New Venture Pitch Challenge

Develop and deliver — your pitch perfected!

Step into the spotlight with Innovation Factory’s New Venture Pitch Challenge. Catered exclusively for emerging entrepreneurs in the early validation stage, this unique opportunity will help you hone your pitch, gain insightful feedback and connect with potential investors.

The New Venture Pitch Challenge is a 3-week mentorship program is exclusively designed for iF innovators working to validate their solutions.

Not an Innovation Factory client yet?

Apply to become a client for free to access exclusive opportunities like this and more!

Ready to join the challenge?

Sign up to get notified when applications open!

If you have additional questions and are an existing Innovation Factory client, feel free to reach out to your Innovation Advisor.

About the New Venture Pitch Challenge

Curated Selection

10-12 innovators will be selected by Innovation Factory’s Venture Growth team for each challenge.

Comprehensive Training

Refine and perfect your 5-minute pitch under expert guidance through 3 weeks of training.

Angel Audience

The top 5 companies will be invited to present their ideas in front of a panel of angel investors.

Why join the New Venture Pitch Challenge?

It’s more than just a pitch competition; it’s a mentorship program. This three-week challenge is by invitation only and designed for entrepreneurs working to validate their solutions but might not be ready for mainstream pitch competitions. Here, in a supportive and collaborative setting, you’ll have the opportunity to practice, perfect, and present.
New Venture Pitch Challenge: Photo of an older woman entrepreneur presenting to a panel of investors at McMaster Innovation Park.

Are you ready to build your pitch?

Apply to become an Innovation Factory client to gain access to programs like this and additional support to grow your business.

If you’re already a client, sign up to get notified for the next round of applications or contact your Innovation Advisor to learn more about this program.

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