Road to LionCage - Young Entrepreneurs

Schedule

Tue Sep 30 2025 at 04:00 pm to 07:00 pm

UTC-04:00

Location

Downingtown S.T.E.M. Academy | Downingtown, PA

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A Pitch Competition Especially for High School Student Entrepreneurs from Across Southeastern Pennsylvania!
About this Event

Invent Penn State and the LaunchBoxes at Penn State Brandywine and Great Valley, are partnering with the Ideas x Innovation Network (i2n) to present.

New this year is , a series of six small, intimate pitch competitions that lead to the LionCage Pitch Competition in the fall of 2025. The September 30 session is specifically focused on high school student entrepreneurs.



Details:


  • The program will kick-off with a dynamic and informative panel discussion featuring successful entrepreneurs and business leaders. Moderated by Troy Podell - Downingtown Area School District, the panel includes Peter Hornberger - Penn State Abington, Jessica Hallahan - Journey To Yourself Consulting, and 2024 LionCage Young Entrepreneur winner, Aryan Patel. You will gain valuable insights, learn from their experiences, and get expert advice on taking your business to the next level.
  • 5 to 7 entrepreneurs will pitch their idea, product or service. Each will have five minutes to pitch followed by three minutes of Q&A with a panel of judges. Our esteemed judges include Peter Hornberger - Penn State Abington, and Tom Burke - AOIC, LLC and i2n Board Co-Chair, plus others to be announced.
  • Two winners will be selected. Prizes: $500 to first place and $250 to second place. PLUS, the first place winner will automatically qualify for the main LionCage Pitch Competition on November 14 where participants compete for thousands of dollars in prize money.

If you are you a student entrepreneur from a high school located across the six-county community of southeastern Pennsylvania with a big idea for a startup company, then Road to LionCage is for you! We invite high school students who are current or aspiring entrepreneurs to apply for this special pitch competition!

This is your chance to:

  • Pitch your startup or idea in front of a live audience
  • Connect with real entrepreneurs and mentors
  • Win a spot at LionCage 2025, the region’s top pitch competition

Whether you’ve got a tech idea, a solution to an old problem, or a big dream, we want to hear from you. Bring your passion, your creativity, and your hustle.



September 30 Agenda:

4:00 p.m. Registration

4:30 p.m. Opening Remarks

4:45 p.m. Panel Discussion

5:30 p.m. Pitch Presentations

6:30 p.m. Winners Announced and Reception

Guests are welcome and encouraged to attend, cheer on their favorite entrepreneur, listen to an inspiring panel discussion, and make new connections with business and community leaders.

There is no cost to pitch or attend. Advance registration required.



APPLY TO PITCH:

for more details and an application. Note: This link is for applications only. Applications due no later than September 9, 12:01 a.m.



ATTEND THE EVENT:

Click on the "Get Tickets" button. Remember, there is no cost to attend but advance registration is required. Registration closes at noon on September 29.


About LionCage:

Now in its second year, LionCage is presented by Invent Penn State and the LaunchBoxes at Penn State Brandywine and Great Valley, and the Ideas x Innovation Network (i2n) to support entrepreneurs and innovators across all of southeastern Pennsylvania.

about LionCage and a recap of the 2024 event.

___________________________________

The Ideas x Innovation Network (i2n) is an initiative of the Chester County Economic Development Council. Our mission is to make southeastern Pennsylvania the best possible place for early-stage and technology-driven companies to start, grow, and thrive.



Thank you to all of our supporters.
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Where is it happening?

Downingtown S.T.E.M. Academy, 335 Manor Avenue, Downingtown, United States

Event Location & Nearby Stays:

Tickets

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Ideas x Innovation Network (i2n)

Host or Publisher Ideas x Innovation Network (i2n)

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