ROAD TO LION CAGE 2026
GET READY TO ROAR! After the incredible momentum of LionCage 2025, we’re excited to kick off the Road to LionCage 2026, starting this March at the Penn State Brandywine LaunchBox! Join us for an electrifying series of six pitch competitions across the Greater Philadelphia region, running from March through October — all leading up to the ultimate startup showdown: LionCage 2026.
This year, we listened to your feedback — and we’re opening the stage wider than ever. Every Road to LionCage event is open to all founders and all startups. While select events will feature special celebration themes highlighting women founders and veteran founders (complete with inspiring speakers and expert judges), these themes are about lifting up those communities — not limiting who can pitch. If you’ve got a great company, we want to hear it.
Each event is a high-energy opportunity to showcase your innovation, connect with mentors and investors, and compete for automatic entry into the LionCage 2026 Grand Finale. The road begins in March — are you ready to take your shot?
LIONCAGE 2026 @ Penn State Great Valley!
WHEN: November 6th, 2026 | 8:30am - 4:00pm
WHERE: Penn State Great Valley Conference Center | Malvern, PA
The Road Ends Here. The Competition Begins.
After months of competition, innovation, and entrepreneurial energy across the Greater Philadelphia region, the Road to LionCage reaches its ultimate destination — LionCage 2026!
Join us at Penn State Great Valley for the exciting grand finale of the 2026 Road to LionCage season, where more than 20 innovative startups will compete for their share of over $35,000 in prizes and awards across more than seven categories.
Throughout the year, the Road to LionCage pitch series has brought together entrepreneurs, investors, mentors, and business leaders, giving emerging companies opportunities to showcase their ideas, receive feedback, and build valuable connections. Now, the season's top startups come together for one high-energy event celebrating the creativity, determination, and entrepreneurial spirit driving our region forward.
LionCage is more than a pitch competition — it's a celebration of innovation, entrepreneurship, and community.
Expect fast-paced pitches, inspiring founder stories, meaningful networking, and a firsthand look at some of the region's most promising emerging businesses. Whether you're an entrepreneur, investor, business leader, student, or supporter of bold ideas, LionCage 2026 offers a front-row seat to the future of innovation.
Meet Our Judges
Our distinguished panel brings together expertise in venture investment, corporate innovation, technology, finance, and economic development.
Katie Teuber | Senior Director, Comcast LIFT Labs
Katie leads startup engagement at Comcast NBCUniversal's LIFT Labs, connecting emerging companies with enterprise leaders and commercial opportunities. With more than a decade of experience in business development, strategy, and commercial negotiations, she brings expertise in scaling innovation, enterprise AI adoption, and evaluating startups from both corporate and investment perspectives.
Dan Ostien | Chair, i2n Angels
Dan brings more than 35 years of experience in taxation, finance, treasury, and risk management across public accounting, corporate enterprises, and private equity. As Chair of i2n Angels, he contributes extensive financial expertise and valuable insight into business growth, investment readiness, and long-term sustainability.
Keith Wiley | Chief Digital Officer, Layer 8 Security
Keith is a technology and innovation leader with experience spanning financial services, pharmaceuticals, research and development, and cybersecurity. A strong advocate for innovation through collaboration, experimentation, and problem-solving, he brings valuable perspective on turning innovative ideas into practical business solutions.
Brad Zdenek | Director of Economic Development and Student Programs, Penn State University
Brad works to advance economic growth, innovation, and student success throughout Pennsylvania. His work focuses on strengthening regional entrepreneurial ecosystems and connecting academic resources, emerging entrepreneurs, and industry partners to create opportunities for business growth.
One Stage. Big Ideas. Over $35,000 in Awards.
With more than 20 companies competing across over seven award categories, LionCage 2026 promises an exciting showcase of entrepreneurial talent.
Beyond the competition, LionCage provides founders with opportunities to gain visibility, connect with investors and business leaders, and build relationships that can help move their companies forward.
Presented through the collaborative efforts of Great Valley LaunchBox, Brandywine LaunchBox, and Ideas x Innovation Network (i2n), LionCage brings together the people and organizations helping shape the next generation of successful companies.
Come celebrate the founders, support local startups, and experience the energy of our entrepreneurial community.
The road ends November 6 at Penn State Great Valley. Don't miss LionCage 2026!
2026 COMPLETED EVENTS
OPEN CATEGORY!
