11 startups set to Accelerate as Curtin’s program kicks off
Anneke de Boer
// // The 12-week program provides the opportunity for participants to develop their entrepreneurial skills ...
A device that detects household water leaks and a platform that aims to revolutionise the construction marketplace are just two early-stage innovation projects being backed by Curtin University’s revamped Accelerate program, which kicked off this week.
The 12-week program gives participants the opportunity to develop their entrepreneurial skills. It is available to Curtin alumni, students, and staff who have an innovative startup concept.
The program is led by Curtin Entrepreneurs Programs Manager Dr Geremy Farr-Wharton, who is an expert in consumer behaviour, information design and ecological sustainability.
Water damage detecting device
Wata Watcha founder Tamara Berryman said the program provides invaluable support. She came up with the Water Watcha device to help solve the common problem of household leaks that she said often go unnoticed for months, causing damage and unecessary costs to homeowners, renters, insurers and water authorities money, while wasting thousands of litres of valuable water.
“Nearly 60 per cent of Australians have, or know someone who has experienced water damage, which is more common and costly than fire or burglary,” Ms Berryman said.
“It occurred to me, that if we have security systems and smoke detectors, why don’t we have something to detect water leaks?”
The Wata Watcha device attaches to a household water meter making it easy to install. It gives access to real-time water usage data and instantly detects household water leaks.
“The Wata Watcha uses long-range Wi-Fi to send water usage data to a networking device called a bridge, which connects with and uploads the data to our website, where it can be accessed by users.
The Accelerate program presents a great opportunity for our team to gain access to commercialisation experts, investors, potential partners and other invaluable support.
Tamara Berryman
“This allows people to easily monitor their water usage in real-time and can help them save on water bills, avoid costly repairs for damage caused by leaks, while helping prevent the wastage of the precious, finite resource that is water,” Ms Berryman said.
“We developed and successfully tested a prototype device and have met with Water Corporation WA, which sees the potential for the product and is interested in collaborating with us on it.”
In addition to entrepreneurial training, Accelerate participants receive a $5,000 equity-free grant for their participation. The 2023 Accelerate cohort has access to a combined total of $100,000 in equity-free funding, in part supported by Lotterywest through Spacecubed’s IdeaStarter fund.
They also have access to Curtin resources, infrastructure, and services to build their businesses.
Connect construction clients with suppliers
Among the innovations being supported by Accelerate is Procuracon. Founder Cuong Ly and co-founder Andrew McColgan developed the web app which aims to efficiently connect clients with the right suppliers. It improves the procurement process for construction, making it easier for developers, land and building owners and government agencies to find suitably qualified suppliers.
We identified a critical need to improve the construction marketplace and developed technology that offers a unique solution that supercharges the procurement process on construction projects.
Cuong Ly
“Our search algorithms and intuitive procurement UX design is far more engaging and makes it easy for clients to find, evaluate and shortlist suppliers instantly,” Mr Ly explained.
Procuracon co-founder Andrew McColgan (left) and founder Cuong Ly.
Other projects being undertaken by teams participating in the 2023 Accelerate program are:
Care Corner – digital platform that aims to provide peace of mind for carers and keeps track of data to inform health care decisions.
STEM XR – using virtual and related immersive realities technology to connect Western Australian and Australian students to relevant STEM experiences.
Heal Domain – provides healthcare outcomes for chronic pain management, by empowering both practitioner and patient to reimagine the patient experience.
Matilda – evidence-based digital platform providing holistic care for those with endometriosis from the comfort of their own home.
Luddi – develops technologies for people living with a disability that they can be proud of including the world’s first sex toy that caters to all bodies.
Insole Lab – a health-tech startup that harnesses AI to make custom shoe insoles more affordable and accessible.
Speed Signature – a SaaS technology founded by former Wallabies strength and conditioning coach Jason Weber that aims to revolutionise how athletes are managed in sports by analysing individual movements and biomechanics.
RockAI – technology delivering orebody and rock mass characterisation in real-time, enhancing mining models to reduce waste and enable greater recovery of critical minerals.
Animate Infinity – virtual reality tech is used to develop and deliver immersive aggression prevention and management training.
Anneke has an interest in the Western Australian startup community, is a contributor at Startup News and Reporter at The Property Tribune. She studies a Bachelor of Arts and Commerce, Journalism and Economics at Curtin University.
