WYNnovation, Wyndham City’s Pitch Competition grand finale was held at the WYNnovation Business Expo on 7 May showcasing the future is local.
The WYNnovation Business Expo at the Werribee Racing Club brought together 500 businesses, leaders and innovators to think globally and act locally with inspiring talks, expert-led sessions, business-to-business connections, supported by a major partnership boost with returning and new partners Victoria University, Commonwealth Bank, and Stack Infrastructure.
The jam-packed multi-level program featured more than 55 local suppliers from diverse sectors to Wyndham’s seven business associations, and the Small Business Bus by Business Victoria. A series of expert-led presentations on the main stage offered the latest economic update from CommBank, cyber security by Victoria University, a welcoming address from Interim Victorian Small Business Commissioner Tim Symons, and inspiring keynotes from Dr. Michelle Dickinson and lessons from The Iconic by Adam Jacobs, fabulously hosted by Osher Günsberg.
The highlight of the day, The Pitch Competition grand finale brought together astute minds from across Wyndham City to showcase their innovative ideas. The competition attracted a record 30 entries with the Open Pitch Night showcasing 22 participants, from which five finalists were selected. These five founders brought their visionary ideas and pitched their solution to ‘The Future is Local’ Challenge, powered by Press Play Ventures.
The winner, in first place, ClinicTech received $5,000 for their AI healthcare engine that gives every consultation a connected memory, preparing patients before the visit, helping clinicians stay present during it, and keeping follow-ups clear afterwards. The runner up, Canopy Accelerator Co-Operative received $3,000 for operating a local community-owned tree nursery in Point Cook growing seedlings and advanced trees for planting in Wyndham to address our low percentage if tree canopy cover. The Peer Choice, went to Places, receiving $2,000 for their community-powered platform designed to help apartment buildings become more connected, collaborative, and easier to manage.
Winners walked away with prize money, three months of personalised 1:1 mentoring with Press Play Ventures (fully sponsored by STACK Infrastructure), membership at Wyndham City’s SPARK Innovation Hub, and additional prizes from Dell Technologies.
Thank you to the judging panel who gave their time and expertise: Nilusha Gallage, Ph.D., Victoria University, Tram Nguyen, STACK Infrastructure and Sandro Campolongo, GAICD, Commonwealth Bank.
WYNnovation’s Pitch Competition is proudly presented by Wyndham City and sponsored by Victoria University, CommBank and STACK Infrastructure.
The WYNnovation Business Expo 2026 is one of many economic development initiatives that reflects Wyndham City’s commitment to fostering, enabling and investing in opportunities for Wyndham’s local businesses, building community, capability, innovation and growth. Next up is Wyndham’s 30th Annual Business Awards. Entries are now and close Sunday 5 July 2026.
For more information on how Wyndham supports business, visit wyndham.vic.gov.au/services/business-investment