Students, alumni among region's top innovators in 2025 I2N Accelerator cohort
Twelve standout teams from the Hunter and Central Coast have made it to the final stage of this year’s I2N Accelerator program, including several ventures led by University of Newcastle students and alumni.
The 2025 cohort is tackling mental health breakthroughs, menopause support, smarter job platforms for international students, next-gen loan tech, foolproof plant care and even dating apps that get people off their phones and into real life.
The founders represent some of the region’s most promising new businesses and share a passion for reshaping industries in Australia and beyond.
The journey began with 30 teams in a 10-week Pre-Accelerator program, before 20 founders advanced to the Bootcamp phase. Just 12 teams secured a place in the final Accelerator program, which covers three streams: Cleantech, Healthtech and All-Industries.
The 12 finalists will unveil their commercial-ready ventures to our ecosystem at the program's highly anticipated Demo Night on 29 October. This is the public's first chance to see the groundbreaking work from the 2025 cohort.
Tickets to Demo Night are free and always in high demand, so be sure to reserve yours early.
Meet the teams below …
CLEANTECH
Energy DiversionsNearly 10 percent of Australia's green energy is wasted due to limited storage options. Energy Diversions' PROMETHEUS uses compressed air in repurposed mine pits to store excess grid energy, then generates power using buoyancy and torque when needed. The venture is in pilot discussions with Hunter Water and IDEMITSU. Founded by Benjamin Tonno, HDR Candidate (PhD Chemical Engineering) |
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 | JasperNodeA critical shortage of automation programmers is slowing manufacturing innovation. JasperNode's AI co-pilot translates simple English commands into industrial control code, making programming 45 percent faster and accessible to any engineer. Founded by Alex Sharikov and Hong Qiu, the technology is already validated through real-world projects. |
HEALTHTECH
EquiEnergy YouthSuicide is the leading cause of death for young Australians aged 15-24, yet many adults lack crisis intervention tools to help young people. EquiEnergy Youth's Coach 2 Cope program provides evidence-based frameworks to support young people in distress. Founded by Dr Stephen Spencer, Benjamin Payne and Paula Rowlett, the venture has trained more than15,000 adults and licensed tools to 220 organisations, including NSW Health. Co-founder Dr Stephen Spencer is a University alumnus (Bachelor of Nursing 2009). |  |
 | The Movement BeltFalls cause the most injury-related hospitalisations for Australians over 65. The Movement Belt is a discreet wearable belt that uses tactile and auditory cues to improve stride length, balance and walking confidence. Founded by Jonathan Durrheim (pictured on the left), early trials show the belt significantly reduces fall risk and enhances independence. Jonathan Durrheim is a University alumnus (Bachelor of Physiotherapy - Honours 2017). |
MenoMojoMenopausal women often feel overwhelmed by conflicting health advice and are often dismissed by healthcare professionals. MenoMojo provides evidence-based training plans, expert coaching and community support specifically for women in menopause. Founded by Amy Lombard, the platform has more than 30 paying clients and endorsement from leading menopause specialists. |  |
 | ChellShift-workers face higher health risks, with fatigue from night shift work accounting for 23 percent of workplace accidents in Australia. Chell's digital education programs teach employees how to reduce health risks, while helping companies reduce claims, boost productivity and meet WHS compliance. Founded by Chelsea Dyer, Chell has secured clients including Acciona and is partnering with universities on degree programs. |
ALL-INDUSTRIES
Note ItFrontline leaders struggle to document performance, safety and wellbeing conversations consistently. Note It's mobile-first app captures meaningful conversations in the moment, turning them into structured documentation. Founded by David Larkan and Adam Taylor, the platform serves customers across mining, construction, local government, logistics and more. Co-founder David Larkman (pictured on the right) is a University alumnus (Bachelor of Commerce 2008). |
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 | JoborraInternational students face job market barriers due to unclear visa eligibility on major platforms. Joborra is a job platform where every listing is pre-verified to accept student visa holders, eliminating guesswork and promoting hiring equity. Founded by Manav Arora, Joborra has launched its pilot and is matching jobs seekers and employers across the region, with expansions planned across the state. Manav is a University alumnus (combined Bachelor of Information Technology and Bachelor of Business 2024). He is also current staff member with the University's Digital Technology Solutions team. |
OOMENon-bank lenders rely on inflexible, outdated loan management software that creates risk and poor borrower outcomes. OOME's scalable SaaS platform manages the entire loan lifecycle while protecting lenders' competitive advantage. Founded by Jean le Roux, the platform is deployed in production with signed contracts and growing customer interest. |  |
 | PerkyPodIncorrect watering is the most common cause of houseplant deaths, leaving puzzled plant parents with little more than questions and floor puddles. PerkyPod's patent-pending drainage and filtration system prevents leaks and makes plant care foolproof. Founded by Louise Burr, this Australian-made innovation has generated $50,000 in sales and won a 2024 Good Design Award. |
GoBanterDating apps create fatigue through endless texting without real connections. GoBanter only works when users are checked-in at physical venues, with chats expiring after leaving unless a real meetup occurs. Founded on the Central Coast by Michael Dunn and Sergii Kozyrev, the app brings dating back to real life while supporting venues. |  |
| PitchCastGrassroots sports clubs want affordable live streaming, but current options are expensive or unreliable. PitchCast combines simple scoring with automated overlays and sponsor branding on YouTube streams. Founded on the Central Coast by Himanshu Rao, the platform has been successfully trialed with local cricket clubs and is integrated with Play Cricket, the first point of contact for community cricket clubs across Australia. |
Reserve your Demo Night tickets here. | |
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