After the dust settled, WorkScore.ai has been declared the winner of the Innovation Cluster’s LevelUP Pitch Competition at downtown Peterborough’s Market Hall on Tuesday afternoon.
Alex Bilyan, Chief Sales Officer of WorkScore.ai, took home the top prize with its AI-powered platform which is designed to optimize warehouse efficiency through real-time performance tracking.
“We’ve come a long way since the start of the year, and the LevelUP program has been incredibly valuable in shaping our success,” said Bilyan. “The difference in our pitch from the beginning to now is remarkable. The mentor sessions were instrumental in helping us refine our pitch, stripping out unnecessary details and building confidence through feedback from different perspectives.”
Runner-up finalist Kuwota received a comprehensive branding package valued at $10,000. Their mental health platform provides a safe space for users to journal and share entries confidentially with their licensed therapists according to Innovation Cluster.
The audience participated in voting for the Best-in-Show prize which was awarded to Creativity by Cod. The prize includes five Expert-In-Resident (ExIR) sessions from the Innovation Cluster to help the company further advance its growth.
"Judges evaluate many factors—the polish, timing, and enthusiasm of each pitch. Some people are natural presenters, while others need to practice to convey their passion,” said Gilberto Gandra, competition judge. “What ultimately set the winner apart was a combination of enthusiasm, visuals, clarity, and investability.”
“The talent and dedication we witnessed at the second cohort of the 2024 LevelUP Pitch Competition were exceptional,” shared Nicole Stephenson, Chair of the Board of Directors. “It was inspiring to watch each cohort participant grow, evolve and refine their business during the program. LevelUP’s mission to foster the Peterborough and Kawarthas region’s most promising businesses is vital to strengthening our community’s economy and reinforcing our role as a center of innovation.”