Hi5 Pitch Competition

Five start-ups. Five minutes. $5,000.

Innovation Factory’s Hi5 Pitch Competition provides your early-stage start-up with a fun opportunity to present your business to a broad audience and gain exposure to our ecosystem of industry partners. This competition is for start-ups in the discovery or validation stages.

Sign up to receive a notification when applications open for the next cohort.

Hi5 Pitch Competition at Burlington Convention Centre

About the Hi5 Pitch Competition

Valuable exposure

Step into the spotlight and introduce your start-up to a diverse audience, leaving a lasting impression.

Refine your pitching skills

Receive feedback, hone your presentation skills, and deliver a pitch that resonates with your audience.

Expand your network

Forge valuable connections within our extensive ecosystem of industry partners.

Why pitch at the Hi5 Pitch Competition?

Hi5 is the pitch competition for early-stage start-ups. It’s a great way to showcase your innovation, gain experience pitching and open doors to new opportunities.

Leading up to the big day, you will participate in pitch training sessions with our expert advisors to equip you with the tools and knowledge to deliver a successful pitch.

Earth One presenting at the Hi5 Pitch Competition 2023

Ready for center stage?

Apply to become a client to gain access to additional support to grow your business.

Join Innovation Factory's Annual Open House - The Big DiF!

Network with 300+ industry professionals, discover emerging solutions from our innovators, and celebrate entrepreneurship within the Hamilton-Halton ecosystem.

May 14, 2026 | 4:00pm – 8:00pm | Hamilton, Ontario

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Attend HERhalton Women in Business Breakfast

Support and celebrate the achievements of women in business and entrepreneurship. HERhalton by Innovation Factory is the region’s go-to networking event for advocates of women entrepreneurs and features engaging guest speakers to inspire and drive engaging conversation.

Expand your network and connect with the region’s influencers and innovators in the world of women in business

June 4, 2026 | 8:00am – 12:00pm EDT

Meet the top 10 finalists, and watch as they pitch their innovations live to a panel of investors and experts for cash prizes at the 16th LiONS LAIR!

Celebrate the 16th anniversary of the LiONS LAIR pitch competition!

Since 2011, we’ve helped over 170 startups launch and scale their businesses. This fall, network with 350+ entrepreneurs, investors, and leaders at a milestone evening where community, growth & collaboration meet innovation.

Meet the top 10 finalists, and watch as they pitch their innovations live to a panel of investors and experts for cash prizes!

When: September 24, 2026 | 5:00pm – 9:00pm 

Where: Oakville Banquet & Conference Centre |
2515 Wyecroft Rd, Oakville, ON L6L 6P8