Swinburne Venture Cup Pitch Night 2026

Join us for an inspiring evening celebrating Swinburne’s achievements in innovation at our annual Venture Cup Pitch Night on Tuesday 27 October at 6pm.

📍 Hyatt Centric Melbourne | 🗓️ Tuesday 27 October, 6pm | 🎟️ Free Entry

Over an intensive 12-week journey through Swinburne’s Elevate Program, five teams have been developing their startups, testing assumptions and refining their ideas. Now, they’re ready to take the stage and pitch to a live audience for the chance to win prizes.

This year, we’re also welcoming up to four Wildcard entries to recognise emerging talent from across the Swinburne ecosystem and celebrate the growing range of ways the Innovation Studio supports founders from idea to growth.

Whether you’re an investor, founder, startup enthusiast or simply curious about emerging ideas, Venture Cup Pitch Night is a chance to connect, be inspired and celebrate the creativity and ambition of Swinburne’s innovation community.

Why come along?

• Be inspired by bold ideas shaping the future

• Watch founders pitch for cash prizes and recognition

• Hear insights and challenging questions from our expert judging panel

• Hear former Venture Cup entrant Murray Longe share lessons from two startup exits and launch his new book, A Wild Ride.

• Cast your vote for the People’s Choice Award

• Connect with fellow innovators, investors and partners

A Wild Ride with Murray Longe

Twenty-two years after competing in the Swinburne Venture Cup, Murray Longe returns to share lessons from building and selling startups in Australia and Europe, and to launch his new book, A Wild Ride. His story offers founders a candid look at growth, partnerships, setbacks and what it takes to keep building beyond the competition.

Event details:

• Date: Tuesday, 27 October 2026

• Time: 6pm-9pm

• Location: Hyatt Centric Melbourne, 25 Downie St, Melbourne, 3000 (near Southern Cross)

Event schedule:

Whether you’re a founder in the making or simply curious, come and be part of this celebration of creativity, innovation and ambition.

If you have any questions, contact us at innovationstudio@swin.edu.au.