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:

• 60-second pitches from participants — in 2026, the Top 30 ideas will be pitched to the crowd!

• Voting and idea selection

• Team formation around the top ideas

• Initial brainstorming to begin MVP development

What happens on Saturday?

• Teams dive into building:

• Business plans, logos, websites, and product mockups

• Mentors will challenge ideas and guide teams through pivots

What happens on Sunday?

The final stretch! Teams:

• Finalize their pitch decks and product demos

• Present their business in front of a live audience and a panel of judges

• Compete for over $15,000 in prizes and in-kind support

REGISTER HERE