South West Sydney's most promising innovators were given a platform to transform their ideas into reality at Pitch Night South West. The initiative is led by UNSW Founders and supported by the NSW Government, Investment NSW, Liverpool Innovation Precinct and Justice Inclusion Access (JEINA).
Eight finalists pitched their startups to a panel of high-profile judges at the event at Liverpool Powerhouse. Participants competed for prize money and connected with fellow entrepreneurs and business leaders, providing them with an opportunity to accelerate their ventures.
UNSW Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Attila Brungs said he was inspired by the creativity and ambition of local innovators.
"Pitch Night South West is a powerful example of what happens when opportunity meets potential. UNSW is deeply invested in the growth and development of South West Sydney and we're proud to be building a community of courageous, creative thinkers who will shape the future of the region and beyond," Prof. Brungs said.
"UNSW is Australia's most entrepreneurial university, championing innovation that delivers progress for all. We're here to support more local founders transform their ideas to create real impact."
Creating pathways for diverse founders
During Pitch Night, selected candidates showcased their innovative solutions to address key societal challenges. Their ideas ranged from harnessing the benefits of AI and giving solar panels a second life, to migration settlement services and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, illustrating the diverse needs within the community and the creative potential to address them.
The prizes were awarded to:
- 1st Prize: HELP NOW – a multilingual emergency app for people requiring an interpreter when ringing triple-0. The startup is led by founders Jasmine Deol and Richard Lau.
- 2nd Prize and People's Choice Award: Aether Diagnostics – an at-home test for fast, accurate detection of vaginal yeast infections. The startup was founded by Jada Khorram.
- 3rd Prize: Hello Again Solar – a recycling and reuse initiative giving a second life to solar panels. The business was created by Rong Deng.
Participants received expert guidance from coaches to refine their pitching skills and gain a deeper understanding of the fundamentals of launching a new business. The hands-on support helped transform early-stage ideas into compelling presentations, demonstrating commercial potential and social impact.
Big ideas with local impact
The NSW Government supported Pitch Night South West as part of the latest round of its Fostering Innovation Sponsorship Program, which provides funding for innovation-themed events and initiatives.
NSW Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology Anoulack Chanthivong said he was inspired by the pitches.
"Collaboration is key to delivering a more prosperous innovation ecosystem, and through the Fostering Innovation Sponsorship Program, we're ensuring entrepreneurs and startups at various stages of growth can connect, learn and develop," he said.
"Our strongest assets are our people, and it's through collaborative initiatives where ideas flourish, and connections and partnerships are made."
UNSW Founders in Liverpool
Through the UNSW Founders Liverpool Innovation Program, the University is building pathways for women, culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) founders and social entrepreneurs who are often underrepresented in Australia's startup landscape.
The program focuses on nurturing business ideas that directly address unmet needs in the South West Sydney community, such as healthcare access, youth services and digital inclusion.
Liverpool MP and UNSW alumna Charishma Kaliyanda said Pitch Night South West was a stage to celebrate the brilliant thinkers and problem-solvers who would take the region forward.
"We know that great ideas don't have a postcode. Whether it's a life-changing medical breakthrough, a tech solution to the issue of solar panel waste or a social enterprise making a difference, we want those ideas to start here, to grow here, to create jobs in this region," she said.
"But … innovation isn't just about the product, it's about the people, the passion, the persistence, and the community that rallies around you."
