Explore ideas. Build confidence. Access a share of $3,000 in support.
Curiosity is our entry-level program for students who want to explore problems, test early ideas, and build confidence applying innovative thinking. There’s no need to arrive with a startup or polished concept, Curiosity is about discovering what you care about and what paths might be open to you.
You’ll work alongside students from different disciplines, share ideas, and learn the foundations of entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship in a safe, supportive environment. Ideas can be high-tech, creative, social, or simple. There’s no right or wrong starting point.
Unlock a share of $3,000 in prize money to support your next steps thanks to our incredible donors Shane Chidgzey and Jack Chin (and the Chin Family Trust).
Curiosity is the entry point to the Ventures ecosystem and the program feeds directly into Validate and Startup Adventure for those ready to test ideas further with industry support.
When: Wednesday 5 - 7pm, Thursday 3 - 5pm (Wednesday 11 March to Thursday 30 April 2026)
Where: Ventures Space, GCI Building (20)
Who: Students who are curious about ideas and new career pathways (no experience required)
At the end of the Curiosity program you will have:
- Connected with other students, alumni, and staff from across the university.
- Gained an understanding of fundamental entrepreneurship concepts.
- Identified a problem or challenge you want to solve.
- Pitched your idea (optional but highly encouraged as it’s a super fun and empowering experience!).
After completing Curiosity, you can choose to continue your journey through Validate or other UQ Ventures programs.
Curiosity includes dedicated industry-supported streams beginning with Australia's Food and Beverage Accelerator (FaBA).
These industry-supported streams give founders access to curated mentors, domain-specific workshops, tailored opportunities, and targeted funding designed to accelerate ideas within their industry.
Program testimonials
"Curiosity was a great intro to thinking creatively and working through real problems. I found it super useful for stepping back, seeing the bigger picture, and getting clear on what problem I was actually trying to solve. The intrapreneurship sessions were very unique and valuable, and pitching early helped me shape my idea fast. For anyone unsure about joining, just give it a go. It’s low pressure, surprisingly fun, and sets you up well for next steps."
-Rowan Campbell, Curiosity Sem 1 2025
"I had a good experience in the Curiosity program. What was most inspiring to me was how we were challenged to understand our business problem, rather than coming up with a solution. I found that this concept helped me approach my project, especially as I transitioned into Validate. I'm glad I had the chance to participate in both Curiosity and Validate and I think both programs gave me unique opportunities to learn and grow my ideas."
- Dominique Gooden, Curiosity Sem 1 2025
"I came in with this really vague problem, and somehow by the end I had built an actual app. What really got me excited were events where you get to meet people actually working in startups around Brisbane. Even when I couldn't make it to some events, the team always shared resources so I never felt left behind."
- Dev Kansana, Curiosity Sem 1 2025