Immigrant founders are shaping the future of innovation. From Shopify to Zoom to Calendly, more than half of today’s unicorn companies were built by immigrant entrepreneurs. Their grit, creativity, and global perspectives fuel groundbreaking businesses — and our local community is no exception.
Join us for the IO Immigrant Catalyst Pitch Finale on January 12, 2026, where the graduating cohort of immigrant-led tech startups will take the stage to pitch their ventures.
After completing a five-week intensive program with Invest Ottawa, our 10 incredible companies will showcase their companies to a panel of judges and compete for the honour of “best pitch” and a $10,000 non-dilutive, non-repayable grant.
This event is your chance to cheer them on, connect with the region’s innovation ecosystem, and celebrate the incredible contributions of first-generation immigrant founders.
Who Should Attend
- Family and friends of the pitching founders
- Members of the Ottawa/Gatineau innovation community
- Business leaders, partners, and investors interested in supporting immigrant entrepreneurship
- Anyone passionate about innovation, diversity, and entrepreneurship
Spots are limited — secure your ticket today!