The Road to LionCage (RTLC) series is Penn State’s newest regional pitch platform — and in its very first season, it’s already sparking momentum. Designed to connect and elevate early-stage founders, RTLC is more than a lead-up to the LionCage Grand Finale in November — it’s a celebration of entrepreneurial talent across Southeastern Pennsylvania.
So far, three pitch events have already taken place, and three more are on deck — with the LionCage 2025 Pitch Competition closing out the season on November 14, 2025.
If you’re an innovator with a bold idea or growing business, now is the time to apply for your chance to pitch.
Applications are open now at lioncage.greatvalleylaunchbox.com
What Is Road to LionCage?
The Road to LionCage is a six-event regional pitch series, each one designed around a unique founder group or startup theme. Winners from each event earn a guaranteed spot at LionCage 2025, where they’ll pitch for $5,000 category prizes and a $10,000 Best in Show award at Penn State Great Valley.
Each RTLC event offers:
- A live pitch platform
- Audience and judge feedback
- Access to mentors and ecosystem leaders
- A direct path to the LionCage Grand Finale
Past RTLC Events
Women Founders
March 26, 2025 — Penn State Brandywine
Startups led by women founders competed for a spot at LionCage and shared stories of grit, innovation, and leadership.
Open Category – All Industries
May 21, 2025 — Discovery Labs, King of Prussia
This inclusive event welcomed founders from every industry—from physical products and services to tech and social enterprise.
Social Impact Initiative
July 23, 2025 — Chester County United Way, Exton
Focused on ventures addressing real-world challenges in education, community health, sustainability, and equity.
Each of these events crowned a winner that will be pitching again on the main stage this November.
Upcoming RTLC Events – Apply Now
There’s still time to join the journey. The final three Road to LionCage pitch events are coming up this fall:
Open Category – All Industries
September 11, 2025 — Comcast LIFT Labs, Philadelphia
Founders from all industries are invited to pitch in one of Philly’s premier innovation hubs.
Young Entrepreneurs
September 30, 2025 — Downingtown STEM Academy
Spotlighting high school and college founders with bold, early-stage ventures.
Veteran Founders
October 15, 2025 — Hosted By Layer 8 Security. Being held at Green Castle Consulting, Malvern
An event honoring entrepreneurs with military service backgrounds.
All events are open to students, alumni, faculty, and community entrepreneurs. You do not need to be affiliated with Penn State to participate.
LionCage Grand Finale: November 14, 2025
The season ends with the LionCage Grand Pitch Competition, held at Penn State Great Valley on November 14, 2025.
Top founders from all RTLC events will compete in four categories:
- New Startup – Early-stage ventures
- Experienced Startup – Revenue-generating businesses
- Student – High school and college founders
- Social Impact Initiative – Mission-driven ventures (with United Way of Chester County)
Each category winner receives $5,000, and the overall “Best in Show” will take home an additional $10,000.
Take the Next Step
Whether you’re building a startup, launching a side hustle, or simply exploring entrepreneurship — Road to LionCage is your chance to take the stage.
Pitch.
Connect.
Grow.
Apply now for the final RTLC events at lioncage.greatvalleylaunchbox.com
Let your idea lead the way — this is your road to LionCage.
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