General eligibility

The BMO Apex Startup Challenge is for new, independent ventures in the seed, start-up, or early growth stages run by students.

• Applicants can register as an individual or in a team consisting of up to four members.
• Team members may be enrolled in any degree program.
• Teams may be comprised of students from different post-secondary institutions anywhere in Canada.
• All team members must be residents of Canada or the United States. Awards can only be provided to team members who hold a bank account at a Canadian or U.S. financial institution. All awards are paid in Canadian Dollars and are subject to relevant taxes.
• Teams are required to compete in the Track dictated by the highest educational level in the group.
  • For example, if a team consists of two undergraduate members and one graduate member, the team is required to compete in the Graduate Track
• Team members must have personally conducted the business plan analysis and prepared the presentation, pitch, and any other deliverables.
• Companies do not have to be incorporated.
• At least one member must attend Apex in person for the entirety of the event.

Selection

This is a competitive event. A panel will review all applications and select the top participants to present in the BMO Apex Startup Challenge.

Executive summary

A one-page (maximum) executive summary. Examples to use as a guide: Syracuse University, Rice University.

Financials

Financial projections for a three-year period in any format that best demonstrates your venture’s financial potential. One-page maximum.

Investment presentation slides

PowerPoint or Keynote slide deck, 10-15 slides. A good guide for your investment presentation is the Kawasaki pitch deck or Sequoia pitch deck.

Timing of deliverables

When your team applies, you will submit your executive summary, financials, and investment presentation slides. If you are accepted to compete, you may submit an updated executive summary and financials up to Jan. 15, 2027.

You will bring your final investment presentation with you to Apex, which may be updated before and at any time during the event. Your elevator pitch does not need to be submitted at any time.

Location

The BMO Apex Startup Challenge will be held at the Wu Conference Centre at the University of New Brunswick.

Travel subsidy

In addition to group rates on a downtown Fredericton hotel, Apex provides cash travel subsidies of up to $1,000 to teams traveling from outside Fredericton. Your university may also provide their own travel subsidy. Please see the Apex Competitor's Guide (Appendix) for full details.

Schedule

Final schedule to be provided in January 2027.