After fast tracking their innovative ideas at the University of the Sunshine Coast, startup pioneers showcased their high-tech solutions to pressing global challenges.
The Space to Sea Accelerator Demo Day on Wednesday 12 November was an opportunity for the startup founders to share their progress, secure funding and build connections with investors, industry leaders and collaborators across Queensland.
Carbon Asset Solutions co-founders Sara and Hamish Macdonald delivered a pitch about their startup, which empowered farmers and corporations to mitigate climate change while supporting food security.
The climate tech and data company used technology (called Mobile Inelastic Neutron Scattering) to accurately measure soil health - with the results provided in real time to landowners and managers to help them optimise the land's productivity through sustainable agriculture.
"Participating in the Space to Sea Accelerator program was a fantastic experience for us, as we worked towards further expanding in Australia and across the globe," Ms Macdonald said.
"Over the past six months, we were provided with tailored support, mentorship and resources which helped us to revisit the design of our product and refine our plan about how best to market it.
"But the biggest benefit was the connections and networks that we were able to build in the startup community, which we hope will lead to new clients and attract further investment in our company," she said.
Tim Kelly from UniSC Collider with Carbon Asset Solutions co-founders Sara and Hamish Macdonald.
As a result of introductions from the program's business and industry experts, Sara joined other startup founders in August at Something Tech in Brisbane, which was billed as Australia's largest showcase of emerging technology.
She was also slated to participate in the CapTech2025 summit in Sydney in mid-November, which aimed to provide growing Australian businesses with access to potential investors.
"The opportunities facilitated by the program helped us foster new relationships and build our credibility and reputation in the startup community. It was great exposure for us," she said.
Demo Day, held at Collider (UniSC's Innovation Centre), provided an opportunity for further exposure.
"The Space to Sea Accelerator program was designed to support early-phase startups who focused on using geospatial technology to solve complex local and global challenges," said centre Acting Director Justin Annesley.
Geospatial technology involved the use of high-tech tools like satellites, drones, radars and lasers to collect images and data to help map, analyse and monitor changes in specific geographical locations.
"Each of the seven startups was at a different stage in their development when they joined the program. Over the past six months, with the guidance of our business and industry experts, they all overcame challenges to become stronger companies."
"Demo Day was a chance to showcase their progress to a room full of industry leaders, investors, collaborators, customers and supporters of innovation across Queensland."
"They each had five minutes to deliver a pitch about their business to the audience - outlining the challenge they were tackling, their innovative solution, how they were going to make money and to put a call out for the further assistance they needed," Mr Annesley said.
Tim Kelly from UniSC Collider speaks to the media.
UniSC Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Helen Bartlett said the program had created a launchpad for emerging startups focused on advanced technologies.
"The program played a pivotal role in providing promising innovators the tools and support needed to explore practical high-tech solutions to pressing global issues.
"It was inspiring to see how much progress could happen in just six months when you combined expert support, collaboration, and bold thinking.
"What we saw was just the beginning. These were the kinds of ideas that will shape our future," she said.
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said it was a powerful example of what could be achieved by partnering to support innovation.
"These kinds of programs not only inspired creativity and strengthened industry ties - but also brought the potential to create jobs and stimulate economic momentum across the Sunshine Coast and Queensland."
"Through collaborating with UniSC and the Queensland Government, Council was pleased to support emerging ventures using breakthrough technologies to tackle real-world problems - right here at home."
The program was supported by the Queensland Government and the Sunshine Coast Council through the Collaborative Projects Program.
Demo Day was held from 4.30pm to 7pm on Wednesday 12 November at the UniSC Innovation Centre.
