Staff, students and alumni behind ventures in 2026 Accelerator cohort
Twelve ventures have secured a place in the 2026 I2N Accelerator at the University of Newcastle, with teams hoping to advance solutions in healthcare, sustainability, disability support, education and financial literacy, and more.
Several teams are made up of University staff, students and alumni who bring their expertise, industry knowledge and lived experience to the table to solve problems facing communities and businesses.
This year's cohort coincides with the 10th anniversary of the University's Integrated Innovation Network (I2N). Since launching in 2016, I2N has supported 282 startups and small businesses that have collectively raised more than $86.7 million in capital and created 304 jobs.
I2N was named Australia's most recommended startup accelerator in 2025 by Startup Muster, recognising its role in supporting founders across the Hunter and Central Coast.
The 2026 Accelerator cohort will showcase their ventures at this year's Demo Night on 7 October. The free event offers an opportunity to meet the founders and explore the ideas and technologies shaping the region's future. Places are limited, so secure your seat now.
Learn more about the 2026 teams below…
Cleantech Stream
Envirocone
In drill-and-blast mining, plastic cones create waste, increase manual handling and can contaminate sites if left behind.
Envirocone replaces single-use plastic blast-hole cones with recycled cardboard alternatives that improve safety, reduce waste and lower costs for mine operators. The product is already being trialled on mine sites.
Founded by Samantha Wright.
Bin Chick
Hospitality venues are under growing pressure to meet new food-waste regulations while keeping costs under control.
Bin Chick helps venues reduce landfill, cut waste costs and comply with regulatory requirements through audits, education and practical waste-reduction strategies. The venture has already helped dozens of Hunter venues deliver measurable savings.
Founded by Bec Bowie, University alumna (Bachelor of Business).
Left-Handesign
Australia generates significant volumes of plastic waste each year, much of which ends up in landfill.
Left Handesign creates sustainable stationery products from seed-infused materials that can be planted at the end of their life. The venture works with corporate, government and education clients looking for environmentally responsible alternatives.
Founded by Radhika Mayani.
Healthtech Stream
ConnectedCare Hub
Families supporting children with disability or additional needs often coordinate information across schools, therapists and care providers who rarely communicate in real time.
ConnectedCare Hub brings a child's support team together in one secure platform, helping families, educators and clinicians work from the same information and improve coordinated care.
Founded by Michael Buhagiar, Anne Buhagiar and Aurora Warren.
Smile Advisor
Older Australians in residential aged care often struggle to access timely dental care.
Smile Advisor uses telehealth and digital screening technology to bring oral healthcare directly into aged-care facilities, helping identify issues earlier and improve access to treatment.
Founded by Brayden Weber and Ashleigh Campbell.
Mechanistic Health
Dangerous medication interactions can be difficult to identify in busy hospital environments, placing patients at risk.
Mechanistic Health is developing technology that detects complex medication interactions before they reach the patient, helping clinicians make safer prescribing decisions.
Founded by Jakobi Stegh, Callum Dempsey and Calvin Kennedy. Co-founder Jakobi (pictured centre) is currently studying a Bachelor of Science (Organic and Medicinal Chemistry).
Pickled GOAT
Severe cramps can disrupt training and competition for endurance athletes, regardless of preparation or fitness level.
Pickled GOAT is developing a natural, Australian-made botanical brine shot designed to provide fast-acting cramp relief for athletes when they need it most.
Founded by Paula Birch, a current University staff member.
All-Industries Stream
Bandigon
Personalised gifts often rely on templates that offer limited customisation and little emotional connection.
Bandigon uses generative AI to create and print personalised storybooks that turn children's memories, photos and experiences into unique illustrated stories.
Founded by Camilo Gomez and Alba Gomez (pictured).
Meandrix
Generative AI is challenging traditional assessment methods that focus on recall rather than practical decision-making.
Meandrix helps educators assess clinical reasoning and practical skills through realistic, consequence-based scenarios that make decision-making visible.
Founded by Gary Crowfoot, a University alumnus (Doctor of Philosophy, Nursing) and current University staff member.
Invoice Harbour
Disability and aged-care providers spend significant time processing invoices and meeting complex compliance requirements.
Invoice Harbour automates invoice processing and code matching, helping care providers reduce administrative workload and process invoices in minutes rather than hours.
Founded by Jeremy Burns (pictured) and Lachlan Burns. Jeremy is a current student studying a Bachelor of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (Honours) and a Bachelor of Computer Systems Engineering (Honours).
FirmBrain
Professional services firms often miss growth opportunities hidden within everyday client conversations.
FirmBrain uses AI to analyse fragmented customer interactions and surface evidence-backed opportunities for account growth and new business.
Founded by Jerrie Yang and Jessica Wu.
Akrue
Many young Australians lack the confidence and financial literacy needed to begin investing.
Akrue combines investing education with paper trading and real market data to help Gen Z users build financial knowledge and positive money habits.
Founded by Ryan Tyrrell (pictured) and Matthew Crawford. Matthew is a University alumnus (Bachelor of Information Technology).
Reserve your Demo Night tickets
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Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.