What Do Libraries and Innovation Have in Common? Parramatta Pitch Night!
Forget everything you thought you knew about libraries.
For many of us, the word “library” associates with silent rooms, whispered conversations and being shushed for making a little too much noise.
However, step inside Parramatta Library today and you will find something very different: local students studying and collaborating, groups playing games face-to-face, parents and children enjoying the soft-play area and the unmistakable energy of a community connecting.
A place where people come together and on 20 August, it became a stage for some of Western Sydney’s emerging entrepreneurs.
Bringing Pitch Night into the community
Launch Pad partnered with Parramatta Library to host a special edition of Parramatta Pitch Night: a fun, low-pressure evening where founders can practice their pitches, receive real feedback and connect with the local community.
By bringing Launch Pad’s Pitch Night into one of Parramatta’s most welcoming public spaces, we connected founders, students, professionals and curious community members to hear new ideas, ask questions and support those brave enough to share what they were building.
Five founders stepped forward:
- Doyoung Kim, founder of Nexev
- Sheldon Lin, founder of Joeymap
- Darin Engkawong, founder of Derma Dream
- Rozario Chivers, founder of Mould Detect
- Ash Kumar, founder of Dial A Dialysis
Each founder had to communicate what they were building, why it mattered and who it could help all within a limited time and in front of a live audience.
Our judges, Dr. Rob Lang and Shamsulnisa “Nisa” Alam, brought valuable and distinct perspectives to the evening.
Rob drew on 30 years of experience across fintech, AI, IoT, immersive technologies and technology startups. Nisa brought more than 17 years of library experience and a deep understanding of community needs, learning, and accessibility.
Together, they challenged the founders with thoughtful questions and constructive feedback to help strengthen both their ideas and pitches.
More than a place to borrow books
Parramatta Library remains a place to read, research and study, however it has become a place to meet, play, collaborate, pitch and participate in community life.
By combining Parramatta Library’s strong community connections with Launch Pad’s experience supporting founders and emerging entrepreneurs, the collaboration created an accessible platform for Western Sydney’s ideas to be shared and supported.
Launch Pad’s Parramatta Pitch Night will return with more founders, fresh ideas and opportunities to connect. Keep an eye on the Launch Pad Events Calendar for the next Pitch Night and other upcoming events.
