For Queensland university students and childhood friends Anis Mihrshahi, who is studying Information Technology, and Leon Mojarrabi, who is studying Business, the Inala University Study Hub provided much more than a place to study - it provided the stability and support that helped them balance their university studies while building their biotech startup.
The pair co-founded Gutgutgoose, which is developing personalised probiotics designed to match an individual's unique gut microbiome that are 16 times more successful at establishing themselves in the gut than standard probiotic products.
Their innovation recently earned them a place into Y Combinator (YC), the prestigious Silicon Valley startup accelerator behind companies including Airbnb, Dropbox and OpenAI.
YC received over 80,000 applications this year and accepted around 200. Just 0.33 per cent of applicants are accepted into YC globally.
Anis and Leon recently relocated to California after securing US$500,000 in funding through the program, which provides an intensive three-month experience focused on scaling high-growth technology companies.
Study Hub students and Gutgutgoose co-founders Anis Mihrshahi and Leon Mojarrabi
The idea for Gutgutgoose was born from Leon's own experience with persistent gut issues. While researching possible solutions, he discovered a significant gap in a global industry worth hundreds of billions of dollars. Despite decades of growth in the probiotics market, many products continued to be marketed as a one-size-fits-all solution, creating an opportunity for a more personalised approach to probiotics.
"We wanted to help as many people as possible with probiotics, as most of the current options were far from being highly effective," said Anis.
Leon added: "Long term, we want to build a dataset that helps improve understanding of how the microbiome changes over time and how that relates to health. Success for us would be giving people better visibility into what's happening inside their own gut and helping move healthcare towards more personalised and preventative approaches."
The hope is that one day it may contribute to research aimed at identifying early markers of conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and dementia.
The Inala University Study Hub, funded through the department's Suburban University Study Hubs Program supported the pair to continue their university studies while they were separately building the company.
"The hub has allowed us to spend time with many incredibly driven individuals, many of whom have made suggestions that we have on occasion implemented into the company," said Anis.
Leon vividly remembers the moment they learned they had been accepted into YC while at the Study Hub.
"When we got the call from YC, Anis started screaming and jumping around," Leon said.
"It was something to see. Our families are incredibly proud and supportive."
Staff and students watching through the conference room glass doors erupted in celebration when Anis and Leon found out they had been accepted.
Over time, the Study Hub became more than a place to study. Staff provided encouragement, pastoral support and career counselling.
"Watching Anis and Leon receive the call at the hub and celebrating that moment with them is something our team won't forget," said Dr Su-Ann Tan, Centre Manager of the Inala University Study Hub.
"Their achievement is a testament to their talent, determination and hard work. For us, it was a reminder that University Study Hubs can be much more than places to study. When students return week after week, trusted relationships develop, creating a welcoming environment where they can build confidence, connect with peers, celebrate milestones, and stay engaged with their studies."
To find out if there is a Study Hub near you, visit University Study Hubs.
