Entrepreneurs, investors, and innovation ecosystem leaders gathered in Mississauga for the IDEA Step-Up Program Pitch, an event designed to spotlight scaling companies and the founders behind them as they take their next steps toward growth.
Held under the theme “Momentum to Millions: Where Ambition Becomes Acceleration,” the showcase featured startup pitches, networking opportunities, and a candid founder discussion focused on the realities of building and scaling companies.
The event opened with a founder panel featuring Donna Heslin, Manager of Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Ali Shahid, founder of Food Mamba, Shirley Zhong, Co-founder and COO of Xatoms, and Kareem Abdur Rashid, Co-founder and CEO of Kore Chemicals.
During the discussion, panelists shared lessons learned from their entrepreneurial journeys, emphasizing the importance of leveraging startup accelerators and ecosystem support programs to access mentorship, funding opportunities, and strategic connections. Founders also spoke openly about resilience, noting that setbacks and failures are often essential building blocks on the path to success.
A recurring theme throughout the conversation was the importance of persistence. Rather than viewing failures as obstacles, panelists encouraged entrepreneurs to treat each challenge as a learning opportunity that contributes to long-term growth.
The evening’s main event featured live pitches from six companies participating in the IDEA Step-Up Program:
1. DigiBiomics Inc.
A health technology company developing artificial intelligence-powered solutions for early diagnosis and personalized treatment. Its flagship platform, PulmoDeep, uses clinical and imaging data to help detect lung diseases, while the company is also advancing applications in cancer screening, drug discovery, and predictive healthcare.
2. K-Wills Inc.
A digital estate planning platform that helps individuals create wills, manage digital assets, and simplify inheritance planning. The company aims to modernize how people protect and transfer their digital and personal legacies.
3. Shop3D
A Canadian supplier of 3D printing technology, materials, and equipment. The company provides businesses, educational institutions, and makers with access to leading international 3D printing brands while eliminating many of the challenges associated with cross-border purchasing.
4. EduTechnoz
An education technology company building gamified learning solutions designed to improve student engagement and learning outcomes. Its initial focus is on Arabic literacy, using interactive digital tools to make language learning more accessible and effective.
5. Flik FX Inc.
A technology company developing an integrated ecosystem spanning aerospace, communications, intelligence, advertising, and energy. The company is focused on building autonomous infrastructure and next-generation technologies designed for aerial and space-based applications.
6. Neuropeutics Inc.
A pharmaceutical company developing targeted therapies for neurodegenerative diseases. Its research is focused on extending patient survival and improving quality of life through innovative treatments for conditions with significant unmet medical needs.
The startups presented their growth strategies and visions for scaling across sectors including technology, life sciences, and advanced manufacturing.
Pitch Competition Winners
Following the pitches, a panel of judges selected three winners:
1. First Place ($10,000)
eduTechnoz
2. Second Place ($6,000)
Neuropeutics Inc.
3. Third Place ($4,000)
Flik FX Inc.
Beyond the competition, the event provided attendees with an opportunity to connect directly with founders, industry professionals, ecosystem partners, and representatives from the City of Mississauga.
The IDEA Step-Up Program showcase demonstrated the strength of Mississauga’s growing innovation ecosystem, highlighting a new generation of founders focused on transforming momentum into measurable business growth. As participants shared their experiences and ambitions, the event reinforced a common message heard throughout the evening: building a successful company is rarely a straight path, but resilience, community support, and continuous learning can help turn challenges into opportunities.
