LSIFF is designed for early-stage projects, and many participants are presenting outside the research environment for the first time. Below are recommendations to help you prepare and maximize your experience:
1. Craft your short pitch
Investors need clarity quickly. Prepare a concise pitch (just 1-2 min, for when an investor comes to your exhibition table, or 2-3 min if you are selected for 1:1 meetings) that covers:
- The problem you solve
- Your solution and innovation
- Who benefits (target market)
- Why it matters (impact)
- Your current status and next steps
Your innovation office can help you refine this.
2. Prepare your exhibition table
Bring simple, clear material that communicates your idea visually. Examples:
- One-page summary
- A4 ”poster” with simple diagrams explaining mechanism of action, platform, or value chain
- Business cards or QR codes for contact information
3. Focus on the value proposition
Experts know the science. What they need to understand is:
- Who will buy this?
- Why will they pay?
- What makes it unique?
Even if you do not have full answers yet, showing that you are thinking about them creates credibility.
4. Come ready to learn
Investors and ecosystem actors will challenge you, that is a strength of the event. Ask questions such as:
- What would make this investable?
- What would you need to see in 6 – 12 months?
- What markets or application areas do you find most compelling?
5. Talk to other project teams
Other cases are facing the same hurdles. Peer networking is a major benefit of this event.
You may discover partners, co-founders, or collaborators among them.
6. Follow up
Relationships matter. After the event, make sure to:
- Connect on LinkedIn
- Send follow-up notes
- Share updates as your project progresses
This is how early networks become real opportunities.
Innovation Frontiers Forum 