A New Learning & Funding Opportunity for Ingenious+ Alumni

The Rideau Hall Foundation and DMZ are excited to launch Ingenious+ Spark. Combining RHF’s youth-innovation program with DMZ’s world-leading startup ecosystem to support young Canadian innovators in turning ideas into ventures.

Ingenious+ Spark gives RHF Ingenious+ alumni the chance to learn core startup skills, develop a compelling pitch, and access funding to help grow their venture.

Why Join Ingenious+ Spark?

Ingenious+ Spark offers both a learning path and a funding opportunity. Participants will build practical skills such as, crafting a pitch, designing a strong deck, understanding early-stage investment scenarios and so much more!

Ingenious+ Spark gives selected Ingenious+ alumni access to investors to help scale their innovations.

What You’ll Experience

Take part in a hands-on venture-building experience that includes:

  • A chance to pitch for an investment of up to $100,000
  • Pitch training and deck development
  • Incorporation workshops
  • Guidance from experienced founders

Pitch Competition:

Pitch your venture at DMZ, a world-leading tech incubator headquartered in Toronto, this spring. Compete live in front of an audience of industry leaders, investors and entrepreneurs on March 31–April 1, 2026 for an investment of up to $100,000 through DMZ Ventures to grow your business.

Who Can Apply and Key Dates

Open to past Ingenious+ alumni across all years:

  • National Award winners
  • National Finalists
  • Regional Award winners

Innovation Eligibility:

  • Innovation includes a technology component (e.g. technology enabled or driven)
  • May apply with an innovation other than the one for which they received an Ingenious+ Award
  • Pitch winners will be required to incorporate to receive investment funding. While incorporation is not necessary prior to the pitch, it must be completed before the investment can be disbursed.

Key Dates

  • January 14, 2026 – 4:00-4:45pm EST:  Alumni & Parent/Guardian Info Session (virtual)
  • January 2026: Applications Open + Incorporation Workshop (virtual)
  • February 2026: Selection + Notifications
  • March – April 2026: Virtual Workshops and Pitch Event

Stay Updated

If you are an Ingenious+ Alumni and want early notice when applications open, fill out this form:

Ingenious+ Spark interest form







About the Rideau Hall Foundation 

The Rideau Hall Foundation (RHF) is a nonpartisan national charitable organization that brings together ideas, people and resources to celebrate what is best about Canada while working with partners to meaningfully improve lives and foster the conditions for more Canadians to succeed and thrive. Learn more at www.rhf-frh.ca. 

“Ingenious+ Spark will deepen the support we can offer our Ingenious+ winners at every stage of their innovation journey… Their bold ideas will help shape the way for a more hopeful and prosperous Canada.” said Teresa Marques, President and CEO of the Rideau Hall Foundation.

About DMZ 

DMZ is a tech incubator and startup ecosystem that fuels entrepreneurship in Canada and beyond. Through its award-winning programs, DMZ empowers founders to scale high-impact ventures, helps students develop entrepreneurial mindsets and equips professionals to thrive in today’s fast-moving economy. By offering tailored support, world-class resources and expansive networks, DMZ nurtures bold ideas, drives business growth and creates global economic impact. 

To date, DMZ has supported 2600+ startups in raising $2.95 billion in capital and has created over 25,350 jobs. Headquartered in Toronto, DMZ operates a global network of hubs spanning 15+ countries, enabling entrepreneurs to access diverse markets, collaborate internationally and drive global innovation. 

“DMZ was founded on the belief that young entrepreneurs have the potential to drive real change. The best ideas come early and they deserve meaningful backing to thrive.” Abdullah Snobar, Executive Director of DMZ and CEO of DMZ Ventures

About DMZ Ventures  

DMZ Ventures is the for-profit investment arm of Toronto Metropolitan University. From day one, DMZ Ventures supports startup founders by helping them build foundations, forge connections and fuel growth. 

DMZ Ventures’ main areas of focus include: startup equity management for DMZ’s portfolio companies, the oversight of Zone Startups Network and enabling Canada’s startup investment landscape through DMZ’s Angel Investor Program.