16th Annual LiONS LAIR Gala

Inside the 16th Annual LiONS LAIR Gala:

Innovation Factory’s LiONS LAIR is an annual pitch competition that brings together the entrepreneurship and innovation community from across Hamilton, Halton, Brant, and Norfolk.

Now celebrating its 16th year, LiONS LAIR has been the heartbeat of innovation in the region for over a decade and a half—championing community, growth, and collaboration. The competition gives finalist companies the opportunity to pitch their ventures to a panel of top business experts—the “LiONS”—for a chance to win cash and in-kind prizes.

Since its inaugural event in 2011, LiONS LAIR has grown into a premier regional event, attracting hundreds of leaders from the business and startup communities. This year’s gala promises an exciting evening as we continue to celebrate innovation and entrepreneurial success.

What You'll Experience:

• Network with the Who’s Who: Connect with 400+ industry leaders, investors, entrepreneurs, and innovators shaping the future of business.
• Watch Top Innovators Pitch LIVE: Experience the excitement as finalists go head-to-head on stage, competing for prizes and recognition.
• An Evening of Celebration: Enjoy a delicious dinner, refreshing drinks, and unparalleled networking and premier pitches in a dynamic, high-energy atmosphere.

Tickets & Tables:

• Purchase a table of 8 tickets for $2000 +HST
• Purchase individual tickets for $250 +HST

If you would prefer to receive an invoice, please contact us at to request one for table purchases ONLY.

Please note that ALL Ticket sales close September 3rd

About Innovation Factory:

Innovation Factory is a not-for-profit business accelerator and a regional innovation centre, serving as the catalyst for technology innovation in Southern Ontario since 2010.

Providing business advisory services, training, mentorship, and strategic connections, Innovation Factory helps drive market adoption, revenues, investment, jobs and leverage of intellectual property. Innovators can also access sector-specific resources including exclusive smart transportation test environments and data and formal life science and health innovation ecosystems.

Funded by the Government of Ontario, Innovation Factory helps Ontario-based innovators and entrepreneurs clear commercialization hurdles — accelerating the growth of companies so that they can compete and succeed globally and create high-quality jobs in our province.

*Attendance at this event implies consent to be photographed and for the photos to be used or shared at the discretion of the organizers.*

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