
RampUp
RampUp Weekend 2026 is a flagship event hosted by North Forge, designed to accelerate innovation and entrepreneurship in Manitoba. Held from April 10–12, 2025, this intensive 50+ hour, hands-on competition brings together aspiring entrepreneurs, innovators, and tech enthusiasts to transform startup ideas into viable business plans.
Past RampUp Weekend winners have gone on to build successful multi-million dollar businesses, proving that Manitoba has the talent, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit to build globally competitive companies and drive local economic growth.
Friday kicks off with:
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60-second pitches from participants — in 2026, the Top 30 ideas will be pitched to the crowd!
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Voting and idea selection
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Team formation around the top ideas
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Initial brainstorming to begin MVP development
What happens on Saturday?
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Teams dive into building:
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Business plans, logos, websites, and product mockups
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Mentors will challenge ideas and guide teams through pivots
What happens on Sunday?
The final stretch! Teams:
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Finalize their pitch decks and product demos
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Present their business in front of a live audience and a panel of judges
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Compete for over $15,000 in prizes and in-kind support
Date and Time
Friday Apr 10, 2026 Sunday Apr 12, 2026
Friday, April 10 – 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Saturday, April 11 – 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Sunday, April 12 – 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Sunday, Final Pitch - 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Location
Friday Kickoff Event: Smartpark Innovation Hub - 100 Innovation Drive Princess Auto Stadium Pinnacle Club — 315 Chancellor Matheson Rd
Sunday Grand Finale:
