Hult Prize 2026 Qualifiers Competition at the University of Toronto

Join the Centre for Entrepreneurship as we host the Hult Prize 2026 Qualifiers Competition at the University of Toronto on: 

February 11, 2026

Each year, Hult Prize empowers students all around the world to create innovative startups that can create real impact. Participants join an exclusive global community of student entrepreneurs, mentors, and industry experts as they work to earn a spot in the Global Finals where finalists compete for $1M in funding to bring their big ideas to life. 

Whether you’re looking to take your existing startup to the next level or are inspired to build a brand new business, we invite you to participate. 

Apply & Compete  Eligibility Info Sessions  Important Dates

Apply & Compete

Startups intending to compete in the Hult Prize 2026 Qualifiers Competition at the University of Toronto must register.

REGISTER TO COMPETE

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Sunday, January 18th, 2026 at 11:59 PM 

How to register and apply? 

After confirming your eligibility for the Hult Prize 2026 Qualifiers Competition at U of T, you can: 

1. Register to participate.  
   • You don’t need to have your full business idea or pitch ready to register. Just fill in your team’s contact details – it’s quick and simple. 
2. Check your email. 
   • After registering, you will receive an email from the Hult Prize , including access to the Hult Prize 2026 Competitors Guidebook. Note that you are only required to submit through the Hult Prize Application Portal if you are selected as the top 3 teams from the Qualifiers Competition at the University of Toronto held on February 11, 2026 
   • You will also receive the MS Form registration form from the Centre for Entrepreneurship. Note that UTORID sign-in is required to validate access within the University of Toronto. 
3. Prepare for your qualifiers submissions early. 
   • Refer to the 2026 Competitors Guidebook for further guidelines about the qualifiers stage submissions. 
4. Submit your application through the MS Form by Sunday, January 18, 2026.  
   • Make sure to upload all required documents to the MS Form: 
     • Pitch Deck 
       • The file should be in PPT or PDF. 
     • 4-minute Pitch Video 
       • Insert the YouTube Link. You can upload it as an unlisted YouTube video. 

The Centre for Entrepreneurship will follow up with all registered participants in January 2026 with information on next steps and updates about this year’s competition.

Have a question?

Learn more at an information session or email us at: entrepreneurship.artsci@utoronto.ca

Eligibility

The team is eligible to compete at the Hult Prize 2026 Qualifiers Competition at the University of Toronto if you meet the following criteria: 

Team Members' Eligibility

• All members of the team must be at least 18 years of age as of February 28, 2026, to compete. 
• All members of the team must currently be students enrolled in a degree-seeking program at any Canadian university or college. 
• The team captain must be a current full-time or part-time student at the University of Toronto (open to the tri-campus community), studying at any higher education level, including undergraduate, graduate, postgraduate, or PhD/DPhil degree program. 

Team Composition

• Teams must be between 2 and 4 members. Note that only 2 team members are allowed to compete on the day of the competition, and at least one of the team members must be the team captain or a student at the University of Toronto. 
• Further information about Team Composition can be found on the Hult Prize’s Terms and Conditions webpage.  

Team's University Representation

• Each team can only represent a single university. If you register and compete at the University of Toronto Qualifiers Competition, you will represent the University of Toronto and cannot switch university representation midway through the competition.  
• Registered teams may not register and compete at other local competitions hosted by other participating universities or the qualifier round through the Open Application.  

Start-up's Ideas

• Startups from any industry can be at any stage of the business at the moment of applying, including both early-stage ideas and fully operational startups.  
• Non-profit organizations are not allowed to enter the competition. 
• Your submissions shall be the original work of the team.  
• Your startup must align with at least one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG).  

Please refer to the Hult Prize’s Terms and Conditions for further information.  

Info Sessions

Want to compete on the global stage? Join Kate Ramirez, Regional Manager for North America, Hult Prize, to learn about the application process, competition details, and how you can advance to the Global Finals! 

Important Dates

Competition Timeline

PLEASE NOTE:

Photography, audio and video recording may occur throughout this event. Therefore, by participating in and/or attending the Hult Prize competition, you hereby authorize the University of Toronto to take your photograph, video and/or record your voice and grant the university all rights to these sounds, still or moving images in any medium for educational, promotional, marketing, advertising or other such purposes that support the mission of the university. If you do not consent to this, please speak with a university representative upon your arrival.