The showcase will feature short pitches from food startups currently raising capital, along with a fireside chat featuring leaders from Edmonton’s food industry.

Part founder showcase, part industry conversation and part taste test, this Edmonton Startup Week event is designed for food founders, industry buyers and anyone curious about what’s being created right here in Edmonton.

Speakers:

• Peter Keith, eHUB, University of Alberta
  Peter Keith is the Director of eHUB, the University of Alberta’s entrepreneurship centre. He teaches entrepreneurship in the Alberta School of Business, and supports founders as they launch and grow new ventures. Peter's startup experience is rooted in Edmonton's food industry as a red-seal chef and 3x founder - he co-owns Meuwly's, Beb's Bagels, and Scale Kitchens.

• Jacqueline Jacek, founder of JACEK Chocolate Couture, an award-winning Canadian chocolatier known for transforming fine chocolate into joyful, design-driven experiences. Since launching the company in 2009, she has built JACEK into a nationally recognized chocolate brand celebrated for its artistry, innovation, and thoughtful approach to gifting. Passionate about entrepreneurship, creativity, and community impact, spreading joy is ultimately what drives her.

• Greg Zeschuk, General Manager, Blind Enthusiasm Group, entrepreneur and co-founder of BioWare, the acclaimed video game developer behind Baldur’s Gate, Mass Effect, Dragon Age, and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. After leaving BioWare in 2012, he pursued his passion for craft beer, creating The Beer Diaries and later founding Edmonton’s Blind Enthusiasm Brewing Company and restaurant Biera. Today, he focuses on producing internationally recognized spontaneous beer while continuing to support Edmonton’s culinary, brewing, and entrepreneurial communities.

Agenda
4:30 PM: Registration & Networking
5:00 PM: Panel
5:30 PM: Pitches
6:00 PM: Food Sampling, Reception & Networking