Forum names three grand prize winners in Vancouver

The Forum has named Door Gurus, NovaSonix Healthcare and Quip Medical as the grand prize recipients of The Odlum Brown Forum Pitch 2026. Each will receive a prize package valued at CAD $38,000.

The awards were announced at the programme's finale in Vancouver, where the charity also marked the 10th year of its national pitch competition for women entrepreneurs raising external capital.

The three winners represent distinct parts of the Canadian economy: home services, medical imaging and healthcare administration software. Edmonton-based Door Gurus operates a specialised door service franchise, offering repair, installation and maintenance for residential and commercial customers through a mobile model.

London, Ontario-based NovaSonix Healthcare has developed MSKNovaVue, an attachment designed to turn a standard ultrasound probe into a real-time 3D ultrasound scanner for musculoskeletal imaging. Quip Medical, based in Kitchener, Ontario, runs a platform that automates and manages physician billing within electronic medical records.

NovaSonix Healthcare also picked up an additional award after winning a live audience vote, adding a further CAD $20,000 prize package.

The event raised CAD $1.52 million, a record for the annual finale, to help more women entrepreneurs across Canada gain access to funding opportunities.

National reach

The Forum is a national charity focused on expanding the economic participation of women entrepreneurs. Its pitch programme is aimed at founders seeking external investment and combines mentorship, coaching, education and introductions to funders, business leaders and specialist advisers.

In the past year, the organisation has supported 2,365 entrepreneurs across 11 provinces and territories, and more than 20,000 women entrepreneurs to date through its wider programmes and events.

Kirsten Koppang Telford, chief executive officer of The Forum, linked the finalists to a broader argument about entrepreneurship and economic growth in Canada. "This year's finalists reflect the momentum and strength of women entrepreneurs in Canada," she said.

"When women entrepreneurs scale, they do more than build successful businesses. They create jobs, drive innovation, and help solve critical challenges facing Canada today. As we mark 10 years of The Odlum Brown Forum Pitch, The Forum remains committed to advancing the impact of women entrepreneurs across Canada."

Finale guests

The final pitching event included entrepreneur and investor Michele Romanow and SmartSweets founder Tara Bosch among its guests. Bosch won the inaugural edition of the competition a decade ago, and SmartSweets was later acquired by TPG Growth for USD $360 million.

Romanow highlighted the importance of access to networks and funding for founders trying to grow their businesses. "The level of ambition of these entrepreneurs is undeniable and underscores the work The Forum is doing to accelerate their growth by connecting them to the networks and capital that move businesses forward," she said.

Bosch said the programme's anniversary gave this year's event added significance. "My connection to The Odlum Brown Forum Pitch over the past decade makes being part of this year's finale especially meaningful," she said. "The finalists are a testament to the exceptional talent of women entrepreneurs in Canada, and to the impact they can make on our communities when they are backed with the right support and opportunity."

Founders' response

The finalists also used the occasion to highlight the support they received through the programme's mentoring network.

"NovaSonix Healthcare Inc. is honoured to be recognized as a finalist and be a part of The Odlum Brown Forum Pitch program, alongside such inspiring women-founded businesses," said Randa Mudathir, chief executive officer & co-founder of NovaSonix Healthcare Inc. "This opportunity will help us scale our impact and advance more accessible diagnostic imaging to support better patient outcomes. We are so grateful for the mentorship and expertise of Sarah Willson, principal at Panache Ventures."

"As a finalist in this year's The Odlum Brown Forum Pitch Finale, we've experienced firsthand how the program provides strategic resources and meaningful connections that support our mission to help physicians save time and work more efficiently," said Yoobin Lee, chief executive officer & co-founder of Quip Medical. "We are incredibly thankful to Katrina Carroll-Foster, our program mentor, for her invaluable expertise and direction."

"Being named a finalist in this year's The Odlum Brown Forum Pitch Finale is an incredible honour. The funding and support received will help Door Gurus continue building national momentum," said Kimberley Hiebert, chief executive officer & co-founder of Door Gurus. "A big thank you to our mentor Ali Pejman, managing partner at Fort Capital, for the guidance and insight throughout this process."