OUR PRINCE WILL COME

THE Duke of York Prince Andrew will return to the Gold Coast this year to help aspiring entrepreneurs pitch their business ideas overseas.

On November 27, His Royal Highness will return to Bond University and meet with Queensland and Northern Territory entrants in Pitch@Palace, which gives young people a chance to showcase their innovative start-up ideas before a panel at St James’s Palace, London.

THE Duke of York Prince Andrew will return to the Gold Coast this year to help aspiring entrepreneurs pitch their business ideas overseas.

Pitch@Palace, a joint initiative between Bond University and a number of other Australian universities, gives young people a chance to showcase their innovative start-up ideas before a panel at St James’s Palace, London.

On November 27, His Royal Highness Prince Andrew will return to the Robina campus and meet with Queensland and Northern Territory entrants. A judging panel will later decide on the regional finalists. Prince Andrew headlined the event for the first time last year.

Bond University Vice Chancellor and President Professor Tim Brailsford said last year’s event was a huge success with two locals – Bond University student Alisha Geary and Nev Hyman – progressing to the global challenge in London, where Mr Hyman claimed the top prize.

He proposed NevHouse, which turns recycled plastic into low-cost homes, schools and medical clinics.

“The Pitch@Palace Australia concept resonates with the Bond University community as we fully embrace the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship,” Prof Brailsford said.

“Bond by its very nature was established as a start-up almost 30 years ago and we understand the challenge of growing an early-stage business.

“This year we aim to have an even larger number of entrants and I am confident that the quality of ideas will continue to raise the bar.”

The Prince will also visit WA, SA and Brisbane, with the national tour being officially announced today.