Innovation Factory Unveils Winners of the 15th Annual LiONS LAIR Competition

On September 25, 2025, Innovation Factory held its 15th Annual LiONS LAIR pitch competition and gala in Hamilton & Halton, Ontario, celebrating entrepreneurship and innovation. The event attracted over 400 participants from the local business community, with ten finalists vying for a total of $50,000 in cash prizes.

LiONS LAIR offers a platform for startups to showcase their ideas and gain visibility, alongside extensive preparation services including workshops and mentorship from industry leaders such as Gowling WLG and Deloitte. This support equips entrepreneurs with vital skills in business model validation, financial planning, and presentation, enhancing their readiness for future investor engagements.

The standout winner of this year’s competition was CoLab Education, led by founder Ariella Racco, who secured the grand prize of $30,000. CoLab’s AI-driven platform is transforming educator networking by connecting entire districts, thereby addressing issues like isolation and inefficiency in collaboration. It enables administrators to better understand collaboration dynamics, facilitating improved literacy initiatives and bolstering teacher retention over time. Racco expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to present to a large audience, emphasizing the impact this recognition could have on future growth and their mission of unifying educators worldwide.

Beck’s Broth, a company revolutionizing comfort drinks, was awarded second place with $12,500, as well as a $2,500 People’s Choice Award, favored by both judges and attendees. Their product features organic bone broth, offering a nutritious alternative with significant protein content, currently distributed in over 200 Canadian stores and on Amazon.

Finishing in third place was Atorvia, an early-stage biotech focused on developing treatments to prevent organ failure through advanced proteomics and machine learning technologies, earning them $5,000.

The finalists were assessed by a diverse panel of judges including Aaron Goldstein (Gowling WLG), Mark McQueen (Deloitte), and Carley-Rose Horowitz (Wittington Ventures), who evaluated the participants based on various criteria pertinent to innovation and market potential.

David Carter, CEO of Innovation Factory, remarked on the impressive caliber of this year's contestants, noting how their participation signals the burgeoning innovation ecosystem within Hamilton-Halton. He emphasized the importance of LiONS LAIR not only as a competition but as a means to foster job creation and economic development in the region.

Since its inception in 2010, LiONS LAIR has supported over 165 companies, awarding more than $1 million in prizes, thanks to the support of various partners including the City of Hamilton’s Economic Development Office and McMaster University.

Innovation Factory serves as a not-for-profit business accelerator, facilitating technological innovation within Brant, Halton, Hamilton, and Norfolk. They offer business services, mentorship, and connections to enhance market reach and drive job growth, showcasing their commitment to nurturing the entrepreneurial landscape in the region. For more information, visit their website at innovationfactory.ca.