Study Melbourne
Future Founders Pitch Competition
Future Founders

PITCH COMPETITION 2024

Applications are closed for the 2024 Study Melbourne Future Founders Pitch Competition!

We asked applicants to put together their best 3-minute pitch for a new business, venture or startup and apply for a chance to win up to $5,000 AUD.

Applications were open until 11:59pm Sunday 20 October for current and former international students (up to 5-years post-graduation).

5 applicant teams were selected as finalists of the Pitch Competition, and pitched live to the audience and a panel of judges at the final as part of the Study Melbourne Future Founders Festival, Friday 22 November 2024 at State Library Victoria. Keep scrolling to discover the winners!

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Congratulations to the

Pitch Competition Winners of 2024

The Winners of the 2024 Study Melbourne Future Founders Pitch Competition are...

First place ($5,000 + 6 months StartSpace Loft Membership): Fey Shue & Varshith Meesala from Rally – Connecting people with their next sports competitor or partner.

Second place ($3,000): Davin Karunanayake & Archer Simmonds from Huddled – A platform improving communication between students and education providers.

Third place ($1,000): Peter Elango & Ying Zhi Cheong from AUS BIOS LABS - A device that enables portable breast screening in the comfort of your own home.

Audience choice award (Mentoring): Fey Shue & Varshith Meesala from Rally.

 

Pictured (from left to right): Caroline Hartnett, Acting Director Study Melbourne and International Education, Ying Zhi Cheong, Peter Francis, Fey Shue, Varshith Meesala, Zul Chai (Rally), Archer Simmonds and Davin Karunanayake.
 

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For all the key Pitch Competition information

Watch the Information Session Recording

The information session for the Pitch Competition, recorded on Thursday 10 October from 12:00pm covers key information about the prizes, who is eligible and tips on how to apply. Watch the recording to find out more.

The recording also includes a Q&A with the audience. You will find even more answers to questions in both the Terms and Conditions and the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section below.

Watch
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE

PITCH COMPETITION DETAILS 2024

The Pitch Competition applications require you to submit a 3-minute (maximum) video and slide deck (maximun 10 slides) pitching your business where you outline the problem you are solving and the progress you have made while addressing the judging criteria below. 

The Judging Criteria 

The judges will review the pitch videos and presentations based on the following 5 key criteria. 

1. Overall quality of your Pitch and Pitch Deck (30%):

Your pitch is delivered in a clear, confident, engaging and interesting way. Your pitch deck is professionally presented with clear content and structure as well as good quality graphics. 

2. Market & Problem (20%)

You demonstrate an understanding of the target audience and the problem you are solving for them.

For example:  “We know that international students just like Prayansh who are arriving in Victoria for the first time need … [list a problem unique to your audience]”

3. Solution (20%)

You clearly explain how your offering, service, or product solves this problem including a description of any positive social or environmental impacts your startup plans to generate.

For example: “[Your product/service] … is making the experience of settling into Australia easier for new international students like Michael by … [explain how your solution works]”

4. Team (20%)

You describe how your team is particularly setup for success to deliver your solution.

For example: “We believe we are the best team to achieve this because we have a great combination of skills and experience. Our Creative Lead, Keun-Woo, knows how to connect with international students having built their skills in multiple customer facing roles in businesses serving international students, our Tech Lead, Leila, was part of the software development team behind the successful app XYZ… etc.”

5. Traction (10%)

You demonstrate what have you achieved so far.

For example: “We have proven that students need and want our solution. We already tested the BETA version of our app with 20 students and they all had a positive experience”

Other information:

The applications submitted will be assessed and up to 5 finalists will be shortlisted to participate in the live Pitch Competition Final which will take place at State Library Victoria on Friday 22 November, 2023 (5.00pm-7:00pm AEST).  

A panel of expert judges will review the pitches with time for live Q&A with each finalist. The winners will be selected and announced at the evening celebration event after a judges deliberation. 

Please take time to read the full details about the competition and the eligibility criteria provided in the Terms and Conditions page. 

Best of luck!

