Two cohorts. Two pitch events. 24 startup ideas. 76 participants. 15 external guests, including mentors, intrapreneurs, and judges. The Curiosity Program proves that 7 weeks is more than enough to spark big change.
About the Curiosity program
Over the course of 7 weeks, students, alumni, and UQ staff come together to learn practical entrepreneurship concepts, from design thinking to pitching and storytelling. They also receive mentoring from experienced founders and professionals across technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
What makes Curiosity so powerful is witnessing participants’ journeys. Many arrive without an idea (what we call a Problem Space), without teammates, and often unsure of what they’re doing. But those who commit, who believe in the process, end up pitching ideas that inspire us all.
That's a wrap!
At the end of September, we wrapped up another cohort with 24 final pitches. We were honoured to welcome judges and feedbackers Theia Gabatan, Allen Smith, Alex Macpherson, and Phoenix Shaw-Collery. Among the 24 pitches, a few teams stood out.
Best Business Idea winners:
- GlobalScripts - connecting licensed doctors from both home and host countries on one platform
- Infilament - tackling waste caused by 3D printing
Best Pitch Delivery winners:
- AIDVice - designing new ways for people with disability to review and use make-up
- MatesLink - helping people with food allergies and dietary needs by creating healthy instant food seasoning
Most Creative Idea winners:
- Gradia - an addiction recovery app that uses psychology principles and proven methods to improve success rates
- HACS - an app helping young people support sustainable small businesses through ads and education
A big thank you
This impact would not have been possible without the incredible network of mentors and guest speakers who generously gave their time and expertise to guide participants. Their encouragement helped our students think big and challenge themselves, and for that, we are deeply grateful.
Run your first 5k
One mantra we repeat throughout the program is simple: this is your first 5km, not a marathon. Like any new hobby, it might feel uncomfortable at first. But if you commit, trust the process, use the tools, and listen to the coaches along the way, you’ll cross the finish line. Don’t overthink it – just keep running your first 5k.
Bright city lights
This round was extra special. For the first time, Curiosity collaborated with the International Alumni Engagement Office to deliver the program in the iconic UQ City Building. I guarantee to you, the energy was different! Buzzing, inspiring, and filled with new connections. A special shout-out goes to our alumni and MBA participants who joined us this semester. Congratulations to Rolf and Phone for completing the program!
Join the next program
If you’re ready to kickstart your entrepreneurship journey, to meet new friends and build a project that will truly challenge you, submit your name in our Expression of Interest. Next semester will arrive before you know it, and with it, your chance to meet incredible people and challenge yourself.
Join us. Trust the process. Run your first 5km!
A big shout-out to startups teams that were recognised at the pitch events:
GlobalScripts: | Kushagrah Madnani |
Infilament: | Ritisha Randhir Verma, Gordon Tam, Alvin Yan and Julius Firdasaputra |
AIDVice | Chloe Wu, Malwina Mania and Kayla Wade |
Mateslink: | Syarla Namira Putri Kuswara, Annisa Hani Ruslim, Akeila Keiona Effendi and Dzaky Zhafran Razzansyah. |
Gradia: | Alan Tang, Isaac Liggett, Eve Thansrikiat and Keith Arputham |
HACS: | Aditya Bayuprasetyo, Casugraha Assalwa, Shivika Thakur and Hayley Simmons |