Independence LIVE @ Independence Blue Cross
WHEN: September 16, 2026 | 1pm - 5pm
WHERE: Indpendence Live, Philadelphia
Road to LionCage 2026 Pitch Competition
Join us for a high-energy Road to LionCage 2026 pitch event, where founders from across the region come together to showcase bold ideas, connect with mentors and investors, and compete for a spot in the LionCage 2026 Grand Finale.
These events are open to all startups at any stage. While select dates may feature special celebration themes (such as honoring women or veteran founders), every event welcomes any company to pitch. Expect inspiring speakers, expert judges, valuable feedback, and meaningful networking with fellow entrepreneurs and ecosystem leaders.
Each pitch competition offers founders the chance to gain visibility, sharpen their story, and earn automatic entry into LionCage 2026 by taking the top spot.
Whether you’re launching your first startup or scaling your next venture, this is your opportunity to step into the spotlight and be part of the Road to LionCage.
OPEN CATEGORY!
BEN FRANKLIN TECHNOLOGY PARTNERS (Philadelphia)
June 17th , 2026
WHEN: June 17th, 2026 5:00PM - 9:00PM
WHERE: Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania
Road to LionCage 2026 Pitch Competion
We’re excited to continue the Road to LionCage 2026 with a special stop at Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania on June 17.
This event brings the LionCage pitch experience into one of the region’s most important innovation ecosystems. Ben Franklin Technology Partners has long supported entrepreneurs across Southeastern Pennsylvania by helping early-stage companies access the capital, counsel, and connections needed to grow transformative businesses.
Founders from across the region will take the stage to pitch bold ideas, receive expert feedback, and compete for automatic entry into the LionCage 2026 Grand Finale. This event is open to startups at any stage, and we welcome entrepreneurs from every background to participate.
Expect an evening of high-energy pitches, meaningful networking, inspiring conversations, and connections with mentors, judges, investors, ecosystem leaders, and fellow founders — all in celebration of innovation and entrepreneurship across the Greater Philadelphia region.
Whether you’re launching your first venture, building a technology-driven company, or scaling your next big idea, we’re thrilled to bring the Road to LionCage to Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania and can’t wait to see what you bring to the stage.
OPEN CATEGORY!
ABINGTON LAUNCHBOX April 21st, 2026
WHEN: April 21, 2026 | 5 - 9 PM
WHERE: Penn State Abington LaunchBox | Abington, PA
Road to LionCage 2026 — Abington LaunchBox Debut (April 21)
We’re excited to bring the Road to LionCage 2026 to a new campus! Join us on April 21 for our very first pitch competition at the Abington LaunchBox at Penn State Abington — and help us kick off an exciting new chapter in the LionCage journey.
Founders from across the region will take the stage to pitch bold ideas, receive expert feedback, and compete for automatic entry into the LionCage 2026 Grand Finale. This event is open to all startups at any stage, and we welcome entrepreneurs from every background to participate.
Expect an evening of high-energy pitches, meaningful networking, inspiring conversations, and connections with mentors, judges, investors, and fellow founders — all in celebration of innovation and entrepreneurship at Penn State Abington.
Whether you’re launching your first venture or scaling your next big idea, we’re thrilled to be coming to the Abington campus and can’t wait to see what you bring to the stage.
OPEN CATEGORY!
BRANDYWINE LAUNCHBOX: March 18th, 2026
WHEN: March 18, 2025 | 5 - 9 PM
WHERE: Brandywine LaunchBox | Media, PA
Road to LionCage 2026 — Brandywine LaunchBox Kickoff (March 18)
The Road to LionCage 2026 officially begins on March 18 at the Brandywine LaunchBox at Penn State Brandywine — and we’re kicking things off in a big way by celebrating women founders!
Join us for our first pitch competition of the year, where startups from across the region will take the stage to share bold ideas, gain valuable feedback, and compete for automatic entry into the LionCage 2026 Grand Finale.
This event proudly highlights women entrepreneurs with special judges and speakers, but all founders and all startups are welcome to pitch. We heard your feedback — if you’ve got a great company, this stage is yours.
Expect an evening filled with inspiring stories, high-energy pitches, meaningful connections, and a supportive community of founders, mentors, investors, and ecosystem leaders.
Whether you’re launching something new or scaling your next venture, come be part of the Road to LionCage and help us start 2026 with a roar.
