Planet Hatch: Merge Open to Pitch – application deadline May 20, pitch event May 28

Open to Pitch is a startup pitch competition within the MERGE 2.0 program. It invites New Brunswick-based startups with innovative, community-driven solutions to apply and pitch their ideas directly to participating municipalities. Municipalities attend Pitch Day and select which startup they would like to partner with, securing a $25,000 contract to implement the solution. Any startup with a solution that can be matched to a community problem, can apply.

This form is designed to help us understand who you are and whether you are eligible to apply for the Open to Pitch (OTP) competition under the MERGE 2.0 program.

Specifically, we want to know:
• Who you are as a startup or entrepreneur,
• What innovative solution you are offering,
• What community problem your solution addresses,
• Whether you meet the eligibility criteria for the OTP stream.

(If your startup is at the early traction stage and looking for first sale or pilot, you are eligible)
Eligible applicants with the quick brief submitted by May 20, will be invited to pitch their solution in front of participating municipalities on May 28, 2026.