On Thursday, March 19, the energy in Fredericton was unmistakable.
NBIF’s breakthru Live Finale returned to the Fredericton Convention Centre, bringing together founders, investors, ministers, ecosystem partners, students, and innovators from across New Brunswick. As a proud sponsor, TechImpact was thrilled to be part of a night that celebrated the province’s growing startup ecosystem and the next generation of ideas shaping our future.
TechImpact was a proud sponsor of breakthru 2026
After a 6-year pause, breakthru is officially back, and in a big way.
With more than 140 applicants, the competition narrowed to five finalists who took the stage at the Finale. What stood out most was the diversity of innovation, a reflection of the talent emerging across the province.
From Hexoris, developing bio-sourced battery materials to reduce the carbon impact of electric vehicles, to Urai AI, building a programmable AI platform, the evening showcased solutions tackling global challenges. We also saw innovation in sports performance and training through Ozone and Mulli Swing Solutions.
Infralytix, founded by Dr. Ethan MacLeod was awarded the $100,000 grand prize
The evening’s top honour went to Infralytix, which took home both the grand prize and the People’s Choice Award. Founded by Dr. Ethan MacLeod, the company is tackling a real and growing challenge in infrastructure, helping bridge owners better understand the loads moving across their assets. By turning existing bridges into intelligent sensors, Infralytix provides accurate, continuous truck-load data without the need for costly installations or traffic disruptions.
Two standout companies, Urai AI Corp and Mulli Swing Solutions, were named runners-up, each receiving $50,000 in investment, further demonstrating the strength and depth of this year’s cohort.
A meaningful full-circle moment came with TechImpact Board Vice Chair, Kumaran Thillainadarajah, CTO of SmartSkin Technologies, serving as a judge. SmartSkin was a runner-up in the 2009 Breakthru competition, earning a $50,000 prize, and has since grown into a global company. Now working with some of the world’s largest brewers, their success highlights what can happen when early-stage innovation is supported and given the opportunity to scale.
TechImpact CEO, Cathy Simpson, and TechImpact Communications Manager, Alex Weaver Crawford, at the 2026 NBIF breakthru Live Finale
Events like breakthru are essential. They give startups a platform to be seen, build connections, and accelerate their growth. At TechImpact, we are seeing more startups join our community, and it is incredibly energizing to support them through connections, programs, and increased visibility.
breakthru is more than a pitch competition. It is a signal that innovation is happening here, and that with the right support, New Brunswick can continue to grow as a place where great ideas turn into successful companies. A huge congratulations to all five finalists, and to NBIF for an incredible event.
See you at the next breakthru!