Our Pitchfest Program

Pitchfest is an online production giving kids the opportunity to pitch their charity and business ideas to a panel of leading entrepreneurs and business people from around the world. The aim of Pitchfest is to help kids realise their potential and inspire other kids to feel confident in their abilities, to be creative and feel empowered to bring an idea to life. 

The kids create and produce a video of their pitch, the panellists review the pitch and then ask the kids some questions about their ideas. The panellists provide valuable advice and guidance on how to move their idea forward and also share some of their own unique stories and experiences from when they were kids.   

Co-Founder and First CEO of Netflix

Marc Randolph

Marc's career as an entrepreneur spans more than four decades, having co-founded half a dozen successful start-ups such as Netflix and more recently, Looker Data Sciences which he sold to Google for $2.6B.   

Co-founder Moon Express, Co-founder Viome, Vice-Chairman Singularity University, Board member XPRIZE Foundation, Author and Moonshot Adventurer

Naveen Jain

Naveen is an intensely curious entrepreneur who is not afraid to take on the audacious ideas that will push humanity forward. 

Designer, Entertainer, Author, Public Figure

Dannii Minogue

Dannii is a fashion and entertainment icon and well-known for her hard work, professionalism and global success, particularly in the television, fashion, literary and music fields.

Founder RedBalloon, Shark on Shark Tank Australia, Author, Blogger and Public Speaker

Naomi Simson

Known for her positivity and navigating a fast changing and economic environment, Naomi shares her wealth of entrepreneurial and business leadership experience on Pitchfest.    

Co-founder & CEO, RSE Ventures, Shark on Shark Tank USA, Executive Fellow Harvard Business School

Matt Higgins

Matt Higgins is a noted serial entrepreneur and growth equity investor as co-founder and CEO of private investment firm RSE Ventures.   

Founder and CEO, Bluestone Lane

Nicholas Stone

Nick moved from Melbourne, Australia to New York City in 2010.  He's now the founder of the fastest growing premium café brand and specialty roaster in the US.

Lawyer turned Funtrepreneur!

Sarah Davidson

Sarah hung up her suits and heels as a lawyer to become a full-time entrepreneur, author, TV host and podcaster of award-winning podcast Seize the Yay.

Co-founder Sports 1 Marketing and former CEO Lee Steinberg Sports & Entertainment Agency 

David Meltzer

David has been recognised by Variety Magazine as their Sports Humanitarian of the Year and awarded the Ellis Island Medal of Honour.  He is on a mission to empower over 1 billion people to be happy!

7-time world champion, AO, Chair Surfing Australia, Founder Awake Academy

Layne Beachley

Layne's affinity for the ocean and competition created the perfect storm to achieve her dream of becoming the best of the best including becoming a 7-time world surfing champion.

TV Presenter, The Project NETWORK TEN

Gorgi Coghlan

Gorgi’s diverse experience in news, current affairs, media, journalism, travel, musical theatre, science, education and professional singing has contributed to Gorgi being one of the most well-rounded television presenters in the industry.

Executive Director of Orygen, Founding Board Member of Headspace, Professor of Youth Mental Health, AO

Professor Patrick McGorry

Professor Patrick McGorry, Australian of the Year in 2010, has played a key advocacy and advisory role to government and health system reform in Australia and in many parts of the world.

Co-founder and CTO of NWO.ai 

Imogen Low

At just 17 years old, Imogen landed her first job as a Machine Learning Engineer at SAP. Imgoen is a passionate advocate for young women in IT and the recipient of several awards in recognition of her incredible contribution to the world of IT.    

Global Chief Marketing Officer - Deloitte 

Matt McGrath

Matt has been voted one of Australia’s top 10 Creative Directors, one of Australia’s 50 Most Influential Media Executives by The Australian Financial Review, and has also twice won the Grand Prix at the Cannes International Advertising Awards.

   

Executive Producer, TV Presenter, Author

Emmylou MacCarthy

From her iconic #confidence is contagious tagline to her signature red lip, Emmylou MacCarthy is all about leading with courage.. and style.   

Former Sportsgirl CEO, Author, Founder Mentor Me

Colleen Callander

Colleen is an inspiration to women of all generations and wants to encourage women globally to have the confidence to believe in themselves, their ability, share their voice and find the superpower within.

Founder and CEO, LifeChanger Foundation

Scott Watters

Scott is a respected leader with over 30 years’ experience in organisational, team and individual development, as a teacher, coach, mentor and leader.

Comedian and Content Creator

Christian Hull

One of Australia's leading comedians, Christian has accumulated over 600 million views on his videos and has gained a loyal following of over 2 million followers on social media. 

Entrepreneur, AFR Rich Lister, Investor

Nick Bell

Recognised as one of Australia's leading entrepreneurs under the age of 40, Nick has featured on the AFR Young Rich List four years straight.   

Public Figure, Best Selling Author

Turia Pitt

Surviving burns to 65% of her body, Turia Pitt is living proof that with the right mindset, anything is possible. Best selling author and adventure seeker, Turia is on a journey to help others be more confident and happy.  

Chairman - Deloitte 

Chairman of Deloitte Australia, Member Deloitte Asia Pacific Board, Member Deloitte Global Board, Lead Audit Partner for several ASX listed companies, Board Member and Chair of the Audit Committee for the Reach Foundation.

Adventurers & Motivational Speakers

The Tempest Two

The Tempest Two have become the leading voice on growth mindset and motivation, founded on the belief that ordinary people can do extraordinary things.   

Founder & CEO - Collective Hub

Lisa Messenger is the vibrant, game-changing founder and CEO of Collective Hub, an international speaker, best-selling author, and an authority on disruption.  

OAM, Founder - Sam Riley Swim Schools

Sam Riley 

Neither time nor the medals and honours of her sporting success have faded the grace and likeable nature of the girl-next-door who became one of Australia’s most popular swimming champions.

Founder & CEO - Lana Wilkinson

A highly regarded Stylist and Australian Fashion icon, Lana's hard work and entrepreneurial spirit drives her to achieve premium outcomes for even the most challenging briefs.  

Fashion Designer and Content Creator

Effie Kats

Effie Kats is taking the fashion industry by storm, most commonly known for her work in redefining and creating iconic suits.

Founder & CEO - Buttercréme Lane

CEO of hugely successful Buttercréme Lane, a custom cake shop catering to clients such as P&O Cruises, football clubs, major corporations, celebrity chefs and US actors. Regular appearances on TV, Radio & Newspapers and proud media ambassador for Adopt Change.

Chairman - Surfing NSW

Chairman of Surfing NSW, Board Director of Adopt Change, Advisor on Digital Transformation to the National Museum of Australia, Principal at Komosion Management Consulting, intrapreneur and entrepreneur seeking to innovate via corporate start-ups, within Government and
the not-for-profit sector.

Executive Coach & Curator TEDx Melbourne

Executive Coach, helping leaders articulate strategic messages in meaningful ways, working with CEOs and senior leadership teams to build trust, empathy and engagement.  Founder and Lead Speaker Coach for Brightstar Consulting, Past President of Professional Speakers Australia, Facilitator for Girls in Tech Inc and Licensee & Head of Curation for TEDx Melbourne.