This program is designed to help founders from South West Sydney with innovative ideas to take the next level. This is your chance to showcase your startup idea to a panel of industry experts, gain valuable feedback to refine your business idea, connect with like-minded entrepreneurs and potential collaborators and win amazing prizes to help kickstart or accelerate your venture! Delivered part of the UNSW Founders Liverpool Innovation Program.

• Startup fundamentals: Understand the key differences between a startup and a small business, ideas that scale, and the essential first steps to launching.

• Storytelling and pitching: How to “pitch”: sell your idea to supporters in a memorable and impactful way

• Stage presence: Develop your confidence and presentation skills to command the stage.

• Visual impact: Design slide decks that are visually engaging and effectively support your message.

• Handling questions: Prepare to confidently answer tough questions from judges.

• Personalised coaching: Receive tailored feedback and guidance in one-on-one pitch clinics (for finalists only).

• Individuals or teams with an innovative startup idea, and at least one key member from South West Sydney

• People with a startup that specifically and directly benefits South West Sydney, even if the participants are not residents

• Aspiring entrepreneurs, students, community members.

• All community members are welcome to apply: you do not need to be a student or graduate of UNSW

• Those looking to develop pitching and startup presentation skills.

Apply here if your startup is based in (or helping) Southwest Sydney!

You’ll need to share some information about the problem you’re solving and the solution you’re pitching.

You will also need to make a short video. We want to understand four key things from the video:

1. Who are you? Introduce yourself and your team. If you’re from South West Sydney, mention this!

2. What is the problem you're trying to solve? Tell us about the challenge you're passionate about.

3. What’s the product or service that will solve the problem? If it’s benefiting the South West Sydney community, explain this too!

4. Why are you the right person or team to solve it?a

If you’re planning to pitch, we strongly encourage you to attend the workshops. They’re designed to help you develop your idea, sharpen your pitch, and build the confidence to present in front of an audience.

That said, you also don’t need to pitch to take part in the workshops. You’re more than welcome to attend just to learn, gain new skills, and connect with others in the local innovation community.

We’re lucky to be joined by our esteemed judges:

• Professor Attila Brungs, UNSW Vice-Chancellor & President

• Ken Morrison, CEO of Bradfield Development Authority

• Josephine Chow, Director of South West Sydney Local Health District

• Further judges may be announced.

Date: Thursday, 14 August 2025

Time: 5-8pm

Location: Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre

What to Expect:

Join us for an inspiring evening celebrating innovation in Liverpool! Live pitches, big ideas, local food and community spirit!

• Our finalists will take the stage to pitch their groundbreaking ideas to a panel of distinguished judges and our supportive community.

• Network with innovators, business leaders, and community members.

• Enjoy a diverse selection of food from local vendors

• Be there to see who wins the coveted prizes and who takes home the People's Choice Award!

• This is a family-friendly event – come and be inspired!