On Thursday 4th February, Makers Empire was one of six start ups selected to present at SouthStart’s Pitch Competition. The Pitch Competition — the final session of the two-day conference held at the Adelaide Convention Centre — saw the companies competing for a range of cash and prizes worth $20,000.
CEO Jon Soong had four minutes to present the company and our world-first 3D printing learning program for primary schools to judges Alfred Lo, Lead Principal at Optus-Innov8, Michael Galpert, Co Founder at Aviary, Elaine Stead, Investment Director at Blue Sky Funds and Aaron Lepoidevin, Director at PWC.
Afterwards Jon was asked a few searching questions by the judges before his time was up and he had to vacate the stage for the next presenter.
After all six company presentations, the judges adjourned to make their decision. In the interim, the Audience Favourite award was voted on by audience clapping and Makers Empire was the clear winner. We were then further thrilled when the organisers announced the judges’ decision: Makers Empire was the winner, making it a clean sweep!
Jon Soong, CEO of Makers Empire said, “We’re delighted and humbled to have won both the SouthStart Pitch competition and the Audience Favourite award.”
“It’s fantastic to recieve this recognition of the work Makers Empire is doing to introduce 3D printing to primary schools and prepare today’s students for tomorrow’s jobs. The other companies presenting — Munch At Mine, The Cook’s Base, BankStatements.com.au, Ripe Near Me and Crowd Heal — all pitched well so I’m sure the judging was a close call. Our sincere thanks and gratitude to SouthStart’s organisers and sponsors, the judges and the audience members who voted for us.”
The Pitch Competition prizes comprise $5,000 cash, $3,000 worth of R&D by PWC, a HTC 1M8, three months mentoring by Blue Sky Funds and six months office space at Majoran Distillery.
