FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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/
Quotes:
The Town of Bridgewater is a founding member of the INMC, and one of the original signatories of the Corridor of Incubators in support of start-ups with an international lens. Having witnessed the benefits of exposure and connections associated with the 2024 INMC Start-up Competition hosted in South Carolina, we’re anxious to leverage our membership in creating meaningful opportunities for innovative start-ups from our community – and our sister cities in Nova Scotia, to be presented on an international stage.
Donna Hatt, Economic Development Officer
Town of Bridgewater
The Municipality of the County of Kings is excited to be partnering with the Town of Bridgewater and Pictou County to launch this new opportunity, creating a pathway for three promising startups – one from each community – to expand their networks and increase their visibility in international markets. We’re proud to work alongside our regional partners to open doors for local founders and showcase the strength of Nova Scotia’s innovation community on the global stage.
Christine Spurr, Business Development Analyst
Municipality of the County of Kings
“As Pictou County’s regional economic development organization, our role is to help grow and retain businesses, talent, and opportunity,” said Scott Ferguson, CEO of the Pictou County Partnership. “Through this collaborative initiative, we are creating international opportunities for local startups to access new markets and connect with a global network of innovators and partners. It strengthens their ability to scale internationally while building long-term economic resilience here at home.”
“IGNITE is pleased to support the design and delivery of this collaborative initiative,” said Doug Jones, CEO of IGNITE Atlantic. “By coordinating across regions, we are helping founders prepare for meaningful international engagement and positioning rural innovation as globally competitive.”
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Contacts:
Doug Jones
CEO, IGNITE Atlantic
doug@igniteatlantic.com
902-748-1504
Donna Hatt
Economic Development Officer
Town of Bridgewater
donna.hatt@bridgewater.ca
902.930.2106
Christine Spurr
Business Development Analyst
Municipality of the County of Kings
cspurr@countyofkings.ca
902-690-6153
Scott Ferguson
CEO, Pictou County Partnership
scott.ferguson@pictoucountypartnership.com
782-440-2255
