June 13, 2017

Pitch@Palace global event confirmed for Australia

His Royal Highness Prince Andrew The Duke of York to visit Australia with his platform to amplify and accelerate the work of Entrepreneurs.

Founded by The Duke in 2014, Pitch@Palace has given some 400 tech entrepreneurs the kick-start they need, exposing them to some of the most powerful CEOs, influencers, mentors and business partners, and as a result supporting their growth and connection onto the global stage.

Pitch@Palace Australia will take place in New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland in September, though start-ups from across Australia are eligible to apply.

Entrepreneurs are invited to apply to participate in Pitch@Palace Australia. Applications will be reviewed by judges at each of the ‘On Tour’ events.

These will be held at the four hosting University campuses: University of Wollongong, Macquarie University, Bond University and Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology.

Corporate partners announced to date include KPMG Enterprise and Virgin Australia.

Selected entrepreneurs will attend a boot camp where they will receive support and guidance on how to develop their pitch by leading Australian and international business leaders.

A selection of these businesses will then be given the opportunity to pitch their ideas at the national final to be held in Sydney on 27 September 2017.

The Duke of York said: “I am delighted to be able to bring Pitch@Palace to Australia.

Pitch@Palace is designed to support, enhance and add value to start-up and scale-up companies by providing a platform for entrepreneurs and audiences to meet, network and hear the great ideas that are being commercialised and built by the next generation of entrepreneurs.

“I am looking forward to visiting all the locations where Pitch is to take place, and wish the entrepreneurs, wherever they may be in Australia, a successful time engaging with Pitch@Palace.”

Professor Alex Frino, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Global Strategy), University of Wollongong, said: “I was fortunate enough to see a Pitch@ Palace event in London early in 2016.

"The level of excitement and enthusiasm in the room was most inspiring.

“The idea to bring the event to Australia was immediate and I am thrilled that together with my contemporaries from some of Australia’s best universities, we are bringing Pitch@ Palace to Australia.

“Together, we are confident that we will deliver an event that is not only exciting and innovative but one that is sure to expose some great ideas from the brilliant minds in this country.”

Applications are now open through the website pitchatpalaceaustralia.com.