Canada’s technology and innovation community is entering an exciting new chapter. Elevate has officially become Nrth Festival 2026, introducing a new identity designed to help Canadian founders, business leaders, investors, and innovators turn bold ideas into meaningful growth.
The transformation was announced live on stage by Lisa Zarzeczny, Co-Founder and CEO of Nrth, during Opening Night of the festival. The announcement also marked the launch of the first-ever Nrth Festival, bringing together some of the brightest minds in Canadian and global technology.
From Elevate to Nrth Festival 2026: Nearly a Decade of Canadian Innovation
Since launching in 2017, Elevate has grown into one of Canada’s largest technology and innovation platforms. Over nine years, the organization welcomed more than 89,000 attendees and highlighted hundreds of Canadian companies.
The original mission was straightforward: create a platform where Canada’s innovation ecosystem could come together and showcase its talent to the world.
Today, the technology landscape has evolved dramatically.
Artificial intelligence is transforming industries, emerging technologies are developing at unprecedented speed, and startups are increasingly looking for customers, strategic partners, and growth opportunities alongside investment.
That shift has inspired the organization’s next chapter.
“Elevate was created to lift Canadian innovation into view. But visibility alone isn’t enough anymore. Nrth is about direction and expanding the role we can play for this community,” said Lisa Zarzeczny, Co-Founder and CEO of Nrth.
What Is Nrth?
Nrth is designed to be more than an annual technology festival. The organization aims to create connections and opportunities throughout the year, helping Canadian innovators understand what is changing, identify emerging opportunities, and connect with people who can help turn ideas into action.
For founders, that could mean meeting a major customer, connecting with an investor, learning from an experienced entrepreneur, or reaching an important decision-maker.
For business leaders, it could mean discovering how artificial intelligence is changing their industry or finding Canadian technology that can address a real-world business challenge.
Beginning in 2027, Nrth plans to expand its year-round programming with more frequent events, new opportunities for Canadian companies to connect with customers and investors, and hands-on programs supporting business growth.
Nrth Festival Brings Canada’s Tech Leaders Together
The Nrth Festival 2026 returned to Toronto from September 22–24 at Meridian Hall and the St. Lawrence Centre.
What began as a startup-focused gathering has evolved into a national platform for Canadian innovation. This year’s event reflected that growth with a diverse lineup of technology leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, creators, and international voices.
Among the headline speakers were:
- Kyle Lowry, former Toronto Raptors star and Toronto Tempo investor
- Michael Pelosi, Country Manager, Canada, Cohere
- Christian Weedbrook, Founder and CEO of Xanadu
- Jack Newton, CEO and Founder of Clio
- Vivek Sagi, Chief Product and Technology Officer at Bumble Inc.
- Eva Wong, Co-Founder and COO of Borrowell
- Eliot Pence, CEO of Dominion Dynamics
- Adam Collins, Chief Communications Officer at Reddit
- Beah Burger-Lenehan, Chief Product Officer at DuckDuckGo
- Mati Staniszewski, CEO of ElevenLabs
Kyle Lowry Headlines Opening Night
One of the festival’s most anticipated appearances came from Toronto Raptors legend Kyle Lowry.
Lowry played a key role in helping Toronto secure its first NBA championship in 2019 and has since expanded his involvement in Canadian sports as an investor in the Toronto Tempo, Canada’s new WNBA team.
His journey—from championship leadership to investing in the future of Canadian sport—offered an inspiring perspective on ambition, teamwork, leadership, and building something that lasts.
AI, Sovereign Technology and the Future of Canada
The 2026 festival tackled some of the biggest questions facing Canada’s technology and innovation economy.
Topics included artificial intelligence, digital transformation, cybersecurity, autonomous vehicles, financial technology, and Canada’s ability to build and control critical technologies.
Highlights included:
The Human Layer of the Internet
Reddit’s Chief Communications Officer explored why human perspective, trust, and authenticity are becoming increasingly important as AI makes it easier to create and distribute content.
Built to Last: Canada’s Sovereign Tech Future
Leaders from Build Canada, Dominion Dynamics, Sentinel R&D, and Coveo examined what Canada needs to do to develop and own technologies that can contribute to the country’s long-term economic future.
Are We Ready for the Driverless City?
Uber Canada explored the opportunities and unanswered questions surrounding autonomous vehicles and what their arrival could mean for cities.
Building Canada’s Digital Economy
Representatives from Coinbase Canada and Circle Internet Group discussed the growing role of stablecoins and digital assets in Canada’s financial system.
The Speed of Sound
ElevenLabs CEO and Co-Founder Mati Staniszewski explored the rapid evolution of voice AI, including lifelike speech, voice cloning, and real-time multilingual conversations.
New Programming Tracks Put the Spotlight on What’s Next
Nrth Festival continues to bring together thought-provoking panels, workshops, and learning opportunities focused on the technologies and business trends shaping the future.
One of the major additions for 2026 was Sovereign Growth, a half-day content track created in partnership with DMZ and BDC. The program explored Canada’s position in areas including dual-use technology, cloud sovereignty, and cybersecurity.
The festival also introduced expanded programming designed to help attendees understand emerging technologies and develop practical skills.
Fast Forward focused on emerging ideas that could become tomorrow’s competitive advantages, while Crash Courses offered hands-on learning around essential technologies, tools, and leadership practices.
Together, these programs reflect a broader goal: helping Canadian businesses and innovators move from ideas to action.
Building Momentum for Canada’s Innovation Economy
The evolution from Elevate to Nrth reflects the changing priorities of Canada’s technology ecosystem.
As artificial intelligence reshapes industries and global competition for technology leadership intensifies, Canada has an opportunity to build on its existing talent, entrepreneurial community, and research strengths.
Nrth aims to help bring those pieces together.
“Nrth Festival exists to push Canada’s boldest tech ideas further,” said Lisa Zarzeczny, Co-Founder and CEO of Nrth. “Canada already has the talent and the ambition. Our job is to turn that potential into momentum.”
The organization’s new identity signals an expanded focus on creating connections, sharing knowledge, and helping Canadian innovation move forward—not just during one major annual event, but throughout the year.
The Road Ahead for Nrth Festival
With nearly a decade of growth behind it, Nrth is positioning itself as a year-round platform for Canada’s technology and innovation community.
The Nrth Festival 2026 remains the organization’s flagship annual gathering, while new programs and events will extend its reach beyond the festival itself.
For Canadian founders, investors, technology professionals, and business leaders, that means more opportunities to connect, learn, collaborate, and discover what comes next.
Canada has no shortage of ambitious ideas. The next challenge—and opportunity—is turning those ideas into companies, technologies, and economic growth that can compete on the world stage.
That is the future Nrth is setting out to help build.
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