Announcing the 2026 UQ Ventures Ambassadors

We're excited to welcome our 2026 team of 13 UQ Ventures Student Ambassadors!

10 are stepping into the mission for the first time, and 3 familiar faces are returning to bring even more connections, bold ideas, and exciting events to our Ventures community.

But wait: what is a UQ Ventures Ambassador?

UQ Ventures Ambassadors are a group of students selected to work alongside the UQ Ventures team.

They represent Ventures across faculties, support the delivery of Ventures programs and events, guide and engage students who are part of our programs and partners, and help create a welcoming, inclusive environment where students from all backgrounds feel confident taking their first (or next) step into entrepreneurial thinking and actions.

UQ Ventures Ambassadors are known for being:

• Sharp. 
• Go-getters. 
• Curious thinkers. 
• Big-picture builders. 
• Natural connectors.

They have demonstrated high commitment to keep learning and involving with UQ Ventures programs and the general ecosystem. They go beyond the textbook, love turning ideas into action, and thrive on bringing people together.

Applications open annually, and this year we saw an exceptionally strong pool of candidates.

After a demanding selection process, we’re thrilled to officially announce our new cohort. 

“Each year we see students step up not just because they want to be involved, but because they want to give back. That culture of contribution is something we’re incredibly proud of at Ventures, and this cohort really reflects that.”

- Gav Parry, UQ Ventures Manager

Meet our 2026 Ambassadors

Each of our new ambassadors stood out through a strong track record of curiosity, a deep interest in entrepreneurship and innovation, and (most importantly) a genuine desire to help others grow.

Lead Ambassadors (more than 1 year working as an ambassador):

• Juhani Otso Djachenko
• Mritul Narayanan Rajesh
• Elouise Comber

New Ambassadors:

• Ching Wu
• Doris Wong
• Namita Annie John
• Anshraj Srivastava
• Ritisha Randhir Verma
• Zhiwei Chen
• Sara Goncalves Arsenio
• Gokulnath Venkitachalam
• Ting Hin Alvin Yan
• Partho Nabar
• Sowmiya Yoganathan

After an incredibly strong year for Ventures, the 2026 cohort builds on the legacy left by our 2025 Ambassadors: a group that I had the honour to lead throughout the year, who showed up consistently, and helped thousands of students engage with innovation across campus. The bar has been set high, and this new team is ready to carry that momentum forward.

What are our 2026 Ambassadors most looking forward to in their new roles?

This year’s Ambassadors come from a diverse range of disciplines and stages of study, united by a shared desire to support their peers and stay connected to the entrepreneurial community that has already had a meaningful impact on their own journeys.

Chloe Wu is excited to give back to a community that helped shape her experience at UQ.

“I’ve benefited a lot from Ventures myself, and I’m keen to give back by helping other students access the same opportunities, while also growing both personally and professionally throughout the year.”

For Doris Wong, Ventures has always been about people as much as programs.

“Ventures has shaped many of my friendships, memories, and moments of growth. I’m excited to give back, stay on this journey, and help other students feel the same energy and encouragement this community has given me.”

Namita traces her connection with Ventures back to her very first semester.

“Being part of the Curiosity program in my first semester genuinely inspired me, and I’ve always loved the energy of the Ventures team. I’m excited to give back, inspire others, and continue growing with the community.”

Having experienced multiple programs, Alvin sees the Ambassador role as an opportunity to close the loop.

“After participating in three different UQ Ventures programs, I’ve seen first-hand how many doors they can open. Becoming an Ambassador feels like the perfect way to give back and contribute directly to the UQ entrepreneurial community.”

For Zhiwei, the motivation is helping others find their way into the startup ecosystem.

“I’m excited to support more students in the startup ecosystem and share what I’ve learned along the way.”

Sara describes Ventures as a constant source of inspiration.

“The Ventures community has already had such a big impact on me and continues to inspire my journey. I’m really excited to give back and be more involved in 2026.”

Ritisha is drawn to the balance of learning while supporting others.

“I’m looking forward to being part of a community that encourages students to explore, experiment, and grow. Supporting others through their Ventures journey, while continuously learning from the team myself, is something I’m really excited about.”

Reflecting on his own growth, Gukunath shared how Ventures helped reshape his mindset.

“UQ Ventures programs played a pivotal role in helping me break through the barriers I had built for myself. I’m thrilled to now work within the team, contribute to the community, and continue learning from the mentors who shaped my entrepreneurial mindset.”

And for Partho, the role is about creating belief.

“I’m excited to help create an environment where students feel encouraged to experiment, build, and believe they can shape what’s next  and to be part of their journey along the way.”

What's next?

As Ambassadors, this cohort will lead engagement within their faculties, support Ventures programs (from Curiosity through to advanced founder pathways) and act as champions for innovation across campus.

Most importantly, they’ll help more students see that Ventures is for everyone whether you’re building a startup, exploring ideas, or learning how to think differently inside existing organisations.

We can’t wait to see the impact this cohort will have in 2026 and look forward to sharing their stories, insights, and contributions throughout the year.

Come be part of Ventures in 2026 and find your pathway into our programs: Register your interest now