Tech23 calls for applications to eighth annual pitching event

Applications are open for the eighth Tech23 event, which looks to bring together entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders from across Australia to help facilitate collaboration by helping startups connect with investors and businesses that can help take their ideas further.

To be held in Sydney on October 11, the annual event organised by SlatteryIT with support from the CSIRO sees 23 startups pitch their ideas to an audience of over 400 people and a panel of industry leaders.

Among the experts on this year’s panel will be Bill Bartee of Blackbird Ventures; partner at NAB Ventures, Melissa Widner; Angela Clark, director of digital at the ABC; and Petra Andren, CEO of ATP Innovations.

Startups will be awarded prizes from cash, trips to international startup hubs, mentoring and advice, and coworking space, though it’s the connections made through the event that will be of most value.

Rachel Slattery, director of SlatteryIT, said, “Tech23 is all about encouraging our informal networks, so collaboration can increase between industry, research and development organisations, and startups.”

Tech23 is calling for applications from companies that have technology at their core, can provide evidence of the potential of their company’s business model and information about clients and partners, and can explain why they are unique.

Hundreds of startups have now passed through Tech23, with last year’s event seeing pitches from companies including Aipoly, Locomote, and Parent Paperwork.

Over the years the likes of Rebekah Campbell of Posse (now Hey You), Scriptrock (now UpGuard), goCatch, Rome2rio, SmartSparrow, 2Mar Robotics, and GoFar have also pitched at Tech23.