If you haven't yet make sure you get your free ticket to the live Pitch Competition Final at the Future Founders Festival evening event. 

 

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Help with the Pitch Competition

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Have you got any questions about the 2024 Future Founders Pitch Competition? Hopefully you will find the answers below. If you still have questions please email the team at StartSpace: [email protected]

What is the deadline for submitting our application to participate in the Pitch Competition?
Applications are now closed. The application window was closed from 11.59pm on Sunday 20 October AEST. Late applications will not be accepted.
Can you provide more details about the judging criteria or what you're looking for in successful pitches?
The full details of the judging criteria are included in the Terms & Conditions: https://startspacehq.com/startup-pitch-competition-terms-conditions/ The 5 key criteria headings are: 1. Overall quality of your Pitch and Pitch Deck (30%) 2. Market & Problem (20%) 3. Solution (20%) 4. Team (20%) 5. Traction (10%)
Are there any specific eligibility criteria or restrictions for participating in the competition?
The full details of the judging criteria are included in the Terms & Conditions: https://startspacehq.com/startup-pitch-competition-terms-conditions/ The top 3 criteria the applicants must meet includes: 18+ years old. A current, or former International Student (up to 5 years post-graduation up to 20 October 2024) of a Victorian higher education institution (University, TAFE, RTO, ELICOS). A founder or co-founder or leader of a lawful, early-stage business
Can you apply if someone on your team is not an international student?
Yes, you can have someone on your team that is not an international student, however the primary applicant for the competition needs to be a current or former international student (up to 5 years post graduation). The primary applicant for the pitch competition also has be the one to pitch, or one of the people pitching if you have two involved in the pitch.
Is the Pitch Competition open to both domestic and international students?
To meet the eligibility criteria for the Pitch Competition the primary applicant is required to be a current or former international student (up to 5-years post graduation) from a Victorian higher education provider. It is ok to apply if you are a current or former international student and you have domestic students on your team. It is also important to note that domestic students and anyone curious about entrepreneurship are welcome to come along to the Study Melbourne Future Founders Festival on 22 November at State Library Victoria including coming to the Live Pitch Competition Final during the Festival evening event. You can access tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/study-melbourne-future-founders-festival-2024-tickets-1015918167587?aff=FFPweb
What types of prizes or support do the winners of the competition stand to receive in 2024?
First Prize: $5,000 AUD ex GST and 6 months StartSpace Loft membership   Second Prize: $3,000 AUD ex GST Third Prize: $1,000 AUD ex GST  
Is there an application fee or any costs associated with participating in the competition?
No, it is absolutely free to participate!
Do I need to have a business registered in Australia or an ABN to apply for the pitch competition?
You do not need an Australian Business Number (ABN) or have a registered business name to be part of this pitch competition. You do need to have an Australian bank account so that you can receive the prize money if you are awarded one of the prizes.
Are there any specific industries or sectors that the competition is focused on, or is it open to startups from any field?
The competition is open to all ideas from all industries. It is not restricted to any particular industry, idea or audience. For example, it is completely ok if your target audience is not focused on students.
When I apply, can I save my application and come back to it at another time?
Unfortunately not. However the application form is all on one page, so you can visit the form and review all the questions before you prepare your answers. TIP: We recommend you prepare your answers in a separate document and copy and paste your answers in when you are ready to include the link to the video and upload your pdf slides. That way you can submit it all at once and do not risk losing the work you have put into your application.
How many startups or founders will be selected to pitch in the competition?
Up to 5 finalists will be selected to take part in the live final on Friday 22 November 2024 as part of the Study Melbourne Future Founders Festival evening event.
Can you provide information about the format and structure of the pitch event, including the duration of pitches and any Q&A sessions?
When you apply, your pitch video must be no longer than 3 minutes and your pitch deck must be no more than 10 slides. If you are selected as a finalist to present your pitch in the live final you will have 3 minutes to pitch followed by a short 3-minute Q&A with the judges.
Will there be any opportunities for networking with investors, mentors, or other startups during the competition?
