Ideation Lab Pitch Competition | Fall 2022

Join us from 5:30pm to 6:30pm on Thursday, December 15 for the Ideation Lab Pitch Competition! Watch 5 finalists compete for prize money and in-kind prizes, see examples of how the pitching process works, and understand what to expect from investors and interested parties.

This event is facilitated by ICUBE at the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) and will be held virtually via ZOOM. Register for free using the Eventbrite link below!

Eligibility Criteria:

• Member of the Fall 2022 Ideation Lab
• Successfully completed 3 online modules as part of the program requirements
• Attended 2 virtual and/or in-person events before the time of application

Judging Criteria:

The panel of judges will be looking for the venture’s:

• Opportunity: A clearly identified problem and articulated and compelling value proposition
• Viability and impact: Demonstrated traction, market opportunity and knowledge
• Growth potential: Sustainable and scalable idea
• Innovation: Intellectual property and/or strong competitive differentiation
• Talent: A strong team
• Communication skills: An effective and persuasive overall application and pitch presentation

Prizes:

• 1st place: $3,500.00 + $500.00 in-kind support from Optinum to work on your blueprint to optimize for positive social impact or financial sustainability”
• 2nd place: 1,000.00
• PC: $500.00

Judges:

Prabaarja Bedi is a two-time entrepreneur and marketer passionate about social impact and environmental sustainability with strong interpersonal and networking skills. With over seven years of professional experience, she has worked in growth marketing, as an entrepreneur in the sustainable fashion and wellness living industries, and as a research associate with a global investment business for early-stage entrepreneurs. Aarja is an MBA from Babson College with a major in entrepreneurship. As an entrepreneur, she has graduated from various accelerators and incubators in the US and Canada.

Kyle Wang is the co-founder of Archipelago, a personalized health and wellness company that designs custom workout programs based on your unique goals, lifestyles and DNA. Kyle has spent all of his time doing 3 things: 1. Pushing Archipelago toward its mission of giving everyone the tools and knowledge to achieve their best health, 2. Broadening the company's understanding of genetics through his PhD, and 3. Connecting with intelligent people with a vision for a better world.

Rick Makos has over 35 years of industry experience in consultative sales, marketing, product development and professional services. Rick has deep experience in growing businesses that focus on building analytical ecosystems that generate value for the businesses they are deployed. He has worked in Canada, the United States, Europe and Asia, leading divisions within large multi-national corporations, and managing pre-IPO organizations. Rick has worked with many major companies on business focused implementations of Data Warehousing, Analytics, Digital Manufacturing, and IIOT systems. Some these clients include US Patent & Trademark Office, Royal Bank of Canada, TD Bank, Bank of America, McCain Foods, Rogers Communications, Bell Canada, MARS, Dupont, Sierra Nevada Corporation, and Bristol-Myers. His past positions include, President Callisto Integration, President and CEO Phemi Systems, CEO of Angoss Software, and President of NCR Canada and Teradata Canada.