Meet the female founders making their mark in the world

Twelve teams - all led by inspiring women - are harnessing the training, knowledge, resources and support provided by the team at I2N to turn their entrepreneurial ideas into success.

Meet the teams that are doing it all. From creating a healthy wine substitute, to providing stylish and inclusive snow wear for all shapes and sizes, to empowering women to improve their professional and social life, this year's Female Founders boast the exciting business ideas that have the potential to be the next big thing.

Each founder has spent weeks validating their problem-solution through customer interviews, market analysis, and business model validation, and have risen to the challenge and are ready to share what they have learned.

The I2N Female Founders Program culminates in a Showcase in December, where each team shares their learning's after an intense 10-week journey.

Built in Kind

Women can’t use tools? Oh, please. Built in Kind are breaking down the barriers that have traditionally withheld women and members of diverse communities to access education in design, tool use and construction skills.

This social enterprise offers educational hands-on workshops tailored to not only increase physical skills, but build a glowing sense of empowerment, pride and confidence amongst these diverse community groups, improving participants professional and social life.

Founded by: Hannah Cheetham (currently studying Masters of Architecture at University of Newcastle) & Maryam Farnia (currently studying Masters of Disaster Resilience and Sustainable Development at University of Newcastle)

Mindful Splash

Want a healthy alternative to your usual soft drink, glass of wine or beer that isn’t pumped to the brim with sweetness? You’ve come to the right place. Mindful Splash have created effervescent powders infused with essential nutrients, including electrolytes and multivitamins, substituting those boozy or sugary drinks with a range of delicious flavoured waters and party mocktails.

The drinks are low in sweetness, making them ideal for daily sipping and boast benefits such as better hydration, reduced sugar consumption, improved health and a reduced environmental footprint – just to name a few!

Founded by: Kasia Gospos & Nino Laygan

Your Future Matters

Your Future Matters is providing young women with the inspiration, tools and resources to help develop the knowledge and skills needed to navigate their future, helping our future community feel empowered and educated.

Currently in the idea stage, the company will feature their website as the focal point of their operation, with access to integrated blogs, online courses, e-books and printables.

Founded by: Hayley Clements (Bachelor of Primary Teaching at University of Newcastle) & Rachel Noonan (Bachelor of Business and Graduate Diploma Secondary Education at University of Newcastle).

» For the full and inspiring stories, see our I2N page.