North Forge is partnering with the United States Consulate to host a special SelectUSA pitch competition on April 21, 2026, giving Manitoba startups the opportunity to take the next step toward expanding into the U.S. market. We’re excited to welcome you as a guest to experience the energy and excitement of the competition. This registration is for event attendance only, giving you full access to enjoy the atmosphere, watch the action unfold, and be part of the audience.
The winning startup will receive a round-trip Air Canada tickets to the United States to attend the SelectUSA Investment Summit in May 2026 — one of the world’s leading events for international companies exploring U.S. expansion.
The SelectUSA Investment Summit brings together thousands of investors, companies, and economic development leaders from across the United States and around the world, offering startups direct access to potential investors, partners, and U.S. market-entry resources.
SPECIAL GUEST
We’re also excited to share that Aisha Bowe will be joining us as one of the judges, and providing the opening welcome remarks.
Aisha is a Bahamian American aerospace engineer, rocket scientist, entrepreneur, and STEM advocate. She recently flew aboard the Blue Origin NS-31 suborbital mission alongside Katy Perry, Gayle King, and Lauren Sánchez, serving as a science payload operator supporting plant biology experiments conducted with NASA-affiliated research institutions.
Aisha is a former NASA rocket scientist, entrepreneur, motivational speaker and citizen astronaut. The founder and CEO of STEMBoard— recognized by Inc. 5000 as one of the fastest-growing companies in America TWICE. Aisha is a serial entrepreneur who is one of a few women of color who have raised over $1 million-dollars.
EVENT SPONSORS AND HOST
EVENT DETAILS
Date: April 21, 2026
Time: 1 pm – 4 pm
Location: The Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada
2088 Wellington Ave. by the Richardson International Airport
Attendance is by invitation only. Spots are limited.
REGISTER TO ATTEND • LIMITED SPOTS
Register now to be our special guest attendee
Please note registering for this event is for attendance only and does not include entry into the competition.
