The energy was electric, the ideas were groundbreaking, and the spirit of innovation was on full display at the Niagara Falls Innovation Hub’s highly anticipated Demo Day 2025. Held on Thursday, January 30th, this event brought together entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders for an evening of networking, pitches, and celebration of entrepreneurial excellence.
A Night of Innovation and Connection
The event kicked off at 4:30 PM with registration and networking, setting the stage for a dynamic night ahead. Attendees explored demo booths, connecting with founders and discovering innovative startups before gathering for the opening remarks.
Honouring Graduates
The highlight of the early portion of the event was the graduation ceremony, recognizing the dedication and achievements of participants from the Business Basics, Magnificent Women’s Market, and Investor Readiness programs. Dan Bordenave, CEO of NFIH kicked things off followed by Mayor Diodati of the City of Niagara Falls delivering inspiring remarks before graduates took the stage for the celebratory hat throw, marking a significant milestone in their entrepreneurial journeys.
High-Stakes Pitch Competition
One of the most exhilarating segments of the night was the business pitch competition, where exceptional founders took the stage to present their ventures to an esteemed panel of judges. With only five minutes to showcase their ideas, each entrepreneur delivered compelling pitches that demonstrated their innovation, business acumen, and passion.
The judges—Dean Spironello, Angela Davidson, Fred Davies, Mark Basciano, Chris Walker, and Nicholas Conlon—had the challenging task of assigning a lineup of impressive contenders with various levels of achievement and reward. The community is encouraged to learn more about these incredible founders and businesses:
Richard Gingras, GooseEyes
Vinay Nair, KhetiBuddy
Sandeep Mahal, TechRyde Inc.
Eleanor Pineau, Myco Pet
Subhi Alsayed, Kulture Rebellion
Milad Nourvand, LingUp
In addition to the above businesses, the community vote winners announced were Canna Aromas, Nobel AI and Sciensync.
Celebrating Success and Looking Ahead
Following the pitch competition, winners were awarded prizes, generously sponsored by Frank Riddle, CFP (RBC Wealth Management), Blue Ocean Angels Canada, the City of Niagara Falls, and the Niagara Falls Small Business Enterprise Centre. Their support plays a crucial role in helping these startups move forward and turn their visions into reality.
The night concluded with more networking, providing attendees the opportunity to reflect on the evening’s events, build new connections, and explore potential collaborations.
A Thriving Community of Entrepreneurs
Demo Day 2025 was more than just a competition; it was a celebration of innovation, resilience, and community. The Niagara Falls Innovation Hub continues to be a catalyst for aspiring entrepreneurs, offering programs such as:
Business Basics – Supporting early-stage businesses with foundational knowledge and mentorship.
Magnificent Women’s Market – A platform for women-identifying entrepreneurs to access brick and mortar retail space and further refine their business model.
Investor Readiness – Preparing qualified startups to attract investment and scale.
As the night came to a close, one thing was clear—Niagara’s entrepreneurial ecosystem is stronger than ever. Congratulations once again to all the participants, winners, and graduates, and a heartfelt thank you to our judges, sponsors, and attendees for making Demo Day 2025 an unforgettable success.
Couldn’t make the event? Catch the full recording on our YouTube channel and stay updated on upcoming events at nfinnovationhub.ca/events.
