Finalists showcase smart ideas in an Innovation Challenge

Nine aspiring innovators will meet at the Chinchilla Cultural Centre for their chance to win at the Business Navigator's Pitch Challenge Final.

CLEVER CONCEPT: Lee Reithmuller pitching his idea at the Pitch Challenge. Picture: Contributed

NINE aspiring innovators will meet at the Chinchilla Cultural Centre on Thursday for a chance to win one of the big cash prizes on offer at the Business Navigator's Pitch Challenge Finals.

The evening is the finalists' last chance to pitch their ideas to a panel of expert judges after semi finals held earlier this month.

Working smarter not harder was the theme behind the business idea of one of the innovators.

David Abbott made it through to the Pitch Challenge final in the category of Best Growth Idea with his innovative idea of a picket driving fencing machine that will reduce labour, cost and time to complete a fencing job.

The easy-to-use design means equipment is safer and more efficient to reduce risk of fatigue and injury in the working environment.

"With the Quick Picket pre-production model already attracting interest from around the globe, winning the Business Navigator Pitch Challenge would help to unlock the company's potential to a national and international customer based, whilst being manufacturing right here in the Western Downs,” Mr Abbott said.

This clever ute-mounted picket driver fencing system is just one of the business ideas on show at The Pitch Challenge Final.

Another finalist, Lee Riethmuller looked at taking people with a physical disability off-road on customised mountain bikes making the outside more accessible to those with physical limitations.

"Winning the challenge would go a long way to turning prototype into saleable production models, making Rocksy Handcycles Australia's first production manufacturer of adaptive mountain bikes and flagship manufacturer in the Southern Hemisphere,” Mr Riethmuller said.

And it is not just innovative products on show.

Vicki Mayne is tackling social disengagement with a curriculum skills-based development program.

There are new concepts around bespoke clothes design, online legal services for contract checking and even an innovation that uses software to solve multiple common legal issues after an individual's death.

The nine finalists are:

Best Young Entrepreneur:

Tegan Flavel

Nathan Pfeffer

George Harris

Best Growth Idea:

Candice Mason

Vicki Mayne

David Abbott

Best New Business Idea:

Naomi Gearon

Lee Riethmuller and

Matthew John Robinson.

Residents are invited to attend The Pitch Challenge Final on November 29 at the Chinchilla Cultural Centre and support their local entrepreneurs.

The evening promises to be a great networking event for existing businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs, with business advice from industry leaders.

To buy tickets, visit https:www.navigator westerndowns.com.au.