The Winning Seed: Youth Pitch Competition 2026
Turn your passion for health and advocacy into a funded project.
Presented by LetsStopAIDS, The Winning Seed is a national virtual pitch competition for young changemakers across Canada. Whether you are passionate about mental health, sexual health, or climate justice, this is your chance to gain professional mentorship, sharpen your entrepreneurship skills, and win funding to bring your vision to life.
Why Should You Apply?
This isn’t just a competition; it’s a career-starter. Participants develop high-value skills in project management, community engagement, and public speaking the exact qualities looked for by universities and major scholarship committees.
The Grand Prize Includes:
- $1,000 Micro-grant for your project.
- $500 Personal cash prize.
- One year of professional mentorship in fields like finance, communications, and advocacy.
Key Dates to Remember
Time is of the essence! Mark your calendars for these critical milestones:
| Milestone | Date |
| Written Application Deadline | February 26th, 2026 |
| Shortlist Application Due | March 2nd, 2026 |
| Virtual Live-Judging Stream | March 26th, 2026 |
💡 Project Topics
We welcome all projects centered around Youth Health & Advocacy, including:
- Sexual Health & HIV Advocacy (Required element)
- Mental Health
- Climate Health
- Social Justice & Community Wellness
Note: All projects must find a creative way to relate their core topic back to HIV advocacy. Check the official rules for guidance on how to bridge these themes!
🚀 How to Get Started
Ready to plant your seed? Registration is officially open.
- Visit the Website: Head over to thewinningseed.ca to register.
- Review the Rules: Ensure your project meets the eligibility criteria.
- Submit: Get your written application in by February 26th.
