Nova Scotia Launches INMC International Startup Competition for Cuneo 2026

The Town of Bridgewater, the Municipality of the County of Kings, and Pictou County have jointly announced the launch of the INMC Nova Scotia International Startup Competition, a coordinated initiative that will send three Nova Scotia startups to compete at the International Network of Michelin Cities (INMC) Conference in Cuneo, Italy in October 2026.

The competition brings together Nova Scotia’s three INMC membership holders under a shared “INMC Nova Scotia” approach. By working collaboratively rather than independently, the regions aim to amplify innovation emerging from rural and regional communities and strengthen Nova Scotia’s presence within the global INMC network of 23 international cities

Each region will host its own pitch competition or showcase in Spring 2026. One startup from Bridgewater and the South Shore, one from the Municipality of the County of Kings and the Annapolis Valley, and one from Pictou County will be selected to represent Nova Scotia internationally at INMC Cuneo 2026.

The International Network of Michelin Cities is a global network of communities connected through innovation, economic development, and international collaboration. Participation in INMC Cuneo 2026 will provide selected startups with international exposure, access to global relationships, and opportunities to connect with municipal leaders, ecosystem partners, and fellow innovators from across member regions.

This coordinated effort reflects a shared commitment to positioning Nova Scotia’s innovation ecosystem on the international stage while reinforcing local economic development priorities within each participating region.

Applications for the INMC Nova Scotia International Startup Competition are now open. Regional competitions will take place in April, with final selections made by the end of May. Selected startups will receive founder preparation and international readiness support throughout the summer and fall in advance of the October 2026 conference.

The INMC Nova Scotia International Startup Competition represents a coordinated commitment to international engagement, regional collaboration, and innovation-led economic development across Nova Scotia’s INMC sister regions.

More information, including eligibility criteria and application details, is available at: https://igniteatlantic.com/inmc-ns-pitch-competition-2026/