Level up your pitch and your business

Pitch competitions can be a great way for you to gain exposure for your business and win some cash and in-kind prizes. 

Innovation Factory’s pitch competitions go one step further — providing you with training and mentorship.  Not only will you be ready to take the stage, but you will develop skills and business know-how to build a successful venture.

 

David Carter, CEO of Innovation Factory, providing opening remarks at the LiONS LAIR gala event
An individual pitching on stage at the Synapse Life Science Competition, an annual competition hosted by Innovation Factory

Synapse Life Science Pitch Competition

Designed to help move your innovative life science products and services out of the lab and into the market, the Synapse Life Science Competition pairs innovators with business and entrepreneurship students and provides the training, mentorship, and resources to be successful.

Whether you are an innovator, scientist, or researcher, learn more about Ontario’s premier life science pitch competition. Applications to open annually in October.

CITM Innovation Challenges. Photo is a time-lapse of a busy highway at night time to get a blurred effect of car headlights

CITM Innovation Challenges

Access new partners and opportunities for your smart, sustainable transportation business. The CITM Innovation Challenge brings together industry and technology partners to solve the most pressing real-world transportation problems. Challenge winners will have access to pilots, rich tech talent, resources, and other game-changing opportunities.

Learn more about our recent challenges and partners, and stay tuned for our next round of challenges.

An innovator standing on a podium while pitching at Innovation Factory's signature gala event, LiONS LAIR

LiONS LAIR Pitch Competition

Take the stage in Hamilton’s premier pitch competition. LiONS LAIR provides training and mentorship, and brings together a community of innovators, business experts, and industry leaders who directly impact and enable game-changing innovation

Pitch your business in the annual LiONS LAIR Gala for the chance to win big prizes. Finalists are chosen from successful participants of the Founders Fast Track program.

Learn about LiONS LAIR and keep reading to find out more about Founders Fast Track.

Founders Fast Track by Innovation Factory - Training and Mentorship for startups and entrepreneurs, and an entryway into the LiONS LAIR pitch competition

Founders Fast Track Program

Your ticket to participate in LiONS LAIR. Founders Fast Track is an intensive training program designed to equip your start-up as you embark on your first fundraise with the essential tools, resources, and skills you need to succeed. 

Founders Fast Track is the ONLY path to LiONS LAIR. Learn more about the program and stay tuned for the next cohort.

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

New Venture Pitch Challenge

Refine your pitch and seize your opportunity to shine in the New Venture Pitch Challenge. Tailored for early-stage entrepreneurs, this exclusive program offers three weeks of comprehensive pitch training and mentorship — and a chance to pitch in front of angel investors. In this collaborative environment, you’ll practice, perfect, and present your pitch.

Learn more about the New Venture Pitch Challenge and reach out to your Innovation Advisor and see if this opportunity is a fit for you.

Hi5 Pitch Competition at Burlington Convention Centre

Hi5 Pitch Competition

Gain exposure and confidence to pitch in the Hi5 Pitch Competition by Innovation Factory. For high-potential innovators, Hi5 connects you with top industry relationships and recognition. Five early-stage start-ups will deliver a captivating dive-minute pitch in front of five judges for a chance to win $5,000. 

Learn more about our Hi5 Pitch Competition and get notified when the next round of applications open.

Your next pitch could be right around the corner

These exclusive competition opportunities are only open to the top innovations and high-potential businesses. Subscribe to our newsletter so that you never miss a competition deadline.

Finalist testimonials

Meet some incredible innovators and hear what they have to say about participating in Innovation Factory’s pitch competitions.

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News from Innovation Factory's pitch competitions

Synapse Life Science Pitch Competition applications open. Apply by November 10, 2024

Applications for the 2025 Synapse Competition are open!

The Synapse Life Science Competition combines the ideas and research of life science innovators with the intellect and strategy of students. Finalists receive training, mentorship, a $2,000 grant and a chance to pitch and compete for BIG cash prizes!

Applications close on November 10, 2024.