South West Sydney’s most promising founders took centre stage at Pitch Night South West 2025, where ideas born from lived experience met a crowd ready to listen – and back them.

In the pouring rain, more than 220 people packed the Liverpool Powerhouse proving once again that the region’s entrepreneurial spirit is unstoppable.

The night wasn’t just about pitching startups. It was a celebration of community, courage, and bold ideas rooted in real-world experience. With $10,000 in prizes on the line and a room buzzing with founders, students, investors, and leaders, the atmosphere was electric.

Proudly supported by Investment NSW, Liverpool Innovation Precinct, and Justice Inclusion Access (JEINA), the event gave eight early-stage entrepreneurs the platform to share their ventures – and take the next bold step.

South West Sydney’s Only Dedicated Innovation Event

Pitch Night South West is the region’s only dedicated innovation event – spotlighting emerging founders tackling real challenges from within their own communities.

It’s one piece of a bigger picture. Through UNSW’s Greater Sydney Project, we’re deepening our commitment to inclusive, sustainable innovation across the region. Building long-term partnerships that create opportunity, jobs, and access to a brighter future.

*“UNSW has had a 35-year presence in Liverpool. This event is more than a showcase of ideas – it’s about backing local talent and building real impact in South West Sydney and beyond.”*

— Professor Attila Brungs, Vice-Chancellor and President, UNSW Sydney

A Full House Championing Entrepreneurship

Among the 200+ attendees were community members, students, partners and special guests, including The Hon. Anoulack Chanthivong MP – Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology, Ned Mannoun – Mayor of Liverpool and Charishma Kaliyanda MP – Member for Liverpool, all of whom shared thoughtful remarks on the importance of supporting local innovation.

Innovation Grounded in Community

The 2025 finalist teams tackled bold, real-world challenges with creativity and care. Their ideas were personal, practical and powerful:

Aether Diagnostics – At-home test for fast, accurate detection of vaginal yeast infections.

ChemistWise – A pharmacy companion for prescriptions, advice and everyday health needs.

Everywhere Health – ECG power right on your smartwatch.

Hello Again Solar – Giving a second life to solar panels.

HELP NOW – Multilingual emergency app for people needing an interpreter when ringing triple-0

Kaizen Foundation – Empowers disadvantaged young people through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Newcomers – Helping families migrate, settle and succeed in South Western Sydney.

Parleum – The first real-time Group AI for live, multi-person conversations.

“Even though three teams took home prizes, in my eyes, they’re all winners. Many pitched for the first time – with just two weeks to prepare – and they did it with heart.” — Julie Pham, UNSW Founders Program Manager

The Winners

🥇 1st Place – $4,500
HELP NOW founded by Jasmine Deol and Richard Lau.
A multilingual emergency app that detects a caller’s language and connects them with an interpreter in real time.

🥈 2nd Place – $2,500 sponsored by the Liverpool Innovation Precinct & People’s Choice – $2,000
Aether Diagnostics founded by Jada Khorram.
An at-home test for accurate detection of vaginal yeast infections.

🥉 3rd Place – $1,000 sponsored by UNSW Justice Inclusion Access, JEINA
Hello Again Solar founded by Rong Deng.
A solution to repurpose solar panels and reduce waste by giving them a second life.

Powered by Partnerships

This night wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our partners: Investment NSW, Liverpool Innovation Precinct, and Justice Inclusion Access (JEINA). Together, we’re backing the next generation of innovators in South West Sydney.
We’re also proud to be launching the region’s first health entrepreneurship support program to help researchers and founders build ventures that make a difference.

A huge thank you to our guest judges, who brought thoughtful questions and generous support to every pitch (from left to right):
**Professor Josephine Chow**, Deputy Director Research, SWSLHD, **Ken Morrison**, CEO, Bradfield Development Authority, **Katrina Konstas**, APAC Country Manager & Head of Sales, Afterpay and **Professor Attila Brungs**, UNSW Vice-Chancellor and President.

A Night of Celebration

From the main stage to the mingling crowd, the night was full of energy. Guests enjoyed local flavours from Mumma Le’s Vietnamese Catering, Al Barakeh Lebanese, and Dolceroma Italian Patisserie, while connecting with students, mentors and fellow change-makers

Our Commitment with Local Founders

UNSW has committed $750,000 to embed the UNSW Founders program in the Liverpool region, backed by additional support from Investment NSW and the Liverpool Innovation Precinct.

We’re here for the long haul – supporting founders to start and scale ventures, accelerating medical research, growing smart jobs, and building pathways into entrepreneurship for students, researchers, migrants, and families across Greater Western Sydney.

Because we believe that progress should be for everyone and as Charishma Kaliyanda MP of Liverpool said it best, we are “Dreaming big and starting local.”

👉 Want to be part of it? Explore our programs and join the movement.

Pitch Night South West 2025: Bold Ideas & Bright Futures