At the live final at the Study Melbourne Future Founders Festival – yes there will be. You should get your free ticket to the festival regardless of the outcome of your application to take advantage of the networking opportunities.
How can we prepare for the pitch competition effectively, and do you offer any resources or guidance for applicants?
We recommend you read the application form questions and the full Terms and Conditions before you start working on your pitch. You can read the Terms and Conditions here: https://startspacehq.com/startup-pitch-competition-terms-conditions/ We also recommend you practice your pitch in front of someone and ask for feedback, so you can adjust your messaging if needed before you submit your application.
Is there a panel of judges or mentors involved in the competition, and can you provide information about their expertise and backgrounds?
There will be a panel of 3 judges with professional backgrounds involved judging the live Pitch Competition Final. The panel has not yet been announced.
When will I hear if my application has been successful?
You will be contacted no later than Friday 8 November with an update on your Pitch Competition application.
When will the winners be announced?
The winners will be announced after the live final at the Future Founders Festival evening event on 22 November at State Library Victoria. You can register for the festival and your free ticket to the live final here: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/study-melbourne-future-founders-festival-2024-tickets-1015918167587?aff=FFPweb
Are there any specific requirements for the pitch deck or presentation materials that participants need to follow?
The video pitch you submit should be hosted on YouTube or Vimeo or in a Google or Dropbox folder and a link to access the video should be included in your application. The pitch deck you provide should be no longer than 10 slides and should be in PDF format only. Please upload the pdf file into your application.
Is voice over pitch deck slides ok for the video or do we need to show our faces?
We would encourage you to try and include yourself on video presenting your Pitch so the selection panel can see you. This will be great practice if you are selected as a finalist.
Can you use a longer deck for the pitch video if it meets the three minute mark?
Yes you can use more than 10 slides in your video pitch as long as your pitch is maximum 3 minutes. However you cannot provide a deck longer than 10 slides when you upload the PDF version as part of the application.
Do I need to know the net-worth of my target market?
It is important to be able to clearly communicate in your pitch who your target market is for your solution and why this solution is needed. This may include the market share that your target audience equates to if you have access to that information but you are not specifically required to include net-worth.
Do we need to discuss our business model, competitors and go-to-market strategy in the pitch?
It is important for you to decide which information you have that is most important to include in your 3 minute pitch and 10 slides. That may include things like a business model, market strategy or competitors. The most important thing is for you to ensure you address all of the judging criteria.
What was it about last years winners that gave them the edge and helped them win?
In terms of the pitch application, all the finalists had submitted really clear and easy to understand pitch videos and slide presentations. Their submissions ensured they focused on addressing the key judging criteria of the competition in their pitch. In terms of their live pitch we understand they practiced a lot to ensure they were confident on the night of the final.
Can I apply for the Pitch Competition if I have applied in the past?
You are able to apply for the Pitch Competition again if you have applied in a previous year and have not been successful. However, if you have previously won the pitch competition you will not be eligible for consideration if your application is focused on the same business, venture or startup as when you were selected as a winner.
Congratulations to the

Pitch Competition Winners of 2023

The Winners from the 2023 Pitch Competition are...

First place – Yen Tien Yap, Co-Founder of Sano Technologies

Second place - Daniel Pham, Founder of Iden Project

Third place - Jieling Deng, Co-Founder, Peer Career

 

Pictured (from left to right): Chris Nunn, General Manager Environment, Social and Governance, Scape, Jieling Deng, Yen Tien Yap, Daniel Pham and Caroline Hartnett, Acting Director Study Melbourne and International Education

 

Apply now
Congratulations to the

Pitch Competition Winners 2022

The Winners from the 2022 Pitch Competition

First place – Inspiring Chats (now Bekko),  pitched and accepted by Co-founder Eugenia Yuan

Second place - Stint, pitched and accepted by Sabrina Leung

Third place - Plante, pitched and accepted by Founder Nguyen Hanh Nguyen

Apply now

Contact

Address

328 Swanston Street Melbourne
3000 Australia

Phone

03 8664 7111

Future Founders 2024 photography by Carmen Zammit, Daniel Mahon, Linh Pham and Rachael Coley

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