Innovation Factory announces 2024 LiONS LAIR finalists

This article was originally written by Fallon Hewitt for The Hamilton Spectator on July 18, 2024. Read the original article here.

Online platform for folks with endometriosis and web-based app that measures people to make sizeless bras and undergarments among finalists for annual competition.

Innovation Factory, a business accelerator servicing entrepreneurs across the Hamilton, Halton, Norfolk and Brant regions has announced the finalists for its 2024 LiONS LAIR pitch competition.

The 14th annual pitch competition will see 10 startups battle it out for a mix of cash and in-kind prizes in front of a panel of judges and a more than 350-person audience in September, according to a media release.

The finalists were chosen from 40 companies with innovative solutions from various industries who took part in Innovation Factory’s training program, Founders Fast Track.

That program focuses on providing startups with tools, mentorship and networking opportunities and ended with a speed-pitching event, with the best-performing startups invited to take part in the entrepreneurship competition.

David Carter, CEO of Innovation Factory, described the competition as a “celebration” of business leaders who are “innovating, creating real impact and ensuring a prosperous future for the region.”

“It’s incredible to be able to support these startups through our programs, this competition and throughout their entrepreneurship journey,” Carter added in a statement.

Here are this year’s finalists:

ConSoul

This Toronto-based startup uses a human-centred approach to support caregivers of those with chronic, terminal or age-related illnesses through a web-based app.

Deaf AI

This Toronto-based startup uses artificial intelligence to help service providers, organizations and businesses become more accessible to those who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Leynek Medical

This Ottawa-based startup has created an app to improve the quality of life for patients with cancer and cardiovascular diseases through symptom tracking and journal entries.

Neuropeutics

This Toronto-based pharmaceutical startup is developing targeted therapies to improve the quality of life and survival of those living with neurodegenerative diseases.

Yellowbird Diagnostics

This startup specializes in biomedical imaging solutions to provide physicians with diagnostic information earlier on in the onset of diseases, such as cancer.

Since the competition began, Lion’s Lair has heard pitches from more than 165 companies and innovators, with more than $1 million in cash and in-kind prizes having been handed out.

The annual competition and gala will take place on September 26 at LiUNA Station. Tickets can be purchased online at lionslair.ca/2024-gala.