Canada’s largest homegrown technology and innovation gathering is preparing for another major year as the Elevate Festival 2026 returns to downtown Toronto from September 22-24, 2026. Now entering its ninth annual edition, the festival continues to position Canada at the centre of conversations surrounding technology, entrepreneurship, investment, and the future of innovation.

Bringing together founders, investors, policymakers, corporate leaders, creators, and students, the festival has become one of the country’s most influential platforms for discussing emerging technologies and economic growth. This year’s event arrives at a particularly important moment as nations worldwide navigate rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, geopolitical uncertainty, digital transformation, and intensifying global competition.

A National Conversation About Innovation and Sovereignty

The 2026 edition of Elevate Festival will focus heavily on the idea of Canadian sovereignty in a technology-driven world. Organisers say the event will examine how Canada can strengthen its innovation ecosystem while remaining connected to international markets and global collaboration.

Topics throughout the festival will include artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, democratic resilience, commercialization, venture capital, critical technologies, and talent retention. Discussions will also explore how Canadian companies can compete globally while developing stronger domestic capabilities across key industries.

According to festival organisers, Canada is facing a defining moment in its innovation journey. As countries around the world race to dominate emerging technologies, Elevate Festival aims to create meaningful conversations around how Canadian businesses, governments, and institutions can respond strategically.

Lisa Zarzeczny, CEO and Co-Founder of Elevate, said today’s business environment is shaped by constant uncertainty and rapid technological evolution. She noted that leaders are searching for spaces where they can exchange ideas, build partnerships, and better understand what lies ahead for industries and economies worldwide.

New Features and Experiences for 2026

To support stronger collaboration and networking opportunities, Elevate Festival 2026 is introducing several new initiatives aimed at improving attendee experiences and startup connections.

AI-Powered Networking Platform

One of the biggest additions this year is a new AI-powered networking app designed to match attendees based on professional goals, industries, and interests. Using intelligent recommendations, the platform will help participants discover investors, founders, clients, collaborators, and potential partners throughout the festival.

A dedicated networking lounge will also provide attendees with a central meeting hub for discussions, introductions, and relationship building during the three-day event.

Live Podcast Studio with Amber Mac

Canadian technology journalist and broadcaster Amber Mac will host a live podcast studio directly from the festival floor. Through interviews and real-time conversations, the recordings will highlight key moments, debates, and emerging ideas shaping the future of technology and innovation.

The live format is expected to give attendees and online audiences a closer look at the personalities and discussions driving Canada’s technology sector forward.

Expanded Meeting Exchange Programme

Elevate is also significantly expanding its Meeting Exchange initiative in 2026. The curated programme connects investment-ready startups with venture capital firms, investors, mentors, and business leaders through one-on-one meetings.

Organisers expect more than 750 meetings to take place during this year’s festival, creating additional opportunities for Canadian startups to secure funding, partnerships, and long-term growth opportunities.

High-Profile Speakers Across Multiple Industries

The 2026 speaker lineup reflects the growing diversity and ambition of Canada’s innovation economy, with leaders representing quantum computing, fintech, aerospace, communications, AI, SaaS, and democratic innovation.

Featured Speakers

• Christian Weedbrook: Leading Canadian quantum computing pioneer advancing photonic technology and global innovation growth.
• Vivek Sagi: Technology executive sharing insights on scaling products within competitive global digital markets.
• Eva Wong: Fintech leader discussing innovation, digital finance, and evolving Canadian consumer technology experiences.
• Mina Mitry: Space industry innovator developing advanced satellite communications infrastructure for worldwide connectivity.
• Ronnie Gurion: Operational leader scaling Canadian SaaS success through transformative legal technology solutions globally.
• Racheal Awe: Democratic innovation expert exploring technology’s role in protecting trusted electoral systems.
• Melanie Nadeau: Marine technology advocate advancing Canada’s blue economy through collaborative ocean innovation initiatives.
• Hugh Kolias: Aerospace entrepreneur driving Canadian rocket innovation and next-generation space technology development.
• Eliot Pence: AI defence innovator strengthening Arctic surveillance and Canada’s national security technology ecosystem.

Festival organisers have confirmed that additional speakers and programming announcements will be released in the months leading up to the event.

Tickets and Registration Information

Tickets for Elevate Festival 2026 are currently on sale, with Super Early Bird pricing available until May 31, 2026. Attendees can save up to $300 through the early registration offer.

The festival is expected to attract thousands of attendees from across Canada and internationally, reinforcing Toronto’s role as one of North America’s fastest-growing technology and innovation hubs.

For tickets and additional festival information, visit Elevate Festival.