Ventures - University of Queensland

Ventures reflects the entrepreneurial spirit of our community. While you can’t predict the future, you can develop the knowledge, networks and skills to pivot between current and emerging careers and flourish wherever life takes you.

ABOUT VENTURES

Ready to grow? FaBA Growth Hub applications open.

Scaling a food or beverage business? We're looking for Australia's most ambitious food and beverage founders: startups and SMEs ready to grow, scale, and become investment-ready in a fully-online, 12-week program. Applications close Monday 20 April.

Meet Varun, our 2026 Chief Student Entrepreneur

Varun’s journey started in a UQ Ventures program. As he described, as something he initially saw as “extra” alongside university ended up shaping his entire university experience. When asked what success would look like at the end of his year as Chief Student Entrepreneur, Varun keeps it simple. “More students get involved with Ventures and realise what’s possible.”

ilab Pitch Night Chapter 1 is coming

We can't wait to see our ilab founders back on the Princess Theatre stage in May 2026 - find out more about them. The ilab Accelerator is a UQ flagship program designed to fast-track UQ student, staff, and alumni startups.

Our Startup AdVenture students take flight

We say em đi vui nha and bon voyage to 40 UQ students who are heading off to explore the world of innovation and entrepreneurship through our Startup AdVenture programs in Hanoi, Shenzhen, and San Francisco during the 2025/26 summer semester break! If you're keen to take your own leap into the startup world, express your interest now for the 2026 Startup AdVenture programs.

The LeadHers Foundation Program is a 4-week introductory program designed for students and early-career staff and alumni who want to build confidence, capability, and leadership skills. Participants take part in weekly, interactive workshops, with each session focusing on a different skill that supports personal and professional growth.

What's it really like to launch a startup at UQ?

At UQ, we’re continuously impressed by the entrepreneurial spirit and startup ideas that come out of our UQ Ventures community.

Tom Bizzell, a Bachelor of Commerce / Bachelor of Laws (Honours) student and 2022 UQ’s Chief Student Entrepreneur tells us about his startup Wakeshare and his experiences with UQ Ventures.

Own the unknown