Gryphon’s LAAIR Showcase and Pitch – Ontario

Ready, set, pitch!

The Research Innovation Office at the University of Guelph (UoG) is pleased to celebrate innovators who are putting knowledge into action in ways that have real world impact!

Kicking off the second annual #CanadianInnovationWeek at the University of Guelph and beginning with an afternoon of dialogue and case studies that highlight the many ways UoG researchers identify needs and validate concepts that can improve the lives of external stakeholders, the Gryphon’s LAAIR Innovation Showcase will feature stories about commercialization as well as knowledge mobilization. The day culminates in a high-energy pitch competition where six corporations with roots in the UofG research community will go head-to-head to win a total of $15,000 in prizes!

The six companies pitching on May 21st are: FloNergia, LifeScanner, Griffinix, WeVitro, SP Nutraceuticals and eQCell. In the lead up to Innovation Week, each team isinvolved in a rigorous preparation program that includes one-on-one training and coaching from Canadian pitch master Frank Erschen and Silicon Valley based investment veteran Jagruti Bhikha.

On May 21^st, each of the teams will deliver a 5-minute pitch in front of five venerable judges recruited from the top ranks of the Canadian business world. This discerning group will take the measure of the pitches and choose a $7,500 grand prize winner; meanwhile, the audience — expected to number over 200 — will have an opportunity to cast their votes to select a People’s Choice prize winner who will be awarded $2,500 to help grow their business.

If you’d like to know more about this event or want to attend, please contact the Research Innovation Office.