Innovation Pitch Competition
Spotlighting bold ideas from the next generation of leaders.
About the
Competition
The Infoway Innovation Pitch Competition is designed to identify and showcase emerging healthcare innovations that have the potential to improve patient and provider experiences, strengthen health system performance, and support a more connected, interoperable health system.
Open to graduate students and recent alumni (within one year of graduation), the competition provides a unique opportunity to present bold, early-stage healthcare ideas to senior leaders from across government, health organizations, and industry.
Selected participants will have the opportunity to pitch their ideas live as part of the 2026 Infoway Partnership Conference.
Eligibility
Criteria
You should apply if you are:
- A graduate or PhD student, or recent alumni (within one year of graduation) from a recognized Canadian post-secondary institution
- Working on a concept, prototype, pilot-ready solution, or research-informed innovation that has not yet entered the market or generated revenue
- Interested in learning about and scaling innovation within the Canadian health system
Submissions must align with priority areas outlined in the Shared Pan-Canadian Interoperability Roadmap and focus on advancing one or more of the following domains:
- Health Data Portability and Access
- Digital Health Interoperability
- Artificial Intelligence for Improved Care Outcomes
- Reduction of Clinical Burden
- Improved Patient Access and Health Equity
- Standards, Trust, and Data Governance
Applications must be submitted individually. Applicants must be enrolled in, or have graduated from, a recognized Canadian graduate-level program within the last year at the time of submission.
Event Participation
The Innovation Pitch Competition will take place on Nov. 16, 2026, as part of the 2026 Infoway Partnership Conference at the JW Marriott Parq Vancouver.
In addition to pitching, all selected applicants will be invited to attend the full Partnership Conference on Nov. 17–18. To support participation, travel and accommodations will be fully covered for selected participants.
Finalists will gain rare access to Canada's senior digital health community while competing for significant prize money and national recognition. This is an opportunity to pressure-test your idea, build your network, and put your work in front of the people shaping the future of Canadian healthcare.
Pitch Format
Each selected participant will be allotted up to five minutes to deliver their pitch and up to five minutes of feedback and Q&A with the panel of judges.
Participants will present live on stage in front of conference attendees and a judging panel composed of senior leaders and industry experts from across the health ecosystem.
To support a professional and seamless presentation experience, each participant will have access to a projector and screen, a presentation clicker and a microphone. Additional logistical and presentation guidance will be shared with participants in advance of the event.
How to Apply
Applicants are asked to submit a written summary (500-750 words max) outlining the idea, the problem being addressed, the proposed solution, target users and expected impact and current stage of development.
Four applicants will be notified and invited to participate in the live pitch session. Applications must be submitted through the pitch competition form by Sept. 24, 2026.
Please contact us if you have any questions or require more information about the competition.