The Future was Local
The Wyndham Pitch Competition invited innovators, entrepreneurs and changemakers from across Wyndham City to explore smart solutions to real-world challenges and help shape the future of the city.
Powered by Press Play Ventures — a Melbourne-based startup accelerator supporting early-stage founders through mentoring and business growth programs — the 2026 program showcased the creativity, ambition and innovation emerging from Wyndham’s local business and startup community.
From 30 entries across Wyndham City, participants progressed through an intensive program delivered by Press Play Ventures, leading to 22 participants taking part in the Open Pitch Night and five finalists pitching their solutions to the theme, “The Future is Local”.
Winner: ClinicTech, 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.
Runner Up: Canopy Accelerator Co-Operative, for operating a local community-owned tree nursery in Point Cook growing seedlings and advanced trees for planting across Wyndham to help address low tree canopy cover.
People’s Choice: Places, for their community-powered platform designed to help apartment buildings become more connected, collaborative and easier to manage.
Winners received prize money, three months of personalised one-on-one mentoring with Press Play Ventures (sponsored by STACK Infrastructure), access to Wyndham City’s SPARK Business & Innovation Hub, and IT equipment from returning in-kind pitch sponsor Dell Technologies.
Our Sponsors
Major Sponsor — Victoria University
Through innovative vocational and higher education, underpinned by ethically aligned industry partnerships, Victoria University (VU) is addressing critical skills needs and shaping the workforce.
“We understand that our students all have unique skills, strengths and insights that can be harnessed into bold thinking for local solutions. This is why Victoria University is a proud major sponsor of WYNnovation Business Expo, celebrating entrepreneurship, innovation and creativity by bringing local businesses, business leaders, and innovators together to think big, learn, expand their networks and help shape Wyndham’s future.”
Premier Sponsors
Wyndham City Council gratefully acknowledges the support of our Premier Sponsors:
Event Supporter
Their ongoing support helps strengthen Wyndham’s innovation ecosystem and empowers local entrepreneurs to grow and succeed.