Founder Pitch Showcase

Join us for a high-energy evening celebrating innovation across North Queensland.

The Founder Pitch Showcase brings together a curated group of 15-20 innovation-driven founders, spanning early-stage through to more established ventures and a diverse range of industries.

This event is more than a pitch night. We’re bringing together the people who help ideas move forward – industry, government, research, investors, advisors and operators – to create a room where meaningful conversations and connections can happen.

On the night:

• founders pitching to build momentum, visibility and confidence
• a panel of investors and ecosystem leaders sharing practical insights
• the audience (you!) contributing ideas, perspectives and connections

Delivered in partnership with James Cook University, this will be a high-quality, engaging evening – featuring live music from Heart Songs and catering by A Touch of Salt.

Event details:

📍 JCU Engineering and Innovation Place
📅 Thursday 28 May
🕠 5:30pm arrival | 6:30pm start

These are the moments where connections are made, ideas gain traction, and opportunities take shape.

This event is powered by Smart Precinct NQ, proudly supported by the Queensland Government as part of the Regional Enablers Program, in partnership with James Cook University, thanks to the support of Townsville City Council.

Call for Founders – Apply to Pitch:

We’re inviting innovation-driven founders from across North Queensland to apply to pitch at the Founder Pitch Showcase.

This is an opportunity to:

• refine your pitch and value proposition
• build visibility and momentum
• gain practical feedback and insights
• connect with the people who can help you move forward

Selected founders will be supported through a Founder Capability Development Program, including:

• an investment readiness workshop
• one-on-one support to refine your pitch
• participation in the live Pitch Showcase
• a professionally recorded pitch video
• a synthesised summary of feedback, ideas and connections
• post-event coaching to turn insights into clear next steps

Applications are now open and close Wednesday 29 April (limited places available): Apply here
Travel and accommodation may be supported for participants based outside the Townsville region, subject to availability and program guidelines.

This is not a competition – it’s a high-quality, supportive environment designed to help you grow.

If you or someone in your network is building something exciting, we’d love to hear from you.