswick; and
• Be ready and committed to developing and growing your new company right here in New Brunswick.

VENTURE STAGE CRITERIA

To qualify, proposed business ventures must:

• Be in the early or pre-seed stage of development — meaning the business is still in concept, prototype, or market validation phase and has not yet raised significant external capital or achieved meaningful commercial revenue;
• Have no significant operating history;
• Plan to establish and maintain headquarters and operations in New Brunswick;
• Be focused on creating an innovative product or service; and
• Be prepared to protect your intellectual property, where applicable.

GENERAL BUSINESS CRITERIA

To be eligible, your application should show that your business idea has:

• A strong business case — your idea makes sense and can work.
• Real market demand — customers want what you’re offering, and there’s room to grow.
• Financial and commercial potential — your plan can make money and be sustainable.
• A clear innovative edge — something new, better, or different from what’s out there.
• A competitive advantage — why your business can stand out and stay ahead.
• A capable team — people with the right experience to make it happen.
• Economic impact for New Brunswick — your business can create value, jobs, or growth in the province.

COMPETITION PROCESS & KEY DATES
The competition replicates the process that an entrepreneur would undertake to solicit funds from outside investors. NBIF judges (TBD) will act as the investors, choosing up to 3 business venture for investment from a group of 5 finalists. In determining the recipient of the equity investment, the judges will evaluate the entire submission and assess the overall merits of the business model, the quality of the idea, the pitch, the Q&A, and the capacity of management to execute on the business goals. Ultimately, the investment recipient(s) will be the participant(s) who is best able to convey the merits of their business venture and their ability to execute on their plan to the judges.

To become a finalist who will pitch at breakthru LIVE Finale on March 19th, 2026, applicants will need to:

1. Submit an application with all the required information by Friday, November 28th, 2025, at 11:59PM. 
2. Participate in the NBIF breakthru Bootcamp on Saturday, December 6th, 2025, in Fredericton, NB. 
3. Submit their business plan to NBIF before Monday, January 12th, 2026.
4. Be selected as a semi-finalist and participate in the NBIF Semi-Finalist Investment Readiness Bootcamp on Friday, February 6th, 2026.
5. Submit your investor deck to NBIF by Monday, February 23rd, 2026.
6. Be selected as a finalist to pitch to a panel of investors on Thursday, March 12th, 2026.
7. Pitch live on stage at the breakthru Live Finale on Thursday, March 19th, 2026, in Fredericton, NB.

APPLICATION
Applications must be received by NBIF no later than Friday, November 28th, 2025, at 11:59PM, using the online form located on the NBIF Application Portal. Paper or email submissions will not be accepted.

Detailed guidelines listed in the Participant Guidelines

For any inquiries or assistance regarding the application process, please contact Hilary Lenihan, Director of Strategic Engagement, at hilary.lenihan@nbif.ca

We look forward to receiving your applications and supporting the creation and growth of startups in New Brunswick!