2025 LiONS LAIR Gala
Thank you for celebrating 15 years of innovation: Our journey from foundation to future
Date: September 25th, 2025
Location: Oakville Banquet & Conference Centre
2515 Wyecroft Rd., Oakville, ON L6L 6P8
We look forward to having you join us at the 15th annual LiONS LAIR Pitch Competition and Gala!
Thank you for joining us at the 15th annual LiONS LAIR Pitch Competition and Gala!
This year marked an incredible milestone: the 15th anniversary of LiONS LAIR! For a decade and a half, we’ve had the privilege of connecting innovative ventures with the support and community they need to grow in the Hamilton-Halton region and beyond. Thank you for a memorable evening as we celebrated this journey and the future of entrepreneurship.
What to expect at the LiONS LAIR 2025 Gala:
- Network with the who’s-who: Connect with 350+ industry leaders, investors, entrepreneurs, and experts who are shaping the future of business and innovation.
- Watch the top innovators pitch LIVE: Experience the thrill as our finalists go head-to-head on stage, vying for cash prizes.
- Enjoy an evening of celebration: Enjoy dinner, drinks, and networking opportunities in a dynamic and celebratory atmosphere.
LiONS LAIR: A legacy of community, growth and collaboration
Over 15 years, LiONS LAIR has grown from a bold idea into a powerful platform for regional innovation. We’re proud to share the story of our evolution over the past decade and a half:
(2011 - 2015) Building the foundation through COMMUNITY
In our early years, LiONS LAIR was born from a vision to foster a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem. This era was all about building community, connecting innovators, and taking the initial risks to put our region on the map for start-ups. It was about creating a space where ideas could take root and grow, supported by local leaders and a burgeoning network.
(2016 - 2020) Igniting innovation through GROWTH
As LiONS LAIR matured, it truly hit its stride, scaling its impact and becoming a catalyst for innovation across diverse sectors. This era saw an explosion of new ideas and a deeper commitment to igniting innovation, as start-ups leveraged the LiONS LAIR platform to gain visibility, secure crucial funding, and accelerate their market entry. We saw our companies and past finalists begin to make real waves.
(2021 - 2025) Fostering success through COLLABORATION
Today, LiONS LAIR stands as a testament to the power of collaboration. It’s more than just a competition; it’s a powerful platform, a respected legacy, and a vision for what’s next. In this era, we’ve seen an intensified focus on strategic partnerships, cross-sector integration, and a collective effort to propel our homegrown companies onto the global stage. We’re actively working to build an even stronger, more connected ecosystem where every founder feels seen and supported.
Who will be there?
As the region’s premier pitch competition, LiONS LAIR brings together a diverse community of innovators, entrepreneurs, business experts and industry leaders who directly impact and enable the game-changing innovation happening across sectors like cleantech, femtech, SaaS, medtech, and life sciences. Connect with the competition finalists, and discover how they amaze, inspire, and impact their respective industries.
Check out a sneak peek of what to expect at the LiONS LAIR Gala
A final opportunity to impress
Meet all 10 finalists, and watch as they pitch their innovations live on stage. They have spent the season working diligently with our expert advisors through the Founders Fast Track program, attending intensive workshops, refining their business strategies, and developing their pitches to impress our LiONS. Watch as they bravely showcase their companies, vying for cash prizes, and a chance to claim the prestigious title of the 2025 LiONS LAIR Grand Prize Winner.
Agenda
5:00PM: Doors Open & Cocktail Networking
6:00PM: Dinner Service Begins
7:00PM: Let the Show Begin! (Pitch Competition & Awards)
9:00PM: Post-Gala Networking
Tickets are on sale until September 4th, 2025
To request an invoice, additional information or accommodations, please email [email protected]
Tickets sales are now closed
If you have any questions or concerns, please email [email protected]