Startup Canada and mesh are partnering in Calgary to offer a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs, innovators, and ecosystem leaders. With both events taking place on April 29, the two organizations have launched an event passport — a limited promo code that allows attendees of one event to attend the other.
If you’re already registered for either Startup Canada’s Tour stop or day one of the mesh conference, you’ll receive an event passport promo code by email before the event — so watch your inboxes.
You have to register with each event separately, but the code gives you access to the other event at no additional cost. A total of 50 tickets will be released before each event, so it’s a limited-time offer for those already planning to attend either event.
Kayla Isabelle, CEO of Startup Canada, says the collaboration is a natural way to give entrepreneurs more touchpoints with the innovation ecosystem.
“This is about meeting founders where they are, in real life, and making sure they leave with more than just a good conversation,” says Isabelle. “We want them to discover tools, networks, and partners they didn’t even know they needed. Partnering with mesh helps us do that in a powerful way.”
Chris Hogg, co-producer of the mesh conference, sees the event passport as a way to build bridges across communities that already have so much in common.
“Startup Canada is building momentum for early-stage founders, and mesh also is where those founders can connect with industry, capital, and public sector partners,” he said. “Giving people a way to step into both rooms on the same day creates the kind of collisions that move ideas forward.”
What to expect at Startup Canada’s Calgary Tour stop
Startup Canada’s event on April 29 marks the launch of its 2025 Tour. It’s designed for early-stage entrepreneurs who are looking to connect with resources, support, and a sense of direction in a complex business environment.
Attendees will be welcomed into the Ecosystem Support Lounge, where ecosystem support partners, private sector partners, incubators, investors, and financial institutions are available to offer support for your business.
There will also be curated sessions on topics such as navigating new tariffs and funding in 2025, plus a spotlight on emerging technologies and inclusive growth.
Kayla noted that awareness remains a key challenge for entrepreneurs. Startup Canada is focused on surfacing the support that already exists, but often flies under the radar locally, provincially, and nationally
What to expect at mesh on April 29-30
The mesh conference returns to Calgary this year with a two-day event focused on how people and organizations are navigating transformation in real time.
This year’s program explores themes like ethical technology, inclusive innovation, and the evolving nature of leadership and work. It brings together a mix of voices from startups, scaleups, public policy, academia, and large enterprise, all contributing to discussions around building resilience, developing talent, and designing systems that can adapt.
The lineup includes keynote conversations with thought leaders like Cathy O’Neil, author of “Weapons of Math Destruction,” alongside sessions on algorithmic bias, AI transparency, and the intersection of innovation and public trust.
Other panels will explore what it means to scale responsibly, support emerging leaders, and bring new ideas to market in a time of disruption. Throughout the event, attendees can also connect at the mesh Innovation Showcase, which spotlights bold thinkers and doers from underrepresented communities.
mesh is not a typical tech conference. It is intentionally designed as a space where people from different sectors and backgrounds come together to learn, reflect, and collaborate. Whether you’re navigating digital change inside a startup or a large institution, mesh is built to help you think differently and build smarter.
How to get your event passport
To claim an event passport, you must be registered for either Startup Canada or mesh in Calgary.
If you are attending the Startup Canada Tour on April 29th, you’ll receive an email with the promo code to access mesh April 29-30. If you’re attending mesh, you’ll get a code to attend the Startup Canada Tour on April 29.
Each event will release 50 codes only, and they will be sent directly to registrants by email on Friday.
The codes are not being shared publicly, so registering for one event is the only way to gain access to the other.
Whether you’re early in your journey or looking to expand your network and knowledge, this is your chance to experience the best of both communities in one day.
