Illuminate Events

Illuminate PitchFest is back! We are excited to introduce you to 10 new trailblazing researchers who will take to the stage in February to pitch their bold and bright ideas.

The 10 early to mid-career researchers are committed to discovering, preventing, and curing some of the most challenging and common childhood diseases and illnesses – including chronic health conditions, child disability, mental health, and cancer.

Each researcher will pitch their project and provide the audience with an insight into their life-changing work.

Through the power of philanthropy, our community plays a pivotal role in equipping brilliant researchers with the funding they need to transform their vision into ground-breaking advancements.

The finalists will have an opportunity to pitch their research projects for a $25,000 Illuminate Award or a new $50,000 Illuminate Visionary Award. Telethon Kids supporters who attend on the night will have the opportunity to vote for their favourite pitch.

With your support, we can illuminate a bright path for our researchers and their bold ideas!

For more information about the upcoming Illuminate PitchFest event and to register, please click here.

What is so uniquely special about our supporter community at Telethon Kids is our shared commitment, dedication and passion for child health research.

This was made evident at our recent Illuminate PitchFest event, held on Wednesday 15 February, where $150,000 was awarded to six early to mid-career researchers for their innovative research projects.

Ten researchers from different areas took to the stage with a carefully crafted presentation and three-minute pitch, in efforts to spark the interest of 80 guests and a judging panel consisting of Board Chair Hon Julie Bishop, the Giorgetta family, host Professor Jane Pillow and Telethon Kids staff.

In September 2021, the Institute’s Development Advisory Network (DAN), a volunteer committee supporting the Institute’s fundraising goals, hosted the inaugural Illuminate Dinner, a fundraising event designed to shine light on the child health research happening at Telethon Kids Institute.

Through this event, the Illuminate Awards were born.