Innovation Incubator
We harness collective experience and resources to uncover, guide, and accelerate digital infrastructure innovation for startups
About the Innovation Incubator
Who's it for
Are you an entrepreneur with a growing business or an innovative startup? We’re excited to announce that applications for our Incubator Program are now open! If you’re looking for support to take your venture to the next level, we want to hear from you.
What you get
We are creating a platform to turn ideas into reality, aligned with the Sustainability Framework and in collaboration with the Climate Accord. Supporting innovators at every stage—from start-ups to established businesses—we aim to deliver real value to the industry by driving progress toward sustainability goals.
How it works
This platform helps innovative and sustainable projects find their place, tackles problem areas hindered by conventions or funding gaps, and fosters radical collaboration. Connect with peers, brainstorm ideas, and develop tailored solutions to meet the industry’s evolving challenges.
Current Startups
“The iMasons Innovation Incubator stood out for its genuine care and consistent overdelivery, fostering a collaborative community driving positive impact. It sparked new business, partnerships, friendships—and more innovation. Thank you to the iMasons team.”
“From Dragons' Den to global panels and podcasts, the iMasons Innovation Incubator gave RE24 a launchpad into the data centre community—a network moving the industry forward.”
"It embodies everything the innovation we are implementing in our startup"
George Hancock
Co-Founder
Octaipipe
"It embodies everything the innovation we are implementing in our startup"
Matt Stroud
CEO
Icebox
Mentors
Supported by a network of expert mentors who help guide and accelerate participating startups.
Dragons’ Den meets Shark Tank… iMasons-style!
Dragons’ Den meets Shark Tank… iMasons-style (otherwise known as the Innovation Pitch)! At Datacloud Cannes 2025, innovation took center stage during our 10x Innovation Prize Pitch, where three startups competed in a high-stakes showdown judged by four industry powerhouses.
The Format
Members of our iMasons community became investors for the day, casting their support through digital coins and deciding who would walk away with the win.
The Startups
The Dragons
Dean Nelson
Founder, Infrastructure Masons and Cato Digital
Princina Stone
Lead, Regulatory Management, Google
Julie M. Albright
Lecturer, University of Southern California, and acclaimed tech author.
Jonathan Freegard, Sr.
Solutions Director, Wesco
Dean Nelson, Founder, Infrastructure Masons and Cato Digital
Princina Stone, Lead, Regulatory Management, Google
Dr. Julie M. Albright, Lecturer, University of Southern California, and acclaimed tech author
Jonathan Freegard, Sr. Solutions Director, Wesco
And the crowd-favorite at Datacloud Cannes 2025?
OctaiPipe took the prize!
Their edge-AI platform won the hearts and investments of our member community.
Huge thanks to our sponsor Wesco Anixter, and to everyone who joined us for this energetic, idea-fueled moment. The passion for digital infrastructure innovation is real and growing.
What’s Next for the Innovation Pitch?
The Dragons’ Den energy doesn’t stop here! Following our debut at Datacloud Cannes 2025, the iMasons Innovation Pitch series is growing.
Next Stop: DCD> Connect | London
Join us at DCD Connect London during the UK Local Chapter meeting for the next live pitch session. View event details here.
More Coming Soon
Two more Innovation Pitch events are in the works—stay tuned for announcements on dates and locations.
iMasons members will continue to play a central role, casting votes and helping decide which startups move the digital infrastructure industry forward.
Interested in the Incubator?
Schedule a time to connect with our Chair and share your innovation.
Past work with participants
Dalton Flory
The Innovation Committee embodies the spirit of Infrastructure Masons: "Connect, Grow, Give Back." Our mission for 2025 is clear—"Every Innovation is Realized."
Anna Bernas-Kelly
The Innovation Committee embodies the spirit of Infrastructure Masons: "Connect, Grow, Give Back." Our mission for 2025 is clear—"Every Innovation is Realized."
Jason Carter
The Innovation Committee embodies the spirit of Infrastructure Masons: "Connect, Grow, Give Back." Our mission for 2025 is clear—"Every Innovation is Realized."
Melanie Holguin
The Innovation Committee embodies the spirit of Infrastructure Masons: "Connect, Grow, Give Back." Our mission for 2025 is clear—"Every Innovation is Realized."