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Game Changer Pitch Competition
Last Update: March 3, 2026
Quebec, Canada
Pitch competition for innovative decentralised energy technology companies
Partnering and Collaboration
Grant and Funding
Expert Advice
Overview
The Game Changer Pitch Competition offers early-stage and growth-stage companies in the decentralised energy sector an opportunity to secure investment funding by presenting innovative, data-driven solutions related to grid operations, intelligent energy management, or security. The program supports eligible companies in showcasing their technologies, receiving expert coaching, and building strategic partnerships, but a specific maximum funding amount is not indicated.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Integrate new technologies
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop a new product
Eligible Funding
- No Condition
Timeline
- Open Date : August 8, 2025
- Closing date : October 17, 2025
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Utilities
- Information and cultural industries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
Location
- Quebec
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- $ 5,000,000 maximum revenue
Organisation size
- 99 employees maximum
Audience
- Startups
Activities funded
- Development of data-driven solutions for decentralised energy grid operations.
- Implementation of intelligent energy management and optimisation technologies.
- Design and deployment of security, privacy, and data platforms for modern energy systems.
- Integration of innovative platforms to enhance distributed energy resource performance.
Eligibility
- The applicant must be an incorporated company with a valid Certificate of Registration.
- The company must have 99 or fewer employees and have earned less than $5 million in revenue in the last 12 months.
- The company should be an early-stage or growth-stage business with a business plan and pitch deck, seeking seed, pre-seed, post-seed, pre-A, seed extension, series A, equity, or bridge financing.
- The project must involve a data-centric innovation focused on decentralised energy, such as intelligent energy management, data-driven grid operations, or security and data platforms.
- Finalists must be available to participate in virtual pitch coaching and in-person pitch days in Quebec City on specified dates.
Who is eligible?
- Early-stage or growth-stage companies developing decentralised energy solutions
- Companies focused on data-centric innovations for the decentralised energy industry
- Businesses in data & infrastructure for grid operations
- Firms working on intelligent energy management and optimisation
- Companies developing platforms for security, privacy, and data in energy systems
Eligible expenses
- Pitch coaching sessions provided to finalist companies.
- One free registration for the finalist company's presenter to attend the Decentralised Energy Forum.
Eligible geographic areas
- Companies that can participate in person at the event in Quebec (no geographic restrictions)
Selection criteria
- Industry Alignment: Evidence that the company impacts the decentralised energy industry and its key segments.
- Innovation: The novelty and creativity of the product or technology.
- Feasibility: Clear vision of the product or service, along with a sound business model demonstrating potential for commercial viability.
- Scalability and Market Opportunity: Demonstrated potential for sustainability, scalability, and growth.
- Investability: Ability to capture market value with a feasible plan to profitability and a defined financing roadmap.
How to apply
1
Verify eligibility requirements
- Review eligibility criteria for early-stage or growth-stage companies
- Ensure your business is incorporated with a valid registration
- Verify you have fewer than 99 employees and annual revenue under $5 million
- Confirm your solution addresses decentralised energy with a data-centric focus
2
Submit application online
- Access the online intake form at deforum.ca/pitch
- Provide all required company and project details
- Submit your business plan and pitch deck
- Apply before the deadline: October 17, 2025, 5:00 pm (MST)
3
Receive finalist notification
- Wait for notification regarding finalist selection
- Finalists will be contacted by October 24, 2025
- Prepare for upcoming pitch preparation if selected
4
Attend pitch coaching
- Participate in virtual pitch coaching sessions with industry experts from November 3 to 14, 2025
- Refine your pitch and receive feedback
5
Participate in pitch competition
- Present your innovation in-person at the Pitch Competition at Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, Quebec City, November 20-21, 2025
- Deliver a seven-minute presentation followed by a Q&A session with judges
- Await announcement of winners on November 21, 2025
Additional information
- Selected finalists will receive pitch coaching and training sessions before the competition.
- The presenter of each finalist company will receive one free registration for the entire event.
- Additional attendees from finalist companies benefit from a discounted event registration rate.
- All finalists must participate in both virtual pitch coaching and in-person pitch days.
Contacts
info@deassociation.ca
