Prince Andrew comes to Gold Coast a second time for Pitch@Palace at Bond University

THE Commonwealth Games might be done and dusted, but the Royal visits aren’t, with the Duke of York set to return to the Gold Coast for one very important reason.

THE Duke of York Prince Andrew will return to the Gold Coast this year to help aspiring entrepreneurs pitch their business ideas overseas.

Pitch@Palace, a joint initiative between Bond University and a number of other Australian universities, gives young people a chance to showcase their innovative start-up ideas before a panel at St James’s Palace, London.

Vice Chancellor Tim Brailsford. Picture Glenn Hampson

On November 27, His Royal Highness Prince Andrew will return to the Robina campus and meet with Queensland and Northern Territory entrants. A judging panel will later decide on the regional finalists.

Prince Andrew headlined the event for the first time last year.

Bond University Vice Chancellor and President Professor Tim Brailsford said last year’s event was a huge success with two locals, including one Bond University student, reaching the palace in London.

HRH Prince Andrew with Bond University Chancellor Annabelle Bennett. Photo: Supplied

Student Alisha Geary and local Nev Hyman progressed to the global challenge in London, where Mr Hyman claimed the top prize.

He proposed NevHouse, which turns recycled plastic into low cost homes, schools and medical clinics.

“The Pitch@Palace Australia concept resonates with the Bond University community as we fully embrace the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship,” Prof Brailsford said.

Some words of advice for entrepreneurs from Prince Andrew at Bond University last year. Photo: Supplied

“Bond by its very nature was established as a start-up almost 30 years ago and we understand the challenge of growing an early stage business.

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“This year we aim to have an even larger number of entrants and I am confident that the quality of ideas will continue to raise the bar.”

This year, the Prince will visit more places in Australia including Western Australia, South Australia and Brisbane, with the national tour being officially announced today.

Other universities involved in the event are: the University of Wollongong, Macquarie University, Murdoch University, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology and University of South Australia.