August 6, 2024

Pitch to the Chief™ Returns to Venture13

Cobourg, ON—The V13 Policetech Accelerator’s Pitch to the Chief™ competition, hosted in partnership with the Cobourg Police Service (CPS) and NCFDC, will return to Venture13 Innovation Commons in Cobourg, Ontario, on Wednesday, September 25, 2024. Pitch to the Chief™ offers the chance to connect and engage early-stage companies in developing strategies for crime prevention and community wellness. The competition engages participants in collaborative problem-solving while building upon their entrepreneurial skills.

Police across Canada face increased accountability metrics, which has directly impacted officer workload through heightened documentation and paperwork requirements. Pitch to the Chief™ 2024 calls for technological innovations to enhance officer efficiency. In front of a panel of judges comprised of Ontario police chiefs, companies will showcase their innovative technologies that will decrease complexities and streamline operations for officers, allowing more time for patrol. Pitches will be required to showcase a direct correlation between the technology offering and cost savings.

“The V13 Policetech Accelerator, a joint initiative between Cobourg Police Service and NCFDC, seeks innovative, sustainable solutions to the issues facing Cobourg Police Service and police services across Ontario,” said Chief Paul VandeGraaf of the Cobourg Police Service. “With increased documentation and workload associated with heightened police accountability measures, the Pitch to the Chief™ event allows start-ups to propose solutions that can streamline these processes, enabling officers to focus more on their core duties of community safety and wellness.”

Sponsored by Tactical Distributors Canada, the event features a $30,000 Grand Prize Package ($5,000 cash, a $25,000 investment from NCFDC, and further in-kind opportunities, including co-location at Venture13, pilot projects, and more). “We are honoured to sponsor the Pitch to the Chiefs event. Our belief in supporting our local policing community runs deep, and we are dedicated to fostering strong connections with law enforcement,” said Scott Roach, Managing Partner at Tactical Distributors Canada. Moreover, we are genuinely passionate about providing guidance and support to the next generation of entrepreneurs. We firmly believe in their ability to spark innovation, drive economic growth, and positively impact our society.”

Prequalifying applications received via online form will be reviewed by a panel of deputy chiefs from across Ontario. Companies will be judged on the novelty of their technology and its proposed impact on officer efficiency. Six companies will be chosen to pitch at the final event on September 25th. Each team will have 10 minutes to pitch their company and technology, followed by a 10-minute question and answer period led by the judging panel.

“Policing is rapidly evolving, and technology plays a crucial role in shaping its future. Through Pitch to the Chief™, we aim to discover breakthrough innovations that can transform policing practices, enhance operational efficiency, and ultimately improve public safety. This event provides a unique platform for early-stage companies to showcase their cutting-edge technologies, create contacts within the field, and collaborate with law enforcement leaders,” said Joe Miller, Business Development Officer at NCFDC and V13 Policetech Accelerator lead.

To compete in Pitch to the Chief™, register your start-up today by clicking here.

Pitch to the Chief™ is a free, live event open to the public. To be a part of the audience and cheer on the entrepreneurs, click here.

About the V13 Policetech Accelerator

The V13 Policetech Accelerator is a joint initiative of the Cobourg Police Service and NCFDC. The accelerator is committed to excellence in policing operations and leadership in community safety innovation. Located at Venture13, this unique collaboration offers competitively selected researchers, entrepreneurs, and innovators the opportunity to validate new approaches to twenty-first century policing in a controlled and defined small-town, pilot-scale environment.

About NCFDC

NCFDC is an innovation organization based at Venture13, focused on funding, financing, and strategy services for entrepreneurs. Working with firms that create jobs and help to grow a diverse, NCFDC advances sustainable and inclusive economies in Northumberland, southern Ontario, and Canada-wide through its numerous initiatives such as Community Futures Program (CFP), thriveFORWARD, DELIA, and StrikeUP Canada. Funded by FedDev Ontario, ISED Canada and the Government of Canada.

About the Cobourg Police Service

Formed in 1834, the Cobourg Police Service is an innovative force committed to community safety and operational excellence. CPS Corporate Services division (located at Venture13 in Cobourg) is Canada’s leading national wholesale provider of online criminal records checks. Under the leadership of Paul VandeGraaf, Cobourg’s thirteenth Chief of Police, CPS is at the forefront of creative and collaborative approaches, from tiered policing to HARP to the Venture13 Policetech Accelerator initiative with NCFDC.

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