Curiosity Protostars: Stories of Student Founders Who Are Shaping the World
At the sweet spot between curiosity, entrepreneurship, and purpose is the partnership between the UQ Ventures Curiosity Program and Protostars—a platform where student founders transform sparks of passion into ventures that matter.
On 7 August 2025 at UQ St Lucia, this partnership came alive at the Curiosity Protostars Panel, organised by Mayu Komukai (UQ Ventures) and supported by Theia Gabatan (Protostars, Blackbird Foundation). The goal? To show students just starting out that entrepreneurship isn’t about waiting for the future it’s about building it now.
Three student innovators took the stage, each showing what happens when curiosity meets action. Missed the event? Don’t worry. Below, you can find a few insights from the panellists and great takeaways:
Rowan Campbell: Cooking Oil, Reinvented
"I’m creating the future of cooking oil with Australian-grown algae."
Rowan Campbell’s startup project tackles two challenges, health and sustainability, with one idea. By producing cooking oil from locally grown algae through fermentation, his product is healthier than traditional seed oils and far less demanding on land and water.
What began as a biofuels experiment evolved into a project with real commercial potential. With support from UQ Ventures, Rowan gained mentorship, validation, and a platform to test his big idea.
Steven van Deursen: Waste into Worth
"Algeåe is a skincare startup I co-founded with my classmate Luis, transforming invasive algae into luxury face cream."
Steven’s startup Algeåe takes algae from damaged ecosystems and turns it into skincare products that both nourish the skin and restore the environment.
What started as blending Spirulina into store-bought cream quickly gained momentum with 20+ sales in weeks, just through campus events. After joining Curiosity and winning the UQ Ventures Validate program, Steven and Luis secured seed funding and mentorship, turning their prototype into a mission-driven brand with traction. Now, they are part of the iLab Momentum Accelerator Program.
Samuel Gonzalez-Althona: Drones for Good
"I am developing a 3D printed FPV fixed-wing UAV that can conduct missions autonomously and collaborate with other drones to act as a swarm."
Samuel Gonzalez-Althona is a founder with a vision straight out of a sci-fi novel, but rooted in real, practical impact. His UAV, MANTA RAY, is a 3D-printed, fixed-wing drone capable of autonomous missions, collaborative swarm operations, and payload delivery. From aerial search-and-rescue to delivering water bottles and first aid kits, this tech is built for emergency response and humanitarian aid.
Despite its complex technology, including AI-powered tracking and swappable modules, Samuel’s project is deeply human. It's not about warfare or weaponry.
His mission is about saving lives, not endangering them.
Lessons for Every Student Founder
- The panel wasn’t just about showcasing ideas—it was a crash course in what it takes to move from curiosity to traction:
- Start with the problem. Be obsessed with the challenge before you chase the solution.
- Validate ruthlessly. Talk to strangers, experts, potential users—don’t rely only on surveys.
- Seek real feedback. The harshest critique is often the most valuable.
- Balance your energy. Juggling uni and startups is about priorities and realistic time management.
- Show traction. From bio-permits to prototype sales to 200+ drone testers—progress is what counts.
Final Words
The Curiosity Protostars Panel wasn’t just an event—it was proof that big ideas can start small, with students who dare to test, fail, and try again. As Theia Gabatan put it best:
“Don’t be afraid to fail. Just do it and see what happens.”
So, if you’re sitting on an idea, or just a problem that keeps you up at night, get curious. Talk to people. Test something small. You might just be the next Curiosity Protostar.