The Partners Behind Croc Pitch 2026
Croc Pitch 2026 is more than a competition. It’s a flagship event within Startup September, the annual celebration of entrepreneurship and innovation presented by the Business Enterprise Centre NT. Hosted by the Darwin Innovation Hub and principally sponsored by Paspalis Capital, it’s a demonstration of what the NT’s innovation ecosystem can produce when the right organisations get behind it, and it wouldn’t happen without the partners who make it possible.
From the capital that backs the winner to the infrastructure that supports the ecosystem, each of our sponsors and partners plays a direct role in building Northern Australia’s capacity for innovation, commercialisation, and economic growth.
Paspalis Capital
Paspalis Capital is an Asia-Pacific venture capital investor specialising in high-growth and deep-tech companies, with a strong focus on creating economic opportunities for Northern Australia. Through the Paspalis Co-Investment Fund, its partnership with the Northern Territory Government under the Territory Growth Initiative, and its ownership and operation of the Darwin Innovation Hub, Paspalis connects local and international founders with investment, industry networks and opportunities to test, commercialise and scale innovative technologies in the Northern Territory. Its broader venture capital activities also connect the Territory with investors and emerging technology companies across the Asia-Pacific region.
Charles Darwin University (CDU)
Charles Darwin University (CDU) plays an important role in strengthening the Northern Territory’s innovation ecosystem by connecting research, education, industry and government to create solutions with real-world impact. Through its Research and Innovation activities, CDU Enterprise and partnership with the Darwin Innovation Hub, CDU supports research commercialisation, industry collaboration and entrepreneurship, while creating opportunities for researchers, students and businesses to connect, innovate and contribute to the economic development of Northern Australia.
Northern Territory Government (NTG)
The Northern Territory Government plays a central role in developing a strong and connected innovation ecosystem, supporting Territory businesses, founders and entrepreneurs to transform innovative ideas into commercial opportunities. Through Innovation NT and initiatives including the Ignite program and Business Growth Program, the government provides access to funding, expert advice, mentoring and business development support designed to strengthen local capability, encourage investment and support sustainable economic growth across the Territory.
Why partnerships matter at Croc Pitch
Croc Pitch isn’t just about the prize. The network of organisations behind the event is part of what makes it valuable for founders. Access to the Darwin Innovation Hub’s programs, introductions to government and industry through our ecosystem partners, and the credibility that comes from being associated with Paspalis Capital. These are things that have real, lasting impact on the companies that come through Croc Pitch.
For our sponsors and partners, the event is an opportunity to connect with the most promising early-stage companies in Northern Australia before the rest of the market finds them. That early visibility has translated into ongoing relationships, co-investment, and commercial partnerships for several of our key backers in previous years.
We’re proud of the organisations that choose to back this event and the broader mission of building a stronger innovation economy in the North. Their support makes the difference.
Date: Wednesday 9 September 2026
Venue: Darwin Innovation Hub, Darwin NT
Time: 9am–11am ACST
Attendance is free. RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/croc-pitch-2026-tickets-1992092040920?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true
For more on Croc Pitch 2026 and the Darwin Innovation Hub’s programs for startups and innovators, visit crocpitch.com.au
