Wollongong is in for a royal treat, with Prince Andrew, The Duke of York visiting the city in September.
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And young entrepreneurs will get the chance to pitch their business ideas to His Royal Highness.
The Duke jumped at University of Wollongong Professor Alex Frino’s invitation to launch the Pitch@Palace Australia program at UOW”s Innovation Campus on September 26.
The Duke founded the program in the UK in 2014.
Ever since Pitch@Palace has given 400 tech entrepreneurs the kick-start they need, exposing them to some of the most powerful CEOs, influencers, mentors and business partners, and as a result supported their growth and connection onto the global stage.
‘’His visit to Wollongong is very exciting for a number of reasons. I don’t think we’ve had a Royal visit for awhile.''
Professor Frino, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Global Strategy) said the Prince was more than happy to bring the program to Australia.
‘’I was introduced to his staff and then him at a meeting in London about 18 months ago. I engaged him around this program because I was excited by it,’’ Prof Frino said. ‘’He was very pleased to work with us to bring it to Australia.
‘’His visit to Wollongong is very exciting for a number of reasons. I don’t think we’ve had a Royal visit for awhile.
‘’But, perhaps more importantly he will launch a program of national significance right here in Wollongong.
‘’I am thrilled that together with my contemporaries from some of Australia’s best universities, we are bringing Pitch@ Palace to Australia.’’
Prof Frino is the chair of the steering committee for Pitch@Palace Australia, which will take place in New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland in September.
‘’It’s like Shark Tank but what distinguishes this from all other programs is the nurturing component – a boot camp that is educational, learning and instructive.’’
UOW, Macquarie University, Bond University and Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology will run similar ‘on tour’ events. A selection of start-ups will then pitch their ideas at the national final in Sydney on September 27.
The Duke of York said he was ‘’delighted to be able to bring Pitch@Palace to Australia’’. ‘’I am looking forward to visiting all the locations where Pitch is to take place, and wish the entrepreneurs, wherever they may be in Australia, a successful time engaging with Pitch@Palace.’’ Apply at www.pitchatpalaceaustralia.com