2022 iLab Pitch Night

What would you do with $10,000 equity-free funding? It’s a big question! And something the 2022 UQ Ventures ilab Accelerator participants have had the pleasure of pondering.

Over the last three months, the next wave of UQ entrepreneurs have worked tirelessly to define and refine their business pitches as part of the UQ startup accelerator program.

From health technologies and accessibility solutions to eco-packaging and science communication, Contact introduces you to the concepts coming out of ilab this year, and the people who've shaped them.

Vacayit

An audio storytelling platform for blind and low vision tourists

Hailey Brown, hailey@vacayit.com

Tourist organisations rely on images to promote destinations, leaving blind and low vision tourists with little information to book their dream holiday. Vacayit is creating the world’s leading audio-based tourism platform.

We create sensory experiences through storytelling, soundscapes and history clips that allows all users to make informed and independent decisions about where they want to travel.

Hailey Brown sits on a wooden bench with her legs crossed. She is wearing black pants and singlet and a bright blue blazer and smiling at the camera.

Uuvipak

Replacing single-use plastics with clean, organic food waste

Dr Shafali Gupta and Andy Epifani, hello@uuvipak.com

Uuvipak is on a mission to replace 2 billion plastics by 2025.

We are working to solve the plastic pollution problem by creating 100 per cent biodegradable materials from clean organic food waste that can be used in place of single-use plastics in a wide variety of applications.

By utilising food waste, Uuvipak materials reduce methane
emissions, lessen plastic pollution by reducing single-use plastics, and eliminate plastic contamination into food. Our materials are home compostable, do not contain any chemically modified components, and biodegrade naturally within weeks. Our products are also edible, so you can eat our cutlery and containers.

Graphics et al.

Create scientifically accurate graphics and animations in minutes

Chris Pymble

Graphics et al. is software that allows users to easily create scientifically accurate visual aids in minutes with a simple drag-and-drop interface including a library of more than 10,000 digital assets.

These assets are generated based on our users’ needs, organically growing the library, and ensuring everyone has the tools they need to create beautiful, educational images and animations.

Graphics et al. proudly supports STEM professionals, educators and students from institutions around the world including: Columbia University, Deakin University, Harvard University, Johns Hopkins University, QIMR Berghoffer, and UQ.

Chris Pymble sits in front of a grey background wearing a black blazer. She's smiling at the camera.

Angela

An app that improves safety for women and at-risk groups on a night out

Tadiwanshe Mhiti and Matthew Kairl

Sexual harassment and assault in the nightlife is something that nearly every woman has experienced or seen, yet current responses to it are often underwhelming.

Angela is working to improve safety standards for women and at-risk groups on nights out through a patron-to-venue mobile app that will be delivered free for users.

In a situation that doesn’t feel right, users can call for assistance through the app with a few clicks of a button. This alert will send key information to the venue to allow staff and security to locate, identify and help the user get to safety.

The Network Loop

Making startup investing and raising capital easier and more accessible

Rachel Huang, Alexander Beard, Amelia St Baker and Andy St Baker-Radice

The Network Loop is an entertainment and fintech startup on a mission to connect everyday investors with exceptional startups. Through a simple online application, viewers can watch episodes of our show and invest in startups alongside celebrity investors.

The Network Loop does not only offer an interactive entertainment experience but it’s also building Australia’s largest community of everyday investors and startup founders.

Our team has a strong background in the entertainment, banking and investment sectors. It is our vision to make funding more accessible, and to inspire people to support companies they are passionate about.