Prof. Guillermo Narsilio Ferrero
Head of Infrastructure Engineering, The University of Melbourne
Topic:
University-backed innovation challenge
UoM Engineering & IT Innovation Competition 2026
Join Final Pitch Day to watch finalist teams present live, hear opening speakers and industry guests, and experience awards plus networking with the university innovation community.
9 May 2026 · 13:00–16:00 · University of Melbourne, Parkville Campus · Venue TBA
Hosted by the University of Melbourne FEIT
Live finalist pitches
Watch top teams present in person
Speakers and insights
Hear guest perspectives from industry and academia
Awards and networking
Join the celebration and connect with the community
Past event atmosphere
Final Pitch Day · Audience
Watch finalist pitches, awards, and networking.
Register to attend the live showcase and support teams on the day.
9 May 2026
13:00–16:00
Why Join
A live innovation showcase worth attending in person
Final Pitch Day brings together finalist teams, guest speakers, judges, and the wider innovation community for an engaging live event.
Live finalist pitches
Watch shortlisted teams present practical ideas and prototypes to judges in a live showcase format.
Speakers and insights
Hear from guest speakers across industry, academia, and innovation throughout Final Pitch Day.
Awards and networking
Stay for awards, meet founders and supporters, and connect with Melbourne's innovation community.
Competition Theme
Innovate Melbourne Future
This year's challenge invites participants to develop practical solutions for a smarter, more sustainable, and more connected Melbourne.
Smart City & Infrastructure
Design solutions that improve urban systems, infrastructure, and the way cities function.
AI & Digital System
Apply data, AI, and digital technologies to create smarter and more efficient systems.
Sustainable Energy & Climate Tech
Develop innovations that support clean energy, sustainability, and environmental resilience.
Registration Journey
Choose how you want to join the competition
Competition applications are now closed. Here is the clearest path to attend Final Pitch Day and follow key milestones.
Final Pitch Day is now open for audience attendance. You can register as an audience member and use the info session recording to understand event flow and judging context.
01
Online Info Session
Online · Free · 7:00 – 8:00 PM
Watch the recorded info session for an overview of the competition format, timeline, judging expectations, and how to get started.
Open to everyone. No competition registration is required to watch the recording.
10 Apr 2026
02
Onsite Team-Up Session
In person · Competitor-only
Designed for registered competitors who want to meet collaborators, exchange ideas, and form teams before submission.
This session has concluded.
18 Apr 2026
03
Hybrid Pitch Workshop
Hybrid
A practical workshop on how to structure, present, and communicate technical ideas effectively.
This workshop has concluded.
22 Apr 2026
04
Draft Submission
Submission Deadline
Teams submit a 5-page draft deck and a short demo progress update for review and shortlisting.
Completed24 Apr 2026
05
Final Submission
Submission Deadline
Teams finalise and submit their full pitch deck and prototype or concept demonstration materials.
Completed1 May 2026
06
Final Pitch Day
Live Event
Watch shortlisted teams pitch live, followed by awards, audience engagement, and networking.
Free for registered competitors. Non-competitors may attend by purchasing an audience ticket.
9 May 2026
Final Day Programme
Final Pitch Day · 9 May 2026
University of Melbourne, Parkville Campus
13:00-13:30
Opening Ceremony
Opening of Final Pitch Day
13:30-14:30
Final Pitch Session (Top Teams)
14:30-14:45
Industry Insight & Sponsor Acknowledgement
14:45-15:15
Awards & Closing
Recognising top teams and closing the event with a final celebration.
15:15-16:00
Networking & Sponsor Interaction
Submission requirements
Draft submission
5-page pitch deck
Demo progress update
Final submission
1 × 10-page pitch deck
Prototype or concept demonstration
May include a technical prototype, process model, data analysis or simulation, or conceptual system design
Shortlisting
Finalist selection
All applicants submit a draft. Twelve finalist teams will be selected after review and invited to pitch live on Final Day.
Pricing
Competitor Pass
Competition applications are closed for this cycle.
AUD 25
Audience Tickets
Early Bird — AUD 25
Regular — AUD 40
Early Bird ends: 11:59 PM, 25 April 2026
Regular sales close: 11:59 PM, 8 May 2026
Ticket release details coming soon. Ticketing platform: TBD.
Opening Speakers
Opening Speakers
Prof. Lihai Zhang
Discipline Leader, Engineering Management, The University of Melbourne · Co-chair, ICA
Topic: Welcome speech on behalf of ICA
Cr Gladys Liu
City of Melbourne Councillor · Invest Melbourne Advisory Board Member
Topic: City of Melbourne's commitment to the innovation ecosystem and Invest Melbourne's vision for supporting deep-tech startups and student founders in Melbourne
Dr Yew-Chin Koay FIEAust CPEng NER
2025 Professional Engineer of the Year · Senior Structural Engineering Advisor, Major Road Projects Victoria
Topic: Engineering innovation and commercialisation from the perspectives of Engineers Australia and Victorian infrastructure delivery
Prof. Eduard Hovy
Executive Director, Melbourne Connect
Topic: Melbourne Connect's role in advancing research, innovation and commercialisation
Judges
Confirmed Judges
The judging panel brings together academic, technical, and research perspectives relevant to innovation, engineering, and applied technology.
Ms Kathy Coultas
Former ICT Director, Victoria Government
Jeanette Cheah
CEO & Co-Founder, HEX
HEX Choice Award · 1:1 Feedback
Dr. Shuangmin Shi
Lecturer in Engineering Management, The University of Melbourne
Dr. Golnar Khomami
Senior Director, Network Technology Standardisation, Optus
Dr. Suryani Lim
Senior Lecturer in IT & Research Higher Degree Coordinator, Federation University
Dr. Pooria Pasbakhsh
Adjunct Associate Professor & Research Fellow (Materials Upcycling), University of Melbourne
Tim Tso
Founder & President, Cambridge EdTech Society (AI & EdTech), University of Cambridge
Yifei Wang
Founder, AIBUILD & Global Elite School Academic, University of Melbourne
Past Events & Community
A community built around ideas, collaboration, and momentum
Beyond the competition itself, the event brings together students, builders, researchers, and community partners in a setting designed for connection, exchange, and shared ambition.
Networking · Collaboration · Community
Volunteer on Final Pitch Day
We are looking for 20 volunteers to support event-day operations for the UoM Engineering & IT Innovation Competition 2026.
Volunteers should be available on 9 May 2026 from 9:00 AM onwards to assist with onsite coordination, guest support, registration, and general event delivery.
Please send your CV to admin@innovateconnectalliance.org
FAQ
Common questions
A few quick answers to help participants and audience members understand the event clearly.
What can audience members expect on Final Pitch Day?+
You can watch finalist pitches, hear opening speakers and industry insights, and join the awards plus networking session.
Do I need to be a competitor to attend?+
No. Audience attendance is open and welcomed. You can register as an audience member for Final Pitch Day.
Will there be networking opportunities?+
Yes. Final Pitch Day includes networking after the live judging and awards segments.
Where will the Final Pitch Day be held?+
The event will take place at the University of Melbourne, Parkville Campus.
Sponsors
Exclusive Title Sponsor
Gold Sponsor
Community Partners
Supporting Sponsors
Future Mind
Interested in sponsoring this event?
Download our sponsorship package to explore visibility, expo, and partnership opportunities.