MQ Incubator Startup Pitch Final 2024

The best way to understand what we do here at the Macquarie University Incubator is to step inside!

Join us at the Macquarie University Incubator 2024 Pitch Final where you will hear from our inspiring startup finalists.

Date: 7th November, 2024

Time: 4pm - 6:30pm, Networking / Food + Drinks

Address: 8 Hadenfeld Avenue, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park

2024 has seen the Macquarie Incubator continue to grow and support Australian Startups and Scaleups. Now is the time of the year where we get hear from a selection of our startup founders from our 40+ community of activity members.

As always, the pitch final provides an opportunity for investors, aspiring entrepreneurs, local community and industry to learn more about our amazing startups and to hear from our panel of experts during Q&A. 

Startups are pitching for a chance to amplify their message and showcase their businesses to potential partners, investors, and customers (+ the prizes and bragging rights, of course).

Meet the Finalists

Childsplai

Childsplai looks to tackle the negative health effects of screen time for children. Understanding that removal of screens may not be modernly feasible, we use generative AI to turn the passively consumed media into interactive beneficial screen time, thus mitigating the number one health concern for parents.

Defectech

Defectech is an enabled building services provider that leverages AI and advanced imaging to simplify the detection, classification, and analysis of structural defects. Our goal is to support proactive maintenance, enhance asset longevity, and reduce repair costs by empowering users to identify and address structural issues efficiently.

ETHyR Biotech

ETHyR Biotech is developing an innovative enzyme-free technology for DNA sequence detection. This is based on a patented DNA chain reaction that is isothermal and provides rapid, sensitive, cheap and automatable or point of care solutions for personalized medicine, disease outbreak detection, drug targeting, research, and diagnostics. This technology is targeted at clinical pathology labs, scientific researchers, healthcare professionals, disease control institutions, and households in a $4 billion growing market.

Minomic

Minomic International Ltd, is a Sydney-based cancer diagnostics that has developed MiCheck® Prostate, an innovative blood test designed to assess the risk of clinically significant prostate cancer, marking a significant advancement in cancer diagnostics. Clinical studies have shown MiCheck® Prostate achieves a sensitivity of 95% with superior specificity surpassing existing testing methods. MiCheck® Prostate delivers enhanced reliability in early cancer detection by reducing false positives by up to 50%, minimizing unnecessary biopsies and resulting in substantial healthcare cost savings, and providing practitioners with better-quality information to support biopsy decisions. The test is commercially available in the USA through its high complexity CLIA testing lab in Maryland and in Australia via Sonic Healthcare’s pathology network. The company is in discussions re-launching the test in other territories.

Toxic Energy

Elevate your gaming experience with Toxic Energy, the caffeine-free, sugar-free nootropic energy drink designed by gamers for gamers. Crafted to enhance cognitive abilities, boost memory, and alleviate stress and anxiety, Toxic Energy is the ultimate companion for those seeking peak mental performance during intense gaming sessions. Our carefully designed blend of scientifically-backed ingredients offers sustained energy without the crash, allowing gamers to stay focused, alert, and in control for longer periods. Join the revolution in gaming nutrition and level up your game with Toxic Energy.

Welv

Welv connects clients to the right psychologist, the first time. Through their personable client intake and therapist onboarding processes, they go that step further in understanding who you are, so that you can find a psychologist you relate to. Welv works with psychology clinics to better understand their psychologists, so they can be reliably matched to clients that they have the relevant life experience, traits and qualifications to work with.

Wisper

Wisper is a dating app aiming to help you see beyond the surface and find those deeper connections that really matter. It’s like shining a light in the dark to find what’s truly important.

Zonely

Zonely is an early stage sports tech startup, changing the way people connect and find community through sport and activity. By using technology and innovation, Zonely is committed to creating a social revolution by allowing people to connect to likeminded others and to available venues. They are hoping to improve health and wellbeing outcomes for all humans who choose to join their inclusive and active community! 

Meet the Judges

Andrew Corbett-Jones - Head, Harbour City Labs

Andrew is a seasoned growth strategist and ecosystem builder with more than two decades in startup innovation. As Head of ACS’s Harbour City Labs, he brings founder, mentor, and government advisor experience to drive impactful growth. Known for his skillful communication and design thinking, Andrew excels in crafting effective startup strategies, empowering founders, and nurturing vibrant innovation ecosystems.

Dr Chelsea Wise - Senior Executive at Relevance AI

Chelsea is a Senior Executive at Relevance AI, the world’s leading agentic AI platform. With 15+ years of global experience in tech startups and data analytics, she has a proven track record of driving growth and innovation. She is also an award-winning adjunct industry professor at Macquarie University and UTS, empowering future leaders through transformative executive MBA programs.

Anthony Alder - Founder and Principal of Alder IP

Anthony is the founder an intellectual property law firm called Alder IP. He is a qualified patent attorney and lawyer with over 20 years of experience. Prior starting Alder IP, he has the inhouse legal counsel and company secretary for many medical device companies and he has listed 3 companies on the ASX.

Kristi Riordan - CEO & Co Founder at Harvest B

Kristi Riordan is Co-Founder and CEO at Harvest B, an Australian B2B food technology company developing and manufacturing sustainable proteins for everyday meals.  Kristi is an experienced operating executive of multiple venture backed tech companies that redefined categories in highly regulated industries over the past 20 years. 

Questions? Please reach-out to the Incubator team on incubator@mq.edu.au.

Looking forward to welcoming you soon.