About this Event
One night. Two celebrations. Endless innovation.
For the first time, Ventures is bringing together ilab Pitch Night and the UQ Entrepreneurship and Innovation Awards to showcase and celebrate the breadth and impact of entrepreneurship across The University of Queensland community.
Join us on Tuesday 10 November at The Tivoli as we recognise outstanding entrepreneurial achievements by students, researchers, founders, alumni and industry partners who are creating solutions to local and global challenges.
The evening will feature live startup pitches from the latest Ventures ilab Accelerator cohort, alongside the presentation of the UQ Entrepreneurship and Innovation Awards, celebrating the diversity and strength of entrepreneurship at UQ and beyond.
After 12 weeks of intensive mentoring, expert-led sessions and hands-on development, ilab founders will take to the stage to share their journeys and compete for funding, recognition and a place in Queensland's innovation future. At the same time, we'll celebrate entrepreneurial excellence across the broader UQ ecosystem by recognising individuals and ventures making an extraordinary impact through innovation, leadership and enterprise.
Whether you're a founder, student, researcher, investor, mentor, alumnus, industry partner or supporter of innovation, join us for an evening of bold ideas, inspiring stories and meaningful connections as we celebrate another remarkable year of entrepreneurship at UQ.
Come celebrate the people, ideas and ventures shaping the future.
Get your ticket
- Date: Tuesday 10 November 2026
- Time: 5-9:30pm
- Venue: The Tivoli, 52 Costin St, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006
Visit:
- ilab Ventures webpage to find out more about our cohorts
- E&I Awards webpage to learn more about our awards
The 2026 Chapter 2 ilab Accelerator Pitch Night is powered by , with support from , , and .
Agenda
🕑: 06:15 PM - 06:20 PM
Open and Welcome
Host: Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Deborah Terry AC
🕑: 06:20 PM - 06:45 PM
Entrepreneurship and Innovation Awards announcements
Info: UQ's Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Deborah Terry AC will announce the winners of the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Awards in the categories of: Indigenous Entrepreneur of the Year, Student Entrepreneur of the Year, and UQ Entrepreneur of the Year.
🕑: 06:45 PM - 08:30 PM
ilab Pitch Night pitches commence
Info: Hear 10 electric pitches from our ilab Chapter 2 2026 cohort.
🕑: 08:40 PM - 08:55 PM
ilab Pitch Night winners announced
🕑: 05:00 PM - 05:55 PM
Doors open & canapes and refreshments served
🕑: 08:55 PM - 09:30 PM
Networking
Info: Food and beverage service recommences
Event venue & nearby stays
The Tivoli, 52 Costin Street, Fortitude Valley, Australia
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