Summary of the LiONS LAIR Pitch Competition Announcement
On July 10, 2025, Innovation Factory revealed the top 10 finalists for the LiONS LAIR Pitch Competition and Gala, commemorating its 15th anniversary. Scheduled for September 25, 2025, the event will take place at the Oakville Banquet & Conference Centre, attracting over 350 attendees.
The finalists include:
Chosen from 40 applicants, these ten finalists represent diverse sectors such as cleantech, edtech, medtech, life sciences, SaaS, food & beverage, and digital commemorative services. Each participant has completed Innovation Factory’s Founders Fast Track program, impressing angel and venture capital investors during preliminary evaluations.
In preparation for the competition, finalists will undergo training workshops with expert advisors to enhance their business strategies and pitch presentations. During the gala, a panel of judges, referred to as the ‘LiONS,’ will assess the pitches and award cash prizes. Since its inception in 2011, LiONS LAIR has supported 165 high-potential companies, dispensing over $1 million in cash and prizes to accelerate commercialization and market readiness.
David Carter, CEO of Innovation Factory, emphasized the significance of this milestone, highlighting the exceptional finalists as representatives of entrepreneurial energy capable of transforming their respective industries. The gala promises to be a memorable celebration, focused on highlighting innovative Ontario businesses.
The LiONS LAIR gala not only showcases innovative pitches but also unites a community of entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and business experts, fostering networking and strategic partnerships. The evening features cocktail networking, dinner, live presentations, an awards ceremony, and further networking opportunities.
Over its 15 years, LiONS LAIR has evolved from a foundational initiative into a pivotal force in regional innovation, expanding its focus from community-building to strategic partnerships that elevate local companies to the global stage.
Tickets for the event are available until September 4, 2025, allowing interested attendees to secure their participation by purchasing online.
About Innovation Factory
Innovation Factory is a not-for-profit business accelerator established in 2010, aimed at driving technology innovation across the Brant, Halton, Hamilton, and Norfolk regions. It offers a range of services including business training, mentorship, and strategic connections to enhance market adoption. Additionally, it provides access to sector-specific resources, including smart transportation environments and a formal life science and health innovation ecosystem, to help innovators increase revenues, attract investment, and create jobs.
For more information, visit innovationfactory.ca.
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