The future of work is changing faster than ever. With automation, AI, and a rapidly evolving global economy reshaping industries, today’s students face the challenge of preparing for jobs and careers that don’t yet exist. At the University of Western Australia, students themselves recognised this gap, and decided to take action.
Venture UWA, a student-led organisation, was born out of this momentum, creating opportunities for peers to develop enterprise and innovation skills, grow networks, and build confidence in their ability to lead. Through support from Meshpoints, in 2025 Venture UWA has offered equity-free funding to 15 early-stage ideas progressing through their flagship incubator program.
“Students increasingly told us that while their degrees were valuable, they weren’t enough to future-proof their careers,” Chloe Bull, Associate Director of Innovation shared. “We saw the need to bridge the gap between traditional education and the skills required to thrive in a rapidly evolving economy.”
Building pathways for student founders
What makes the Venture UWA unique is its student-led, peer-driven approach. Unlike typical university programs, Venture UWA is designed and run by students, for students, creating a strong sense of ownership and inclusivity. The incubator doesn’t just provide resources, it creates a safe space for students to experiment, learn, and test their ideas without fear of failure.
Student founders bring a unique energy, fresh perspectives, creativity, and a willingness to challenge established norms. But they also face very real constraints, from heavy academic workloads to limited financial resources and little exposure to professional networks. Through Meshpoints’ IdeaStarter support, Venture UWA was able to provide micro-funding for early-stage student ventures, helping founders test their ideas while continuing their studies.
“Many students come to us with great ideas but lack confidence in how to execute them. By pairing them with mentors, funding, and a supportive peer community, we help them de-risk their ventures and realise their potential,” Chloe explained.
Ocean Hex: A student venture making global impact
One of the most inspiring ventures to emerge from the incubator is Ocean Hex, founded by a UWA PhD candidate in marine ecology alongside a co-founder with startup experience. Their project focuses on developing a Subsea Ecosystem Enhancement Device to restore kelp forests and coastal ecosystems.
Through the incubator, Ocean Hex refined its business model, connected with mentors across science, engineering and investment, and began building and testing prototypes now being trialled in the field. Since completing the Venture UWA Incubator, the team has gone on to produce over 100 units, attracting interest from conservation groups and investors alike.
“Ocean Hex shows what’s possible when research meets entrepreneurship,” Chloe shared. “They’re tackling one of the world’s biggest challenges, ocean health, while also creating new jobs and commercial opportunities locally.”
Ocean Hex serves as a powerful example for other students in the program, demonstrating that with dedication and the right support, early-stage ideas can evolve into ventures with real-world impact.
Shaping tomorrow’s leaders
Beyond the individual ventures, the Venture UWA Incubator is helping shape the next generation of WA’s innovation leaders. Participants gain hands-on experience in articulating a vision, building a team, seeking feedback, and iterating on ideas. Exposure to governance, ethical decision-making, and stakeholder engagement through industry partners further strengthens their professional readiness.
Many alumni go on to launch new startups, while others take their entrepreneurial mindset into established organisations, driving change from within. In both cases, the impact extends beyond UWA, strengthening WA’s broader innovation ecosystem.
A future-focused legacy
By investing in student-driven innovation, the Venture UWA Incubator is helping ensure that WA’s next generation of graduates leave university not only with academic knowledge but also with the entrepreneurial mindset, networks, and resilience needed to thrive in a fast-changing economy.
Meshpoints is proud to support early-stage ideas through its Lotterywest IdeaStarter funding stream, supported by Lotterywest. Since launching in 2022, 97 innovators have received IdeaStarter funding, with 93% confirming the support allowed them to apply skills they otherwise couldn’t, and 85% reporting it enabled meaningful progress on their ideas. Compared to their peers, IdeaStarter recipients show higher confidence, stronger support networks, and greater collaboration in advancing their ventures.
By providing small, equity-free grants early, IdeaStarter helps turn ideas into action, backing grassroots innovation through local incubators and accelerators. The ripple effects are clear: stronger student communities, ventures with global potential, and a WA innovation ecosystem that’s more connected, resilient, and future-ready.
Visit the Meshpoints website here to explore more funded initiatives, and sign up as a Meshpoints Partner for free to join a growing network of 170+ individuals and organisations working together to build a stronger, more connected, and resilient innovation ecosystem across WA.