2025 Ventures ilab Accelerator: Meet our cohort

22 January 2025

The University of Queensland’s 2025 Ventures ilab Accelerator: Chapter 1 cohort has awarded 11 startups with $15,000 funding to help launch their early-stage ventures.

Now in its 20th iteration, ilab is one of the longest-running accelerator programs in Australia and has supported 305+ startups, creating over 1,550 jobs and attracting ~$435 million in investment and grant funding.  

Head of Entrepreneurship, Mr Nimrod Klayman said the teams started on the three-month intensive program in January, 

"I’m excited to welcome the first chapter of the 2025 ilab Accelerator, featuring startups tackling aged care, energy-saving, and diagnostic medicine challenges. I look forward to supporting these founders as they turn bold ideas into meaningful solutions"

“This cohort reflects a commitment to impactful innovation, addressing vital societal needs while shaping a sustainable and healthier future.”

Program lead, Mr Tyson Jennings, said he is excited to welcome the Entrepreneurs in Residence to the ilab Accelerator for 2025; an opportunity to welcome back returning EiR Abbey Cameron as well as introduce new EiR, Michael Cotton. They will both bring their invaluable expertise and perspectives to the program. 

“The 2025 Chapter 1 cohort brings a refreshing focus on solutions for aged care, energy efficiency, and diagnostic medicine—sectors that truly matter. I’m eager to work alongside them as they channel this enthusiasm into building impactful and innovative solutions.”

“The energy and excitement these founders bring to the program are contagious, and their passion for solving real-world problems is inspiring.”

2025 ilab Accelerator: Chapter 1 cohort

Meet the teams

The 11 teams, including 24 founders and 10 current UQ student participants, are solving programs across diverse industries. 

  • Aroma Armour – Helping people take care of shoe and gear hygiene.
  • Eyebrarian – AI-powered book recommendations and reading tools.
  • Polinate – Marketplace for restaurants to order to suppliers.  
  • MyHive – A community-powered help and safety app to keep your family safe.
  • ScanAI – AI algorithm for diagnostic radiology.
  • Nova Intelligence Systems – All-in-one hub for seamless business operations.
  • SeatFinder – Airline rewards seat finder for APAC travellers.
  • Rise – Better data, better healthcare outcomes.
  • Inventico – Intellectual property management platform.
  • Orchy Energy – Orchy slashes your energy bill.
  • Marco Polo Portal – Empowering people with a disability to choose how they live their lives. 

The Ventures ilab Accelerator program provides $15,000 in funding per start-up, along with access to UQ’s global mentoring and investor network, workshops, guidance from UQ’s Entrepreneurs in Residence, co-working space, and concludes with the ilab Pitch Night showcasing the teams innovations. 

Save the date for ilab Pitch Night, Thursday 10 April 2025.

For more information about Ventures and opportunities please contact Tyson at t.jennings@uq.edu.au or ventures@uq.edu.au
 

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