Showcasing the ninth cohort of our women’s startup program, New Wave

New Wave has embraced our hybrid working world, with Cohort 9 completing its first ever online, self-paced program, offering a comprehensive virtual learning platform and supported by in-person networking, mentoring and pitching events. As UNSW Founders’ dedicated startup program for women, New Wave has helped 471 women develop their own startup ideas and entrepreneurial skills – and led to over 48% of UNSW Founders’ startups featuring a woman founder, more than double the industry average. 

Our most recent cohort saw 69 women participants supported by 35 mentors, speakers and coaches, and culminated in a live showcase at the Michael Crouch Innovation Centre. 

“What comes through New Wave reflects the potential of a women-focussed entrepreneurial program,” explained Program Manager Victoria Rose-Tucker. “Meaningful problems that might otherwise get overlooked become the front-and-centre focus for our women-led startups, and we’ve seen this demonstrated in our top 10.” 

“Our finalists ambitiously addressed issues as diverse as delivering accessible exercise therapy for Parkinsons to Latin America, connecting Indian women experiencing domestic violence and financial hardship, and more human-friendly, tech-enabled ways to navigate maze-like hospitals.” 

 

Congratulations to our winners 

1st Place ($4000): Tidda – Connecting Students and Startups to co-design the future of tech 

This team featured Kanishka Hari, Ivy Feng, Moitri Pal and Suri Chen.  
 
 

2nd Place ($3000): Secure My Treasures Live it. Love it Lock it. 

This team featured solo founder Char Weeks.  
 
 

Faculty of Engineering Award ($2500): Wayfinder – For hospitals leading the way 
This team featured Hannah Ritchie Young, Jill Rathborne, and Katarzyna Clarke. 
 
 

People's Choice Award ($1000) Life LightSupporting women to live their best life possible 
This team featured Veenie Aidaswani, Meha Patel, Saniya Kudchikar, and Jiyana Thankam Jaico. 

 

Commendations to our top 10 

Latin American Parkinson's Alliance 
Improving the quality of life and care for people with Parkinson's disease in Latin America 

Blockchain Wills 
Easing the burden of grieving families 

CTRL+ENTER 
Locked out? The key is in your hands 

Curater 
Helping you plan less and dine more 
 
GoBeyond 
Helping students get the education that they deserve 
 
Level Minds 
Global corporate wellness solutions to attract, maintain and grow people 

 

Special thanks to our Showcase Judges  

  • Alice Pritchard Davies, Development Manager UNSW 

  • Adelle Gillen, Head of Public Affairs, U.S. Consulate General Sydney 

  • Ben Moir, Digital Innovation Lead, AWS Australia and NZ 

  • Megan Lord, UNSW Associate Professor (judge of Faculty of Engineering Award) 

Interested in joining our next New Wave? Cohort 10 expressions of interest are now open! Register here.

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