• AgriTech Incubator to hold sixth Pitch Night for ATI Riverina: Ready to Launch program, with night hosted in a virtual format for first time

It has been a busy 10 weeks for the participants of Charles Sturt University’s AgriTech Incubator’s ‘ATI Riverina: Ready to Launch’ program as they prepare to make a pitch that could change their lives.

The 10-week program has allowed participants to develop a business, product or service idea to ready-to-pitch in a virtual format.

The AgriTech Incubator team and Innovation Hub staff adapted quickly when COVID-19 restrictions were put in place to ensure participants could continue in the program.

The emerging entrepreneurs will have a chance to pitch to a small group online on Monday 4 May.

Charles Sturt’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Engagement) Professor Heather Cavanagh said while it may not be in the format originally intended, the University was committed to allowing participants to present their ideas.

“Charles Sturt University is committed to driving innovation outcomes for communities across regional NSW,” she said.

“The AgriTech Incubator program ‘Ready to Launch’ showcases some of the brightest innovators in the region and gives them the opportunity to pitch their business ideas to the wider community.”

From 7pm on Tuesday 5 May, the community will be able to hear from participants through the Founders Collective Facebook page.

Founder of The Scale Institute and ATI Riverina: Ready to Launch Program facilitator Mr Stephen Rutter praised participants for adapting to the new format and said he was excited to see what this group had devised.

“We have been absolutely privileged to have a group of amazing innovators in the latest Ready to Launch program,” he said.

“The diverse ideas and businesses are continuing the depth of entrepreneurial activity happening in Wagga Wagga, thanks to AgriTech Incubator.”

The program is supported by Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development and Member for Riverina the Hon. Mr Michael McCormack and NSW Finance and Small Business Minister the Hon. Mr Damien Tudehope MLC.

“Programs such as the Charles Sturt University AgriTech Incubator are important for supporting start-up businesses in our region,” Mr McCormack said.

“Wagga Wagga is a great place to live, work, study and start a business and I encourage program participants to continue to develop their business ideas into reality.”

Member for Wagga Dr Joe McGirr will be in attendance on Monday 4 May.

“Now, more than ever, we need to be celebrating industry innovation and advancements,” Dr McGirr said.

“I am looking forward to virtually attending the ATI Riverina: Ready to Launch pitch evening and seeing the variety of business ideas coming out of our region.”

NSW Finance and Small Business Minister Mr Tudehope said now is the time to focus on innovation.

“Coming off the back of the bushfires and the coronavirus pandemic, it is now more important than ever that we provide the tools and encouragement for the region’s creative minds to develop innovative business ideas and solutions,” he said.

“It takes real guts to put their ideas out there to the public for the very first time, made even more challenging when you can’t be in the same room as your audience.”