2026 LiONS LAIR Gala
Celebrating 16 years of innovation!
Date: September 24th, 2026
Location: Oakville Banquet & Conference Centre
2515 Wyecroft Rd., Oakville, ON L6L 6P8
Join us at the 16th annual LiONS LAIR Pitch Competition and Gala!
Thank you for joining us at the 15th annual LiONS LAIR Pitch Competition and Gala!
For more than a decade, 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. We look forward to welcoming you to an unforgettable evening as we celebrate the journey and future of entrepreneurship!
What you'll Experience at the 2026 LiONS LAIR Gala:
- Network with the Who’s-Who: Connect with 350+ industry leaders, investors, entrepreneurs, and experts 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 an energetic and celebratory atmosphere.
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 2026 LiONS LAIR Grand Prize Winner.
Tickets are on sale until September 3rd, 2026
To request an invoice or for any additional information or accommodation needs, please contact [email protected]
LiONS LAIR: A legacy of community, growth and collaboration
Building a business is rarely a solo endeavor; it is fueled by the strength of the ecosystem surrounding it. What began over fifteen years ago as a vision to put our region’s innovators on the map has evolved into a platform for commercialization.
LiONS LAIR goes beyond the pitch stage to support founders with access to strategic partnerships, mentorship, and industry-specific resources, helping them reach market. Success isn’t just about the final pitch—it’s about the enduring support of a community dedicated to driving homegrown companies onto the global stage.
Thank you for being a part of the innovation ecosystem.
2026 LiONS Lair Program
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
Stay Connected!
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(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.
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.
Tickets sales are now closed
If you have any questions or concerns, please email [email protected]