Tourism Innovation Challenge
Presented by the Cornwall Tourism Development Fund
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Apply to pitch your innovative tourism solution for a chance to win $25,000
The Tourism Innovation Challenge, presented by the Cornwall Tourism Development Fund, is now accepting applications for its inaugural pitch competition, taking place Thursday, February 12th at the Dev Centre in Cornwall, Ontario.The winner of the pitch competition will win a $25,000 prize to allocate to their business and innovative tourism solution.
What is the Tourism Innovation Challenge?
The Tourism Innovation Challenge aims to bring together businesses and innovative leaders in an effort to discover new tourism based solutions for the City of Cornwall. The Challenge extends beyond a regular Pitch Competition and also includes Coaching Seminars (in partnership with CBEC) for the Semi-Finalists and one-on-one mentorship from successful business professionals for the Top 5 Finalists. The final Pitch Competition will take place in front of a live audience at The Dev Centre where the winner will be crowned and awarded a $25,000 grand prize to go towards elevating their innovative business idea.
Who can apply?
This Challenge is open to all Canadian residents but the business must be run in Cornwall, Ontario. Any operational or new business can apply, but if the business is more than three (3) years old, the innovative idea being pitched must be a NEW idea. Those with an Innovative Tourism solution, who do not own a current business, can also apply. The business must be an anchor attraction and cannot be an event.
When does the Tourism Innovation Challenge take place?
The Tourism Innovation Challenge Pitch Competition (open to the public)
Thursday, February 12th, 2026
6:30pm-9:00pm
Dev Centre, Cornwall, ON
Program Timeline
Why should I apply?
The innovative idea being pitched must be able to show how it will increase the number of tourists to Cornwall and in-turn result in more hotel stays.
If you have an innovative idea or an operational business and would like a chance to win $25,000 to bring your tourism solution to life, then you should definitely apply!
Ready to make Cornwall a destination that tourists can’t resist?
