Simone Witschge, General Manager of EML’s Mutual Benefits Program, shares why The Pitch Off is returning, what we are looking for, and how innovators can turn bold ideas into real-world impact
Q. The Pitch Off is back for 2026. What made EML bring the initiative back?
The Pitch Off last year reinforced what we have always believed – some of the best ideas for improving workplace safety, injury prevention and recovery come from the people and organisations working closest to the challenges.
The inaugural competition attracted innovators, providers and entrepreneurs from across Australia. Safety Compass emerged as the winner with its augmented reality safety solution and has since continued to develop and refine the concept through industry engagement and pilot opportunities.
Through the Mutual Benefits Program, EML has invested more than $144 million over the past decade in workplace safety, health, recovery and innovation initiatives. The Pitch Off 2026 is a way we turn that commitment into action by uncovering new ideas and helping accelerate solutions that could create meaningful impact for workers and employers.
Q. What makes The Pitch Off a valuable opportunity?
The Pitch Off is designed for anyone with an idea that could improve workplace safety, injury prevention, risk management or recovery outcomes, whether you are a service provider, researcher, startup, entrepreneur or industry professional.
Finalists have the opportunity to pitch their ideas live at the Workplace Health & Safety Show in Sydney – one of Australia’s leading workplace safety events, in front of employers, safety professionals, industry leaders and decision-makers.
Participants also gain access to EML’s extensive network of employers, researchers, service providers and industry partners. For many innovators, that visibility and opportunity to build connections can be just as valuable as the $50,000 funding support.
Q. What is EML looking for in 2026?
We are looking for ideas that solve genuine workplace challenges and have the potential to make a meaningful difference in workplace safety in areas such as injury prevention, risk management and recovery at work. This could be a technology solution, research initiative, service model, training approach or a completely new way of tackling an existing problem.
We are particularly interested in ideas aligned to the focus areas and priorities outlined on the The Pitch Off website.
Q. What is your advice for a strong submission?
Start by exploring the resources available on the Pitch Off webpage – The Pitch Off – Where innovation meets opportunity! The submission process is simple and we have provided guidance, FAQs & supporting materials to help shape a strong proposal.
Most importantly, focus on the outcomes your idea could achieve. You don’t need to have all the answers, but the strongest submissions clearly demonstrate why the idea matters. Consider questions such as: What problem is it solving? Who benefits? What would be different if the idea succeeds?
In many cases, we assess the strength of the problem being addressed and the potential impact of the idea, rather than how polished it is today. We are just as interested in concepts, pilots and early-stage ideas as we are in mature solutions.
Please note that existing commercial products or services are not eligible unless your submission demonstrates a novel application, adaptation or innovation beyond what is already available in the market.
If you are passionate about making a difference and believe your idea could create safer, healthier or more resilient workplaces, we would encourage you to put it forward.
Q. What can attendees expect from the live competition on the show floor?
The top three finalists will be invited to The Pitch Off 2026 at the Workplace Health & Safety Show in Sydney, where they will deliver a five-minute live pitch followed by a two-minute Q&A with the judging panel and audience. The winner will be decided through a combined 50/50 vote between the judges and audience and announced live on the day.
It’s always a highlight of the show and a great reminder that some of the most impactful ideas can come from anywhere.
Q. What happens next?
Entries are now open and close on 24 July 2026.
If you are passionate about improving workplace safety, preventing injuries, supporting recovery or helping employers manage risk more effectively, we would love to hear from you.
The next great idea could come from a startup founder, a researcher, a service provider, or someone working directly with customers every day. The Pitch Off is about creating a platform for those ideas to be seen and supported.
Visit The Pitch Off website https://www.eml.com.au/mutual-benefits/the-pitch-off/, explore the resources available, and submit your idea before 24 July.
Bring your best pitch. We are looking forward to seeing what’s next.
