Pitch2Pilot
Solve Real Problems & Drive Innovation
A turnkey platform to launch your first Accelerator. Designed for Associations.
Innovative businesses adapt faster, have more impact & survive longer.
Solve problems
Innovation is essential to competitiveness and relevance. Both for associations and the industry they serve.
Fuel Impact
Associations can play a unique role in convening industry experts, technology partners and members to fuel innovation and impact.
Differly partners with national associations to design and launch your first accelerator that connects member challenges with real solutions.
Differly's Innovation-as-a-Service: Overview
Pitch2Pilot Innovation Accelerator
Turnkey program design, launch, and support.
Solution Matching
Ecosystem and process to match startup solutions to member-identified challenges.
End-to-End Management
Pitch fest and pilot with members, managed end-to-end: from idea to execution to impact.
Scalable Growth
Becomes an annual accelerator or eventually can evolve into an industry Innovation lab.
Accelerator vs. Innovation Lab: What's the Difference?
Accelerator: Time Bound Program
- Focused on solving specific challenges rapidly
- Aimed at startups with a prototype or vendors with ready for market solutions to emerging industry challenges
- Includes a pitch process, mentorship, and pilot opportunities to test the solution and measure impact in rapid cycles
- Designed for speed and measurable outcomes
Innovation Lab: Long-term ecosystem
- Ongoing, open-ended or project based; owned by the association
- Used to explore new ideas, solve emerging challenges with members and internal ones to the association
- Drive future growth, R&D support, prototype pilots
- Helps to drive experimentation speed, learning, innovation and tech adoption industry-wide.
Pitch2Pilot Program
Strategy
Define objectives and resources
Accelerator Design
Create program structure
Problem Validation
Identify key challenges
Call for Pitches
Call out to network of industry tech experts and other startups/vendors.
Pitch Event, Selection; Pilot Implementation & Evaluation
Choose winning solution and launch pilots; Evaluate and plan for scale up.
Phase 1: Strategy
Define Objectives
Define clear objectives for the program and what success looks like.
Form working group
Build a group of stakeholders to advise on the program.
Set Budget
Set budget and identify funding sources: association, sponsors, or grants.
Confirm Timeline
Confirm timelines, resources, and appoint an internal champion to partner with Differly.
Phase 2: Accelerator Design
Program Format
Define program format: duration, stages (application, selection, mentorship), and support resources.
Selection Criteria
Set clear selection criteria for winning solution: innovation, scalability, relevance, and team strength.
Stakeholder Engagement
Engage stakeholders: members, vendors, Board, and potential partners for buy-in.
Pilot Structure
Structure the pilot: prioritize readiness, change management, and adoption support to de-risk and accelerate success.
Phase 3: Problem Validation
Engage Members
Engage members via Differly's digital platform to crowdsource and validate key challenges. (Will be supported by personal interactions and research)
Prioritize Needs or Problems to be Solved for the Profession
Prioritize issues that are widespread, high-impact, and pilot-ready.
Define Scope
Define the problem scope and desired outcomes of the pilots.
Assemble Panel
Assemble a judging panel of members, staff, and industry experts for the pitch fest.
Identify Participants in the Pilot
Identify members willing to participate in pilot projects.
Phase 4: Call for Proof of Concepts
Launch Campaign
Launch campaign via curated Startup + association network
Target Right Fit Startups
Startups are vetted via extensive partner program to ensure they are market ready and able to implement a pilot
Streamlined Process
Manage the application process and shortlisting via online platform, together with you.
Focus on relationship building
Create a collaborative network and community for the long term benefit of the profession.
Phase 5: Pitch Event and Selection
Shortlist Applicants
Shortlist 5–6 qualified applicants
Host Pitch Fest
Host pitch fest at annual AGM
Select Winner
Judges select winning proof of concept or solution
Establish MoU
MoU for funded pilot with 8–10 members
Pilot Prep
Differly's turnkey process to establish pilot outcomes, implementation process and adoption measures for successful roll out.
Phase 6: Pilot Implementation & Adoption Readiness
Co-Design Rollout
Differly and chosen startup/vendor to review pilot implementation plan, define quantifiable outcomes and identify team member organizations.
Change & Program Management
Establish and deliver change and communications playbook. Differly to oversee the program rollout.
3
Solution launch & monitoring
"Go live" across all pilot organizations. Proactive problem solving and collaboration. Centralized feedback from each business.
Pilot Phase Complete & Evaluation
Document value realized, challenges encountered and scalability potential. Scorecard for "ready to scale" vs. "needs more iteration or time" on a case by case basis.
Scale-Up Pathway
If successful 3+ pilot sites interested in continuing post pilot. Startup to onboard additional customers and be supported as official partner of the association. Produce final outcome report.
Value for Associations
Thought Leadership
Reinforces thought leadership and positions your association as a sector innovation champion.
Member Engagement
Engages members in tangible problem-solving activities that deliver real value.
Curated Solutions
Access to carefully curated startup solutions and complete pilot implementation infrastructure.
Change Agent
Positions your association as a recognized change agent driving innovation across Canada.
Value for Members
Access to Sector-Specific Solutions
Stay at the forefront with solutions tailored to your business needs.
Cost-Efficient Pilot Participation
Gain first-mover advantage without the full investment risk + access to adoption and implementation support.
Shared Learning Across Network
Benefit from collective experiences and insights. Accelerate tech adoption, reduce waste and unlock greater innovation.
Modernization & Innovation
Enhance your operational capabilities and market position.
Value for Startups & Tech Sector
Real-world Pilots
Access to actual customers and implementation opportunities within established businesses
Industry Visibility
Showcase innovations at high-profile pitch events with industry decision-makers
Credibility Boost
Gain valuable endorsement from respected industry associations
Path to Scale
Access extensive member networks for valuable feedback and faster time to market.
After your first accelerator launch: Annual Innovation Cycle
Build a repeatable, high-impact program that grows year over year:
1
Establish Governance
Launch an innovation advisory board and dedicate resources.
2
Strategic Innovation themes
Issue themed calls for innovation aligned with industry priorities, managed via an online platform.
3
Evaluate & Improve
Improve and adapt post-pilot evaluation framework to capture metrics and scale what works.
4
Communicate Impact
Share success stories, tech adoption insights, and outcome data.
Fuel Growth
Pursue new funding and partnership opportunities to expand reach and sustainability.
Go Big: Permanent Innovation Lab
A Year-Round Innovation Engine
Focus
Explore new ideas, test emerging tech, solve internal challenges, improve existing processes.
Innovation Activities
Continue yearly accelerator pitches to drive future growth, run innovation sprints, conduct R&D. Ongoing or project based.
Industry Position
Position the association as a permanent catalyst for industry innovation in Canada. Nurture a culture of innovation across the association and the industry.
Partnerships
Opportunity for multi-source funding model: member contributions, sponsors, grants, and industry partners or creating of a venture fund.
Pitch2Pilot: Support Model
Proven Toolkits and frameworks
Modular structure that scales with your needs and resources.
Tech Enabled, Community Driven
Online portal for intake, pilot tracking, data collection, readiness assessments and innovation management.
Critical Change & Adoption Support
Prepare the member organizations before rollout to strengthen pilot outcomes and accelerate time-to-value.
Established Partner Network for Turnkey Delivery
Tap into extensive partner network for best practices, startup reach and best practices.
Unparalleled team with depth of experience and skill in innovation, change management and tech adoption.
Ready to solve real problems and drive innovation?
Let's talk! Connect@Differly.com