Toronto Tech Conference Elevate Rebrands to Nrth, Has Plans to Expand
The Canadian non-profit will expand year-round programs to help founders and business leaders adopt emerging technologies, while keeping the festival as its flagship event.
- On Tuesday, September 22, 2026, the Toronto tech conference Elevate rebranded to Nrth Festival at the opening of its three-day event, marking a strategic organizational shift.
- Organizers stated the change reflects how the tech industry has transformed since Elevate launched in 2017, aligning the organization with its evolving mission to support Canadian innovation.
- Over 10,000 attendees gathered for content tracks on AI and fintech, with speakers including Nrth Board Member Arlene Dickinson and Toronto Raptors legend Kyle Lowry headlining the festival.
- Nrth will expand operations in 2027, launching more frequent events and new programs to connect Canadian companies with investors while maintaining the annual festival as its flagship activity.
- Stage conversations tackled AI integration and digital sovereignty, though participants expressed concerns about the proposed Lawful Access Act potentially impacting data privacy for Canadian tech companies.
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The Toronto Star
Toronto tech conference Elevate rebrands to Nrth, has plans to expand
TORONTO - Toronto tech conference Elevate is getting a new name.
Elevate Becomes Nrth After Nearly a Decade Building Canada's Tech and Innovation Community
TORONTO -- Elevate, the Canadian non-profit behind one of the country’s largest tech and innovation festivals, today announced it is becoming Nrth. Co-Founder and CEO Lisa Zarzeczny revealed the new name live on stage during Elevate Festival’s Opening Night. With the announcement, the organization and event rebranded in real time, marking the first-ever Nrth Festival.
Elevate rebrands as Nrth to back Canadian growth
Elevate, a Toronto-based non-profit known for running one of Canada’s largest technology and innovation festivals, has rebranded as Nrth as it expands beyond its annual event to provide year-round support for founders and business leaders. The new identity was unveiled by co-founder and CEO Lisa Zarzeczny during the opening night of the festival, with both […]
Elevate Becomes Nrth After Nearly a Decade Building ...
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