LevelUP Pitch Competition

Get ready to witness innovation in action at the LevelUP Pitch Competition! This high-stakes event brings together eight emerging tech companies as they pitch their businesses to a panel of industry leaders, all competing for a $10,000 cash prize. It's not just a competition—it's a celebration of entrepreneurial success and a showcase of innovations shaping the future of tech.

Why Should You Attend:

• Discover the latest tech innovations: Engage with eight companies as they showcase their progress and pitch their innovative business ideas, ready for the next level.
• Learn from real-world examples: Gain insights from the finalists and see how companies stand out to the judges and potential investors.
• Network with key business leaders and innovators: Connect with investors, regional business leaders, and community supporters who are invested in the success of emerging companies.

Secure your spot today and be part of the LevelUP Pitch Competition, where the next generation of tech innovation is unveiled. This is your chance to connect with industry experts, investors, and top regional entrepreneurs—don't miss out!

Judges:

Jaime Wong

Jaime Wong is the CEO of Maddison Wong Investments, overseeing technology and real estate investments while advising software startups. He co-founded MDBilling.ca, Canada’s largest medical billing software provider, growing it to 60% market share in Ontario before its 2022 acquisition by RBCx. With over 15 years of experience in business development at IBM and other tech firms, he brings deep expertise in scaling ventures. Jaime holds an MBA from Schulich School of Business and a BASc in Electrical Engineering from the University of Toronto. A patent author in OCR technology, he also serves on not-for-profit boards.

Craig Elias

Craig Elias, LinkedIn user #3,956, is Canada’s #1 B2B Sales Expert (LinkedIn, 2018 & 2019) with 10,000+ endorsements. His first startup won a $1M global pitch competition, secured Tier 1 VC funding, and was twice named a top 50 North American company by Dow Jones. He mentors at the Alchemist Accelerator, serves on the SXSW advisory board, and has advised Goldman Sachs’ 10,000 Small Businesses Program. A recipient of the WFCP Gold Award of Excellence in Entrepreneurship, Craig is a Technology Development Advisor for Alberta and a frequent speaker at startup events worldwide.

Rhonda Keenan

Rhonda Keenan is the General Manager of Economic Development for Peterborough County, and has been working in economic development for over 20 years, connecting business to community. Always passionate about supporting small business and keeping it local, she received her professional Ec.D. certification in 2011, an International Certified Economic Developer designation in 2014, and has also completed her Master’s Certificate in Municipal Management from Ontario Tech University. Rhonda has always enjoyed the Ontario cottage lifestyle experience and considers herself fortunate to have both her recreation and permanent home in Peterborough & the Kawarthas.

Kelly Hagen

Kelly Hagen is an experienced executive specializing in corporate strategy, operations, and finance. As former CEO of Entomo Farms, she led Agtech innovation, promoting cricket-based foods as sustainable protein. With nearly 30 years of experience, she has served as COO and CFO at multiple startups, driving growth through strategic finance, operations, and acquisition integration. She has led consulting and software delivery at Ameresco Inc. and successfully navigated Inquent Technologies through the dot-com downturn to a sale. Kelly holds an MBA from Stanford University and a Bachelor of Science from Tufts University.

About LevelUP

LevelUP Business Accelerator is a 12-week accelerator program helping entrepreneurs take their business from MVP to growth-stage. 

Participants learn how to refine their strategy, prepare for market entry, and position themselves for funding. Each week brings new insights, hands-on workshops, and expert guidance to equip you for the next stage of growth.

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