MQ Researchers IMPACT Program - Pitch Final 2025

Join us for the 2025 MQ Researchers IMPACT Program - Pitch Final where our researchers will be pitching for $20,000 in non-equity-bearing seed funding to support their research.

Our researchers have learned new skills that will allow them to successfully translate their research into benefits for their end users and successfully raise funds and make evidence-based decisions about their research, pursuing the best pathway for maximum impact.

Meet Our Judges

John Roach | Chief Financial Officer at Proto Axiom 

John Roach is a Chartered Accountant and Proto’s Chief Financial Officer, playing a key role in capital raising, corporate and financial governance and performing due diligence on Proto investment opportunities. Commencing his career with Deloitte, and with over 20 years’ experience in financial and operational roles within the pharmaceutical and manufacturing sectors prior to joining Proto, he also spends significant time supporting their portfolio companies on all manner of financial challenges to ensure they are best set up for future success.

Kerrie-Anne Turner | Non-Executive Director, Growth Strategist and Investor at TurnerPeak Ventures

Kerrie-Anne Turner is a Growth Strategist, Investor, and Non-Executive Director with over 35 years’ experience in global technology leadership, including senior roles at Telstra, VMware, and Symantec. She serves on several boards, invests in Australian startups, and is Chief Commercial Officer & GTM Executive in Residence at Current Future. A recognised advocate for diversity in tech and award-winning leader, Kerrie-Anne is also a sought-after speaker on business growth, leadership, and innovation.

David Smith | Associate Director at Investment NSW

David is an associate Director at Investment NSW, previously he was a 3 time founder, Head of Startup of Programs at USYD (INCUBATE), launched the WeWork Labs accelerator program in Australia. David is an active angel investor.

Cherie Van Wensveen | Investment Manager at Uniseed

Cherie is an Investment Manager at Uniseed, Australia's longest running venture fund with capital provided by its partner research organisations, and UniSuper.  Prior to Uniseed, Cherie served as a Commercialisation Manager at CSIRO and has also been part of the innovation and investment teams at BHP, Hatch Ltd and the Impact Innovation Group.

Agenda:
3.00pm Arrival
3.05pm Welcome 
3.15pm Pitches commence – 3 mins per pitch with 5 min Q&A session with judges
4.15pm Judges retire to deliberate
4.25pm Winners announced
4.30pm Drinks, nibbles and networking

We look forward to seeing you there! 

Questions or need more information? Reach out to the team on incubator@mq.edu.au