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Where innovation meets opportunity

The Pitch Off

Got a groundbreaking idea that could change the game in workplace health, safety, or wellbeing?

This is your chance to secure $50,000 in funding from the EML Group to bring your research, project, product, or initiative to life.

Light blue square shape on a colored background.
Simple blue icon representing a generic concept.

The Pitch Off will be held live at the WHS Expo in Sydney, where the top three finalists will pitch their ideas on stage to an expert panel and a live audience.

What’s in it for you?

  • $50,000 in funding to accelerate your idea
  • A live pitch opportunity at a major industry event
  • Exposure to key decision-makers and industry leaders

 

This webpage is your go-to hub – packed with everything you need to shape your concept, build your pitch, and stand out from the crowd.

Be bold. Be impactful. 

Ready to make your pitch? Let’s go.

Think you've got the next big idea? Step into the spotlight.

Here is what you need to know about The Pitch Off:

You’re invited to take the stage

The Pitch Off is a brand-new event hosted by the EML Group, happening live on the Spotlight Stage at the 2025 WHS Show in Sydney this October.

You could win $50,000 in funding

If selected to pitch, you’ll be in the running for a $50,000 boost from the Mutual Benefits Program to help turn your idea into reality.

You need a bold, innovative concept

Submit your project, product, research or initiative – something original that meets the entry criteria and delivers real benefits to EML Group customers or the broader community.

You might be one of three finalists

The top three entries will be chosen to present their pitch live at the WHS Show in Sydney.

You’ll pitch live, on stage. Each finalist will:

  • Present for 5 minutes
  • Answer audience and panel questions in a 2-minute Q&A
  • Win over both our industry judges and the audience to take the prize

Are you the innovator we're looking for?

Participation in The Pitch Off is open to:

  • Service providers and professional organisations with relevant registration and expertise in Australia.
  • Already a funding partner with the EML Group or Mutual Benefits Program? Please channel new ideas or initiatives through your partnership manager or established channel.

Refer to the Terms and Conditions, and FAQs for more details.

Align to shine

To be eligible for the $50,000 funding:

  1. Your initiative must align with the Mutual Benefits Program’s core objectives of Risk Management or Injury Prevention.
  2. Your concept can be industry-wide or tailored to one or more of our priority industries (listed below).
  3. Projects that also address our key focus areas will be viewed favourably during the selection process.

Pitching essentials

The information provided below is intended as a guide for your concept proposal. It is essential that you use this information to ensure your proposal aligns clearly and effectively with the objectives of this initiative.

The ideas submitted should be unique, innovative and impactful products/tools, projects, training solutions, or  research that focus on injury prevention or risk management and can provide benefit to EML Group customers or the broader community.

  • Novel approach: How innovative or unique is the proposed initiative?
  • Creativity: Does the initiative offer creative solutions to existing problems or risks within the personal injury industry or for workplaces?
  • Strategic alignment: does the initiative align with the Mutual Benefits Program objectives and focus areas?
  • Risk reduction: How effectively does the initiative address or reduce key risks or hazards?
  • Measurable outcomes: Are there clear, measurable goals or indicators to measure success or impact on safety, efficiency, or productivity?
  • Long-term sustainability: How sustainable is the initiative in the long term, both in terms of financial resources and its ability to continuously mitigate risks?
  • Practical implementation: How realistic and feasible is the implementation of the initiative?
  • Pilot capability/site: Is your concept suitable for piloting with a customer or ready for real-world workplace implementation?
  • Scalability: Can the initiative be scaled for different sized organisations?
  • Adaptability: Can the initiative be adapted for different sectors, environments or industries?
  • Budgeting and resource allocation: Does the initiative offer a clear and practical budget? Is the proposed cost appropriate for the expected outcomes?
  • Return on investment (ROI): What is the expected ROI for the initiative such as reduced workplace incidents, increased productivity, increased capability, or lower insurance premiums?
  • Comprehensive risk evaluation: Does the initiative take a comprehensive approach to identifying and addressing risk (such as physical, psychosocial, operational, etc.)?
  • Does the ‘submitter’ meet requirements as set out in the T&Cs? E.g., provider, industry expert / professional, NFP etc. Age requirements. Australian based etc.
  • Regulatory compliance: Does the initiative align with current health, safety, and risk management regulations and standards?
  • Data collection and analysis: Does the initiative rely on data to assess risk and drive decision-making?
  • Evidence of success: Are there any case studies, pilot results, or evidence from similar initiatives or research to support the proposed solution’s efficacy?
  • Clarity and persuasiveness: How clearly is the proposal communicated? Is it well-structured and persuasive in explaining the problem, solution, and impact?
  • Stakeholder engagement: How effectively does the pitch engage and inspire?

Ready to pitch?

Make sure your concept proposal form is completed and submitted by COB Friday 15 August 2025.

Please review and accept the terms and conditions prior to submitting your concept.

To enhance your proposal, feel free to share supporting documentation to [email protected] – adding in subject header the ‘name of the submission’ and ‘The Pitch Off supporting documents’

Complete your concept proposal here
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Your moment to impress

The finalists will present to a live audience and judging panel – to be announced soon.

Judging criteria:

  • Unique/innovative idea – not something that has been done before
  • Alignment – to injury prevention or risk management, and Mutual Benefits focus area
  • Viability – what is proposed is achievable in the budget proposed etc.
  • Scalable and adaptable – for different workplaces
  • Impact – potential impact of the proposed initiative
  • Resources – cost and people requirements, pilot capability/site

 

Each of the three finalists will have 5 minutes to present with 2 minutes allowed for a live Q&A from the audience and judges.

The winner will be selected by the judging panel and audience (each holding a 50% vote) then announced at the conclusion of The Pitch Off event.

Supporting resources

Proudly brought to you by the Mutual Benefits Program

For more than 115 years, the EML Group has proudly supported people in getting their lives back on track after a workplace injury or illness.

Since 2012, Employers Mutual Limited has invested over $142 million into the Mutual Benefits Program, a program designed to drive innovation, strengthen partnerships, and deliver real value through practical tools, training, research, and impactful projects.

From prevention to recovery, the Mutual Benefits Program delivers support, services, and solutions that drive innovation and create positive change for individuals, workplaces, and across the broader scheme.

Our investments push the boundaries of best practice and set new benchmarks in the personal injury industry, supporting workers, employers, and schemes at every stage of the journey.

Want to learn more about the impact we’re making? Explore our Annual Reports.

Learn more about the Workplace Health & Safety Show
whsshow.com.au

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The EML Group is made up of a group of companies owned and operated by a partnership between Employers Mutual Limited & The Trustee For ASWIG Management Trust ABN 23 923 166 503, to find out more information about the EML Group click here.

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