Start Something Summit | June 5, 2026
Watch the Hunter Hub's top teams take the stage at Platform Calgary and compete live for $40,000 in prizes.
What is Start Something Summit?
Start Something Summit brings together the brightest ventures from Business Playbook, Launchpad, Evolve to Innovate (e2i), and Map the System. It’s where ideas move beyond the UCalgary campus and into the spotlight.
Part live competition, part innovation showcase, part community gathering — this is where Calgary’s next wave of changemakers step forward. Experience the energy of the Hunter Hub live and watch as the top two innovators from each program go head-to-head for a share of $40,000 in prizes
June 5 | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Platform Calgary
One stage. Four programs. Eight teams. $40,000 in prizes.
Live pitches
Watch the top teams from each program present their work and compete head-to-head on stage.
Awards ceremony
Celebrate excellence as we present the Hunter Hub Resiliency Award and the Legacy in Action Innovation Prize, and see who takes home the $10,000 prize for each program.
Networking mixer
Connect with Calgary’s innovation ecosystem, including mentors, investors, founders, leaders, entrepreneurs and more.
Innovation showcase
Explore established startups emerging from the UCalgary and Hunter Hub ecosystem.
Meet the top 8 teams competing. Learn more
Who should attend?
UCalgary students, staff, and alumni: Support the next generation of innovators and see how ideas evolve into real ventures.
Post-secondary partners and the entrepreneurial community: Connect across institutions and explore opportunities for collaboration.
Investors and industry leaders: Get early access to high-potential ventures and emerging talent.
Aspiring entrepreneurs and curious minds: Experience what it looks like to take an idea and build something real.
An afternoon built around energy and connection
Enjoy live head-to-head pitches for each program, meet the next germination of changemakers that are turning ideas into action, and celebrate the innovation community with an awards ceremony.
June 5, 2026
12:00 PM
Doors open, registration, networking, and refreshments.
June 5, 2026
12:30 PM
Programming begins on the KPMG Stage
June 5, 2026
12:50 PM – 2:35 PM
Live pitches from Business Playbook, Launchpad, e2i, and Map the System
Short intermission midway
June 5, 2026
2:50 PM
Award Ceremony
June 5, 2026
3:15 PM – 4:00 PM
Cocktails and celebrations in the West Hall.
The Legacy in Action Innovation Prize will be presented during the awards ceremony. Learn more
Built with support from the ecosystem
Thank you to our Official Venue Sponsor, Platform Calgary. A space for Calgary's innovation community to come together, connect, and support emerging ideas.
Meet the teams competing
Meet the top 8 teams competing at this year’s Start Something Summit.
Stay in the loop
Follow along on Instagram and LinkedIn to see more about our finalists, behind-the-scenes content, and live moments.
Register for Start Something Summit
Don’t just hear about it after. Be in the room where it happens. Join Calgary’s innovation community on June 5th and discover what’s next.
Get in touch
Have more questions?
Email us directly at hunterhub@ucalgary.ca and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.
Don't miss out, register today.
Watch the top teams from across UCalgary compete live for $40,000 in prizes.
FAQ
Yes. Registration is required to secure your spot. Space is limited.
The event is open to the UCalgary community, Calgary’s innovation ecosystem, and anyone interested in entrepreneurship, research, and new ideas.
No, this event is free to attend.
Start Something Summit will be held at Platform Calgary.
A mix of live pitches, an award ceremony, an innovation showcase, and a networking mixer. You’ll hear from top teams across Hunter Hub programs and connect with others in the ecosystem.
You’re welcome to attend the full program or drop in for specific portions. We recommend staying for the award ceremony and networking mixer.
Yes. The event is designed to encourage connection, especially during the networking mixer and throughout the showcase.
At this time, the event will be in-person only. Highlights may be shared afterward on our channels.
Follow the Hunter Hub on Instagram and LinkedIn for finalist announcements, behind-the-scenes content, and event updates. And subscribe to our newsletter to stay in the loop.
Platform Calgary offers parking in Lot 62 (Platform Innovation Centre Parkade) 399 9 Avenue S.E.
There are also various parking and public transit options near by. Please plan ahead.