12 local Perth startups have started 2025 with a bang after Curtin Accelerate kicked off this week. Over the next ten weeks, the Curtin Accelerate program will help them take their innovative products to market quickly and effectively. They’ll be learning from some of the best founders, investors, and entrepreneurs in the game, with the program led by Accelerate Chief Entrepreneur, Larry Lopez.
The program brings many benefits to the founders including access to expertise through Curtin’s Venture Studio, $5,000 in equity-free grant funding, AWS credits, and the chance to be considered for a $50,000 investment through Curtin’s Kickstart+ Program.
So, who are the founders and startups in this Curtin Accelerate Cohort?
ARGOS
ARGOS is a cloud-based surveillance software that transforms camera networks into intelligent systems with real-time situational awareness and 3D tracking.
Founder: Dre Siwela
CuddleCup
A self-heating baby milk packaging developed by neonatal nurse, Jessica Rees, that ensures stress-free feeding for parents on the go.
Founder: Jessica Rees
Eat Sustainably
A social enterprise helping organisations reduce emissions and improve health through evidence-based nutrition services, while providing environmental, social, and governance reporting for sustainability compliance.
Founder: Dr Amelia Harray
Website: eatsustainably.com.au
HearChoice
A personalised decision support app helping people with hearing loss make informed choices about hearing healthcare, developed through NHMRC-funded research.
Founders: Melanie Ferguson and Kat Penno
Mazorca Developments
Water sports technology to host new surf hardware and niche surf tech products.
Founder: Mitch Capelli.
MYLO
An AI chatbot that guides users through self-discovery using personalised questions, helping reduce distress while maintaining privacy and accessibility.
Founders: Warren Mansell, Dr Louise Mansell, and Melanie Johnston-Hollitt
Organic Ocean Pty Ltd
100% natural, seaweed-based health products derived from locally cultivated green seaweed.
Founder: Joel Wynhorst
Website: organicocean.com.au
Sherpah
An advanced AI model that uses wearable device data to prevent mental health relapse.
Founders: Thomas Addis and Melissa Papini
SMAAT
A software application that uses computer vision and machine learning to help speech pathologists diagnose speech sound disorders.
Founder: Roslyn Ward
StepAhead
An AI-powered virtual dance education platform bringing interactive, personalised lessons to rural primary schools, increasing student engagement.
Founder: Taryn Lindsay
VeilNet
Advanced VPN software that uses post-quantum cryptography and port hopping to ensure secure, anonymous communication across industrial networks.
Founder: Yifei Ren
WA Organoid Innovation Hub
An innovation hub providing advanced drug development platforms using organoids for precision medicine, incorporating bio-printing and machine learning technologies.
Founder: Benjamin Dwyer
