The Road to Lion Cage is off to a powerful start, spotlighting visionary entrepreneurs across the region through a dynamic series of pitch competitions. With two exciting stops completed, the momentum is building toward the grand finale at LionCage 2025, where the region’s most promising startups will compete for top honors and new opportunities.
Stop 1: Women Founders Lead the Way
The journey kicked off on March 26 at Penn State Brandywine with the Women Founders Pitch Competition. This inspiring event showcased seven incredible startup entrepreneurs and featured a thought-provoking panel discussion on leadership, resilience, and innovation.
Winner Caitlin West took the top spot with her startup, Alivio Technologies Inc., a company innovating in medical care for chronic pain. West earned automatic entry into the LionCage finale, set for November 14 at Penn State Great Valley.
Second place was awarded to Ginny Palmieri for myNextory, a career-path management platform helping users visualize and pursue their professional goals.
Stop 2: Open Call Brings the Unexpected
Our second stop was the Open Call Pitch Competition, where creativity and innovation stole the show.
Dillon Fink emerged as the winner with Whirlpong, a fun and competitive game concept that wowed the judges.
Matt Canning, creator of NoPlex, an empowering app designed to help individuals with ADHD and anxiety thrive in a neurotypical world, claimed the runner-up spot.
Up Next: Social Impact Takes the Stage
Mark your calendars for July 23, when the Road to Lion Cage heads to the United Way of Chester County for a pitch event focused on social impact entrepreneurs. Expect powerful ideas with purpose as founders showcase ventures aimed at making a difference.
What’s Still to Come
- September 11: Open Call Pitch Competition at the Comcast Center in Philadelphia
- September 30: Youth Entrepreneurs Pitch Competition at Downingtown STEM Academy
- October 15: Veteran Founders Pitch Competition at Layer 8 Security in Malvern
The Finale: LionCage 2025 – November 14
After months of competition, creativity, and community, all our winning founders will come together on November 14 at Penn State Great Valley for the LionCage 2025 Finale. Finalists will pitch to a distinguished panel of judges in a high-energy showdown for bragging rights, support, and exposure.
These entrepreneurs represent the future of business in the Greater Philadelphia region—bold ideas, real impact, and the courage to pitch them.
Stay tuned for more updates, founder highlights, and event registration links. Want to pitch your idea? Applications are still open for upcoming competitions — this could be your shot to roar.